Oil changes and filters - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

wrxkidid · 2009-06-17, 05:33 PM

aren't you supposed to change your oil every 3k?

cody · 2009-06-17, 05:36 PM

Nah, most UOA's show good synthetic has life left in it after 5 or even 7K depending on how hard the car is driven and the environment. I use OEM air filters and good oil and oil filters so I usually change it every 5k unless I've been running it hard a lot.

Subaru now recommends 3,250K for all of their turbo vehicles, I believe. I never understood how they could recommend every 7,500 miles like they did when my car was new. That's really pushing it on conventional oil.

100_Percent_Juice · 2009-06-17, 05:44 PM

Robby is just trying to drum up some more work for himself.

Dean · 2009-06-17, 05:53 PM

Depending on the oil, the filter is really the limiting issue on turbo Imprezas. it is relatively small, and next to the headers, so deposits get baked into the filter and the filter can clog and go into "bypass" which is not good at all.

Bypass basically means the filter stops filtering and worse, deposits in the filter can actually be stirred up and reenter the oil stream.

This is why using the highest quality oil filters with the most surface area is so critical on our cars. Speaking of which, has anyone tried any of the "tall" filters? I'd have to go dig up the Nasioc thread to remember brands/models, but basically, they are 25-50%ish taller than the Subabru filters.

wrxkidid · 2009-06-17, 05:53 PM

maybe....

my dad is crazy he changes his every 10k in his bimmer but he runs the ridiculous expensiveness from the dealership. I have heard that about synthetic how you can run it for much longer than 3k. Is there any downside of synthetic oil though?

100_Percent_Juice · 2009-06-17, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

Speaking of which, has anyone tried any of the "tall" filters? I'd have to go dig up the Nasioc thread to remember brands/models, but basically, they are 25-50%ish taller than the Subabru filters.

Find this for me.

Kevin M · 2009-06-17, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxkidid

maybe....

my dad is crazy he changes his every 10k in his bimmer but he runs the ridiculous expensiveness from the dealership. I have heard that about synthetic how you can run it for much longer than 3k. Is there any downside of synthetic oil though?

It's more expensive, even with the extended change intervals. But the benefits are worth it.

WRX06TR · 2009-06-17, 06:57 PM

Meh, I run the Redline Full Synthetic 5W30 and I still change my oil every 3k. Call it paranoia, call it a waste, but I gotta keep her running her best

And a side note, I change my tranny fluid every 15k too.

Kevin M · 2009-06-17, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRX06TR

Meh, I run the Redline Full Synthetic 5W30 and I still change my oil every 3k. Call it paranoia, call it a waste, but I gotta keep her running her best

And a side note, I change my tranny fluid every 15k too.

That is definitely a waste.

cody · 2009-06-17, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

Depending on the oil, the filter is really the limiting issue on turbo Imprezas. it is relatively small, and next to the headers, so deposits get baked into the filter and the filter can clog and go into "bypass" which is not good at all.

Bypass basically means the filter stops filtering and worse, deposits in the filter can actually be stirred up and reenter the oil stream.

This is why using the highest quality oil filters with the most surface area is so critical on our cars. Speaking of which, has anyone tried any of the "tall" filters? I'd have to go dig up the Nasioc thread to remember brands/models, but basically, they are 25-50%ish taller than the Subabru filters.

I know the Mobil-1 M110 is a popular taller filter choice. However, I don't like Mobil-1 filters. I use the Purolator PureONE PL14460. This is what they'll give you at Pepboys (only place that carries them AFAIK) if you tell them you have a MY 02-3 WRX. It's the same filter that came on my car when I bought it new, so I've read, only it's textured for easy removal. Purolator made them for Subaru, as I understand it.

It's true that Subaru went to the smaller filters because the larger ones would absorb too much heat from the manifold but mine are heat wrapped under the OEM heat shields so I feel like it's safe.

Also, FWIW, I've heard the new blue filters from the dealer are made by Honeywell in Canada and they're crap.

Dean · 2009-06-17, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100_Percent_Juice

Find this for me.

