Hey ive got 18000 miles on my 06 wrx. and dont want to have to take it to the dealer any more cuz it sucks to go out their and wait for ever. so my question is 1 how do you do it any suggestions? any weird tools that you might need to do it. and 2. is switching to synthectic a good idea at 18000 and what are the pros and cons to it?

 

where do you live? you need a 12mm socket and a screw driver to take the lower skid plate off. you need a 17mm wrench for the drain plug and, a oil filter wrench for the oil filter. very easy nothing special.

EB Turbo

 

when I change my oil, I don't remove the plastic panel underneath the car. There is clearance for the oil to drain. the oil filter part can be kinda messy, So what I do is shove a rag or two under the oil filter before I remove it. after I am done I cleaner under there a little with rags. its much faster this way.
but if you want to remove the plastic panel then you will need the 12mm socket and a a small flat head screwdriver (to get the plastic clips off)

 

make sure they give you the right oil filter at the parts store, or else youll be hating life.

 

Even better would be to buy OEM filters. They well made, come with crush washers for the drain plug, and are cheap: https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/p...roducts_id=830

You can switch to synthetic at this point if you want to and say NO to FRAM.

 

STi's dont have a prevision in the under trey for oil drain and filter removal. they are solid, and must be completely removed.

EB Trubo

 

Are you sure? I changed oil on a 05 sti and it had the hole for the oil drain.
OP has a wrx

 

awesome thank you guys, i use to change my oil on a 96 gti normally made a big mess in the drive way. but i just hate paying so much for it at the dealer so ill do it my self. thank you all 17mm cand a 12mm ill check if i have that tommorow and if i were to go to synthectic what blend or what ever you call it would u all suggest?

 

I use Redline 5w 30, and Subaru oil filter

 

This is probably the best combination!!!

it might have a oil drain provision because it is pretty far back. there is no provision for the oil filter. so you must remove the under trey to perform an oil/ filter change.

 

were can you pick up the redline??? any motor store or do you have to special order it? and do you pick up the subaru oil filter at a subaru dealer?

 

I buy my oil filters from subarugenuineparts.com in packs.
and I buy my Redline oil from winchester auto(chain of auto parts store located in the bay area). If you don't live in the bay then any specialty auto parts stores should carry it. or you can order online at places like jscspeed.com (I used to order from there)

 

43 bucks for 6 filters and o-rings is pretty good. my price for an oil filter it like 5 or 6 bucks.

EB Turbo

 

My 06 has a little "door" that you can fit your hand into, but I don't think i'd use that to remove my filter, it would be way too messy.

 

I work at the dealer, take my word. i do oil changes on STi's at least once a day. i take all under panels off on all the cars no matter if they have a provision or not.


EB Turbo