[windmill]

Hey All,

I'm not sure what kind of oil Subaru dumps in the STi's out of the factory, so I was just wondering what everyone else is running. Fully synthetic I assume? I know Porsche recommends Mobile1. I used to use Havoline synthetic in my turbo MR2. When my STi arrives (hopefully in August) I'll probably drive it pretty hard after the first thousand miles (who wouldn't ). Does anyone have any thoughts about the oil issue? It's a pretty important piece of the equation...

 

[BHODGES3]

I put in Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5w-30. Couldn't figure out what kind of filter to use though since the STI wasn't in any autoparts store's computer. Looks like I will be going OEM for a while.

 

[4MLA1FN]

i haven't decided on the oil thing (which is why i like this thread), but i'll use oem filters. i buy 'em by the case.

 

[imminence]

Hey All,

I'm not sure what kind of oil Subaru dumps in the STi's out of the factory, so I was just wondering what everyone else is running. Fully synthetic I assume? I know Porsche recommends Mobile1. I used to use Havoline synthetic in my turbo MR2. When my STi arrives (hopefully in August) I'll probably drive it pretty hard after the first thousand miles (who wouldn't ). Does anyone have any thoughts about the oil issue? It's a pretty important piece of the equation...

Sorry to go off topic, but I noticed that you used to own an MR2 turbo. Do you think it was a good decision to switch? I have a '94 MR2 turbo now, and am planning to sell it for an STi. Thanks in advance.

 

[CloNeGTS]

Yeah, OEM filters are really the only way to go. Stay away from Fram's like the plague.

I'll be running Mobil 1....and it isn't that bad price wise. Walmart sells the 5 qt bottles for $18 something...I just did the Celica yesterday. Full Mobil 1 change for less than those damn Jiffy Lube places.

 

[Guru]

rear deck speakers

I use Mobil 1 5W30. Use Subaru filter or Mobil 1 filter. I believe it's M-104 which is same as regular WRX.

 

[windmill]

I sold my MR2 a couple years ago to buy something more practical that was better in the snow (gotta get to the slopes somehow :wink: ). With an STi, I can have the best of both worlds... a turbocharged car that can get around in the winter and haul up to 4 people (not to mention that it's probably faster than the MR2 in all aspects of performance). So, it's a far better choice for me than an MR2... my MR2 was my only car at the time, though.

I haven't got my STi yet so I'm still stuck with my Forester . The dealer said "July-August". Doh!

Sorry to go off topic, but I noticed that you used to own an MR2 turbo. Do you think it was a good decision to switch? I have a '94 MR2 turbo now, and am planning to sell it for an STi. Thanks in advance.

 

[RDiamond]

The STi filter is not the same as the WRX filter. The dealer might tell you it is the same because, like floormats, they don't have any. The service manual specs show the STi has about 5% more filter area and is quite a bit smaller than the WRX unit. I have no idea whether that's significant, but FHI is so parts-bin oriented that I'd be surprised they'd create a different spec filter just for the heck of it.

So I wouldn't buy a case until they get the right stuff in. As for oil, Mobil 1 5w30 is the only choice! The manual is pretty clear that 5w30 is the weight to use, and it's what Rallispec had me put in my aftermarket turbo'd 2.5RS.

 

[MKIVSupra]

Mobil 1 is all I use and will be going in my STi after a couple regular oil changes. My dad stopped by a Subaru dealer yesterday to see if they had any STis for him to check out since I have not been home with mine yet. While he was there he checking with the parts dept and asked about an STi filter. I was wondering if I could use a few Mobil 1 filters I have left over from my Legacy since it is a 2.5L. Actually I think all Subarus used the same filter. Anyway the guy told my dad there will be or is a specific STi filter but they do not have any, for now they are using the regular one, whatever that means. I think my dad said the guy told him the filters are smaller or something. I will be going in for my first oil change next week at the dealer since I should finally roll over 1k miles this weekend. I will have to see what they use.

 

[Sha_zapple]

We used to have a Legacy and now we have an Outback and the filters are different for some reason. I beleive that we were using the filters we had for our old Impreza on the Legacy though...

 

[rokuSTi]

is the STi filter easy to get access to? do you have to torque the filter on a certain amount? inquiring minds want to know :lol:

 

[CloNeGTS]

94 Octane in the Chicago area?

I didn't think you ever torqued filters on. I was always told hand tight.

No idea about access..you're the one with the car. Get outside and go look!

 

[rokuSTi]

No idea about access..you're the one with the car. Get outside and go look!

doh!...finally got off my lazy bum and looked at the owner's manual:


Page 11-15 2004 IMPREZA WRX / WRX STi OWNER'S MANUAL

"10. Tighten it approximately two-thirds of a turn after the seal makes contact with the lower crank case/oil cooler (For Turbo)."

diagram of the oil filter location is kinda vague...but it looks like under the car

i'll just have the dealer change the filter while i change the oil myself with an oil extractor.

 

[Goose]

Does ne1 use syntec? or is mobil 1 oil of choice... ? what about QS? is everyone changing out to synthetic right away?

 

[rokuSTi]

i'm going to try out MOTUL synthetic:

http://www.motul.com/uk/produits/index.html


used by SWRT, 24 du Le Mans, and Moto GP...can't be that bad :wink:

Motorspot.com has the Motul 8100 X-CESS 5W-30 for $6.07/liter or $109.26/case (20 units)

www.motorspot.com

 

[RDiamond]

I'm waiting until the real STi filters are available before I change mine, or 3000 miles, whichever comes first, to go synthetic.

As for changing the filter, apparently you need to pop off a plastic underbody thingy (6 bolts I think) to even get near the filter. Otherwise, should be ok. I am hoping I can get under the car without a jack -- it looks like it's a tight fit.

 

[WRX_Mundi]

The following link: Break-In Theory and Practice has some ideas about oils to use druing break-in (basically no synthetics during break-in, synthetics afterwards).

Like most, I plan to run Mobil 1 afterwards. Arguably Amsoil and Redline might be better, but finding them can be hard and Mobil 1 is quite good enough and very cheap at Walmart. Motul is a good brand but I hadn't considered their engine oils.

Anyway, I was thinking about doing an oil change with non-synthetic at 1000-1400 miles (after break-in), then another change at 3-4k with synthetic.

 

[stiholic anom.]

I was told by my dealer and techs to go with regular oil for a about 10,000 km and then switch to a synthetic. The theory was that switching to a synthetic too soon would result in the engine potentially running too tight. Delaying synthetic would result in a better long term break in.

Tell me guys A) BS
B) correct
C) doesn't really matter
D) ???

Thx

 

[Guest]

My dealer said the same, to wait after the second oil change before going synthetic. Something about enzymes or whatever, I wasn't really paying attention as we were walking towards the car and I was fixated.

 

[CloNeGTS]

Waiting till the 2nd oil change is usually the norm. That's the one time you really don't want absolute maximum lubrication.

Boy...I dunno about this break in stuff. I've heard so much about this now.....is anyone at all thinking about giving the car at least a few hard runs before 1k? Do we have more to consider having a turbo and all? I assume there is break in that has to happen with a new turbo, isn't there?