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/2-5-lite...ions-pics.html

This is the filter I will be trying when I run out of OEM black filters...

Purolator PureONE PL14610 (Oversized)

You could not pay me to use the new blue filters or most any of the others.

I have searched for it and the Bosch (3300,3323), and M1 (108,110) the others I considered, and every car, motorcycle, etc. web site that has cut apart, tested, etc. they all go with the PL14610 as the winner. There is some obscure 4" tall filter that might be better, but not worth my time to find it after all that I have read.

(Post 14) http://www.6mt.net/forum/g35-coupe/9...t-4x-pics.html
http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Filters.html
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/FilterStudy.html

cody · 2009-06-17, 07:58 PM

Any potential issues of going with a taller filter, assuming it's not any wider than the smaller OEM filters?

Dean · 2009-06-17, 08:06 PM

The PureONE PL14460 is the same only shorter and actually has more filter area than the OEM blacks.

Taller can allegedly absorb more radiant energy from the headers. I don't believe it is enough of a factor not to get the additional filter capacity.

Mods, any chance we can move the oil and filter discussion out of this thread and into tech? It is actually remotely useful.

cody · 2009-06-17, 08:34 PM

It'd be cool if someone made an aftermarket heat shield to further insulate the oil filter.

The taller filters don't hit the undertray though?

A1337STI · 2009-06-17, 09:53 PM

AMSoil all the way bro. If you use their filter + their oil you are good to 25K. unlike subaru, or napa gold (Actually a good oil filter) they make a different oil filter for the 1.8 NA motor and the 2.5 T

Now i'm not personally going to push my oil to 25K but i'll definitly do the 3750 that my owners manual says, and maybe i'll push it to 5k, assuming i don't have any autocrosses coming up when i'm over 3750.

go amsoil, its not as expensive as you might think. think i got a galon and 1/2 for around $50 , their filters are $16 ish ? but hey , a motor that lasts will probably be worth it.. too bad i only recently discovered them and my motor is already consuming lots of oil (bad rings, ring landings is the theory)

Dean · 2009-06-17, 10:08 PM

OMG, please do not start with Amsoil... Their filters are no prize, their oil not special, their marketing misleading and their science questionable.

Before you point me to a thousand web sites, find me a single part in an engine that looks anything like this:

Their much touted 4 ball test... or even a single point contact wear location.

And don't get me started with the spinning wheel vs. bearing on a lever test.

I am not saying their products are bad, just that they are nothing special and certainly not what they make them out to be. They remind me of a cult and I won't drink the Kool-aid.

bigrobwoot · 2009-06-18, 05:36 AM

**Kool-aid** only cuz it's my dogs name. Haha

bigrobwoot · 2009-06-18, 05:48 AM

Apparently Purolator doesn't make a filter for my car

but I've always wondered, does anyone know if a WRX filter would fit an RS from the same MY? Because the filters for WRXs are way bigger than RS filters anyway, so I've always wondered if I could use one.

Dean · 2009-06-18, 05:56 AM

I will deffer to RS owners, but I am pretty sure they are compatible and many use them for the larger volume/area.

I almost positive Cory uses the same STI OEM filter I do in his RS. He traded them for OEM Nissan filters.

MPREZIV · 2009-06-18, 06:43 AM

I used to use the STi filter, and yes, I now use a Nissan filter. It's OEM for 350/370Z, GTR (old AND new), and effectively every turbo motor Nissan has built for the last 15 years. Excellent filtration, great anti-drainback valve, and high burst pressure. This is not speculation, I've personally taken them apart and seen the insides.

pn: 15208-65F0C

Dean · 2009-06-18, 07:07 AM

I was saying you actually traded Subaru filters for Nissan ones with the Lithia techs.

Did not realize you actually went to Nissan filters after Subaru went "blue".

