gavinn58

Hi all,

Been lurking for awhile but feel I have to ask the local 2011 WRX/STi owners what they're doing in regards to oil, oil change intervals and oil filter choices/change interval.

On some of the "other" forums, there's a huge discussion about SOA now REQUIRING synthetic for all 2011 turbocharged engines (with some exceptions, Forester, etc.). It seems that this requirements supersedes the manuals many of us got with our cars during purchase, though SOA has not "officially" notified all owners yet.

So TBH, I'm still confused as to what oil I should be using and when I should change it. I'm fine with dino oil at 3750 intervals as well as the new synthetic oil at 7500 miles; I just want to follow the correct information. I called Servco's service awhile back and they hadn't heard anything from SOA and recommended I follow my manual. The slight issue I have with this is that there are now some emails and communiques from SOA Help Desk that state synthetic is REQUIRED on 2011 turbocharged models.

I'm coming up on my first change (3750 miles) soon but still have some time and I want to get a clear direction.

Shaggy, you probably don't remember me but I spoke briefly to you about oil and change intervals at Servco when I bought my car. Would you happen to have heard anything since then regarding the required use of synthetic now in 2011 models? I (and I'm sure the rest of the 2011 owners) would greatly appreciate Servco's position on this since this is the first stop for any warranty claims.

For fellow 2011 owners, what oil are you using and where are you getting it?

Thanks and sorry for the long-winded rant!

ds baruuuuu

iTrader: (16)

why not just use synthetic any way. can never hurt.
my engine is an 04 wrx and i do oil every 4k miles and use quaker state horsepower Q synthetic. its like $24 for a 5 quart jug at walmart

Gancherov

iTrader: (13)

You should change your oil more often than 7500 miles even if that's what it says on the bottle. It's a performance car and it sees more stress than an average engine, especially with the turbo.

On my 02 WRX I change the oil at least every 4k. I've been using Mobil 1 because I have a lot left over from the previous owner, but when it comes time to buy more oil I will be buying Motul 5w40, either 300v or the 8100 series.

steak

iTrader: (1)

I drive an 09 and switched to synthetic at the first interval. Car runs fine following the 3XXX mile or 4 month interval. I know hawaii driving is considered as "severe", so regular oil changes are recommended. The price difference between synthetic and dino oil do add up but we chose a turbo which means we also gotta use premium fuel. "Gotta pay to play".

touge-n00b

iTrader: (21)

IIRC, I was told the 2011s run full synthetic straight fromthe factory, thus why it's required from the get go. Again, it's just what I heard.

I just went straight synthetic at my first 3000 mile change. Can't hurt right?

shaggadelic

iTrader: (26)

All 2011 turbo subarus are running syn oil. 5w30
Also all turbo cars should be changed in Hawaii at 3mo or 3k which ever comes first. The owners manual states for all turbo vehicles u can go 3750 but in extreme condition climates or frequent stop and go drive u need to change it sooner. So that's why it will be 3mo or 3k miles. Which ever comes first.

It also states that even tho u are running syn oil u will still need to do it at the stated intervals since Rhys part of the conditions for the factory.

All 2011 non turbo foresters also cone with syn oil. 0w20.

Hope this helps

gavinn58

This definitely helps a lot. Thanks everyone for their inputs!

AcCoRd N wRx Dd

iTrader: (13)

u are Dereck's friend right?

gavinn58

Me? I know several Dereks/Derricks/etc.

Ended up using Pennzoil Platinum, 5w-30 synthetic. I'm still a little wary about the shear and ACEA rating though (A5) since I see a lot of STi drivers recommending an ACEA A3 rating characterisitic with Euro-spec and 40 weight oils. I did see Mililani Checkers carries Rotella 5w-40 synthetic so I may try that next change if they're in stock. Also, I found out my 2011 came with a black Tokyo Roki filter which I thought was interesting given that many say they can't buy it anymore.

Deraj_53

iTrader: (5)

Depends on where it was built, Japan-land still has their Tokyo Roki Filters >:O

tesh

iTrader: (5)

fwiw i'm going with the initial 1000mi oil change and every 3k-3.5k after that with Mobil1 (Costco) and Subaru filters (~$1 more than a fram gold?)

hope to see you at a meet sometime!

gavinn58

Thanks. There's just so much crap out there about WRXs and oil, TBH it started to make me a little paranoid which is why I started this thread. Just FYI, there seems to be a consensus nationally to stay clear of Costco Mobil 1 in STis, something about it not being fully synthetic and shearing easily compared to other brands and weights. Honestly, I don't really know what to make of it because you have some saying they run it, no problems. I ran it for 70K+ miles in my TSX (understand they're totally different cars) with no problems. As for the filter, a lot of people bashed on the new subaru blue filters since they're made by Honeywell (Fram) but they do support the proper pressure requirements which is why I chose to run them.

bobbyjimmy

iTrader: (4)

So does Australia.
I've got about 50 at home...

AcCoRd N wRx Dd

iTrader: (13)

First Hawaiian bank dereck with the white evo x?? He told me one of his friends picked up a bluish Sti recently.

gavinn58

^Oh no, sorry I don't know any Dereks that work at FHB.