MPREZIV · 2009-06-18, 09:06 AM

Yeah, I used to, when the Subaru filters didn't SUCK! The Nissan one is WAY better, and doesn't leak! And I'm pretty sure it fits *all* EJ motors.

bigrobwoot · 2009-06-18, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPREZIV

I used to use the STi filter, and yes, I now use a Nissan filter. It's OEM for 350/370Z, GTR (old AND new), and effectively every turbo motor Nissan has built for the last 15 years. Excellent filtration, great anti-drainback valve, and high burst pressure. This is not speculation, I've personally taken them apart and seen the insides.

pn: 15208-65F0C

You have aftermarket uel headers and it still fits right?

Kevin M · 2009-06-18, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPREZIV

And I'm pretty sure it fits *all* EJ motors.

Yeah, any filter that fits one EJ/EG/EZ series motor will fit all the others. Pretty sure there's only the one filter boss on all Subaru engines since the EA series died. "Fits" doesn't always equal"works" of course, but for filters I think it's just up to you to decide filter media size vs. heat absorption.

Kevin M · 2009-06-18, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigrobwoot

You have aftermarket uel headers and it still fits right?

I don't know about turbo headers, but pretty much any NA header will let you run whatever oil filter you need to.

2009-06-17, 05:33 PM	#1
wrxkidid EJ205 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Incline Village, NV Posts: 1,232 Car: 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. 5.7l Class: None :/ Cory, just put a 4g63 in it.	Oil changes and filters aren't you supposed to change your oil every 3k? __________________ Mosey down the road.

2009-06-17, 05:36 PM	#2
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	Nah, most UOA's show good synthetic has life left in it after 5 or even 7K depending on how hard the car is driven and the environment. I use OEM air filters and good oil and oil filters so I usually change it every 5k unless I've been running it hard a lot. Subaru now recommends 3,250K for all of their turbo vehicles, I believe. I never understood how they could recommend every 7,500 miles like they did when my car was new. That's really pushing it on conventional oil. __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo. Last edited by cody; 2009-06-17 at 05:38 PM.

2009-06-17, 05:44 PM	#3
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	Robby is just trying to drum up some more work for himself. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2009-06-17, 05:53 PM	#4
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	Depending on the oil, the filter is really the limiting issue on turbo Imprezas. it is relatively small, and next to the headers, so deposits get baked into the filter and the filter can clog and go into "bypass" which is not good at all. Bypass basically means the filter stops filtering and worse, deposits in the filter can actually be stirred up and reenter the oil stream. This is why using the highest quality oil filters with the most surface area is so critical on our cars. Speaking of which, has anyone tried any of the "tall" filters? I'd have to go dig up the Nasioc thread to remember brands/models, but basically, they are 25-50%ish taller than the Subabru filters. __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids...

2009-06-17, 05:53 PM	#5
wrxkidid EJ205 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Incline Village, NV Posts: 1,232 Car: 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. 5.7l Class: None :/ Cory, just put a 4g63 in it.	maybe.... my dad is crazy he changes his every 10k in his bimmer but he runs the ridiculous expensiveness from the dealership. I have heard that about synthetic how you can run it for much longer than 3k. Is there any downside of synthetic oil though? __________________ Mosey down the road.

2009-06-17, 06:57 PM	#8
WRX06TR EJ251 Real Name: Nick P Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Reno Posts: 881 Car: 2005 STi Class: MadtyteTunerBro! Back to the studio!	Meh, I run the Redline Full Synthetic 5W30 and I still change my oil every 3k. Call it paranoia, call it a waste, but I gotta keep her running her best And a side note, I change my tranny fluid every 15k too.

2009-06-17, 07:58 PM	#12
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	Any potential issues of going with a taller filter, assuming it's not any wider than the smaller OEM filters? __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

2009-06-17, 08:06 PM	#13
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	The PureONE PL14460 is the same only shorter and actually has more filter area than the OEM blacks. Taller can allegedly absorb more radiant energy from the headers. I don't believe it is enough of a factor not to get the additional filter capacity. Mods, any chance we can move the oil and filter discussion out of this thread and into tech? It is actually remotely useful. __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids...

2009-06-17, 08:34 PM	#14
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	It'd be cool if someone made an aftermarket heat shield to further insulate the oil filter. The taller filters don't hit the undertray though? __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

2009-06-17, 09:53 PM	#15
A1337STI EJ205 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,840 Car: Impreza and an Impreza Class: AS / CRS PerfStock "pedal on the right"	AMSoil all the way bro. If you use their filter + their oil you are good to 25K. unlike subaru, or napa gold (Actually a good oil filter) they make a different oil filter for the 1.8 NA motor and the 2.5 T Now i'm not personally going to push my oil to 25K but i'll definitly do the 3750 that my owners manual says, and maybe i'll push it to 5k, assuming i don't have any autocrosses coming up when i'm over 3750. go amsoil, its not as expensive as you might think. think i got a galon and 1/2 for around $50 , their filters are $16 ish ? but hey , a motor that lasts will probably be worth it.. too bad i only recently discovered them and my motor is already consuming lots of oil (bad rings, ring landings is the theory) __________________ Fighting uphill battles, one bullet at a time!

2009-06-17, 10:08 PM	#16
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	OMG, please do not start with Amsoil... Their filters are no prize, their oil not special, their marketing misleading and their science questionable. Before you point me to a thousand web sites, find me a single part in an engine that looks anything like this: Their much touted 4 ball test... or even a single point contact wear location. And don't get me started with the spinning wheel vs. bearing on a lever test. I am not saying their products are bad, just that they are nothing special and certainly not what they make them out to be. They remind me of a cult and I won't drink the Kool-aid. __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids... Last edited by Dean; 2009-06-18 at 07:08 AM. Reason: To fix Cool-aid

2009-06-18, 05:36 AM	#17
bigrobwoot EJ251 Real Name: Rob Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Reno Posts: 679 Car: 2019 CBS WRX Premium Class: Middle Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll still be among the stars	Kool-aid only cuz it's my dogs name. Haha

2009-06-18, 05:48 AM	#18
bigrobwoot EJ251 Real Name: Rob Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Reno Posts: 679 Car: 2019 CBS WRX Premium Class: Middle Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll still be among the stars	Apparently Purolator doesn't make a filter for my car but I've always wondered, does anyone know if a WRX filter would fit an RS from the same MY? Because the filters for WRXs are way bigger than RS filters anyway, so I've always wondered if I could use one.

2009-06-18, 05:56 AM	#19
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	I will deffer to RS owners, but I am pretty sure they are compatible and many use them for the larger volume/area. I almost positive Cory uses the same STI OEM filter I do in his RS. He traded them for OEM Nissan filters. __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids... Last edited by Dean; 2009-06-18 at 07:05 AM.

2009-06-18, 06:43 AM	#20
MPREZIV Token Real Name: Le Stig Afrique? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: sitting next to a big yellow box Posts: 3,589 Car: 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS Class: 05 TDSP No, I won't work on your car. F your car*	I used to use the STi filter, and yes, I now use a Nissan filter. It's OEM for 350/370Z, GTR (old AND new), and effectively every turbo motor Nissan has built for the last 15 years. Excellent filtration, great anti-drainback valve, and high burst pressure. This is not speculation, I've personally taken them apart and seen the insides. pn: 15208-65F0C __________________ "...these condoms have a topical anesthetic to reduce sensitivity, so you can last longer. What a paradox. You can't feel a thing, but you can f*ck for HOURS..."

2009-06-18, 07:07 AM	#21
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	I was saying you actually traded Subaru filters for Nissan ones with the Lithia techs. Did not realize you actually went to Nissan filters after Subaru went "blue". __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids...

2009-06-18, 09:06 AM	#22
MPREZIV Token Real Name: Le Stig Afrique? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: sitting next to a big yellow box Posts: 3,589 Car: 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS Class: 05 TDSP No, I won't work on your car. F your car*	Yeah, I used to, when the Subaru filters didn't SUCK! The Nissan one is WAY better, and doesn't leak! And I'm pretty sure it fits all EJ motors. __________________ "...these condoms have a topical anesthetic to reduce sensitivity, so you can last longer. What a paradox. You can't feel a thing, but you can f*ck for HOURS..."