Magnatec is okay, but there are better oils for the money. If you're considering the Magnatec 10w-40, you lose cold start protection compared to a 5w-40 and as the 10w-40 is only a semi, it's not going to protect as well all round as a synthetic. There is nothing the matter with the Magnatec, but it's not something I tend to recommend for a performance engine, things like normal Focus', Astras etc fine, but not really ideal with a turbo engine.

 

Thanks I will take your advice, it's 3k mile oil changes on a wrx right?

 

I'm not sure of the service interval on those

 

Subaru say 7.5k or 6 months, whichever come sooner.

But being a hard worked engine, i.e. raised cyl. temps./pressures due to a turbo, then the oil can break down prematurely and lose a some of its protective qualities. So it makes sense to cut the oil change period down to, say 4.5k.

Or if you drive it hard a lot, or it's driven in arduous conditions, e.g. a dusty climate, then, indeed, a 3k oil/filter change regime would be sensible...

That said, modern full Ester synth. oils are very stable and serve you and your EJ20, lol, well.

 

Hello oilman, great thread you have here... I have a 2005 sti running 350 bhp.

I want to change the gearbox oil, differential oil and brake fluid. Can you point me in the right direction as to which fluids are the best to use for these 3 applications?

And I will be purchasing from your website

 

Hi oilman

My gearbox is crunching in to 4th & 5th gears I've been advised to use to smurfs blood or redline shockproof gear oil as its known.
Would u be able to give me some more info on this product such as, is it just added to the existing oil or is it a compleat change over also I see they do different variants of the product such as Lightweight / heavy and wonder what should be using and finally how much of the stuff I would need to do a job on my 99 ver5 type r.

Many thanks

 

Hi

Youneed a 75w-90 for the gearbox and diff and here are the ones wehave.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-673-75w-90.aspx

Ifyou want to go for the best, the Millers CRX 75w-90 NT, GulfCompetition, Motul Gear 300, Redline MT90 and Millers TRX are idealfor the gearbox. The Castrol Universal, Motul Motylgear and FuchsGear Syn are all decent alternatives. The Fuchs Syn 5, Motul Gear300/300LS, Millers CRX NT/CRX NT LS, Gulf Competition LS and Redline GL5 areideal for the diff.

If you want the best for the brakes, go for the Motul RBFs, Gulf Competition RFs, Millers 300 Plus or Fuchs Pro Race. The Castrol React Performance and the Motul and Gulf DOT5.1 fluids are all good, cheaper choices.

Cheers

Tim

 

Hi

The Redline Lightweight Shockproof is the one you need and it takes 3.5L. It's an oil, not an additive, so it replaces what is in there already.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-1022-red...il-75w-90.aspx

Cheers

Tim

 

One thing to consider is the quality of the oil. Subaru, and all other manufacturers, base their service intervals on basic oils and by increasing the quality, you can often extend the interval.

Cheers

Tim

 

Thanks for the advice Tim. One more thing, what are the capacities of the gearbox and differential? Im sure 1 litre of brake fluid is more than enough to bleed the brakes, but not too sure on how much is needed for the box and dif?

Cheers

 

Agreed!

And I do just that.

I use Titan Race Pro S 10W-50 (always bought from Opie Oils ) and usually stick to the OEM 7.5k/6m regime, as I very rarely hoon. (And it also helps that my car doesn't appear to use a drop of oil!).

My car's mainly a commuter mule - but of course, I have a play every now and again. As we all do....

 

A litre will do the brakes and the diff takes 800ml.

Cheers

Tim

 

thanks.. how much does the gearbox take?

Cheers

 

3.5L according to my info

 

Just checked my owners manual now and it says my sti (widetrack dccd model) requires a 90 grade oil in the rear diff, unlike the other diffs in the sti's which require a 75w/90. It doesnt seem like your website sells a 90.

Could you please point me in the right direction, thanks

 

Ah, sorry I didn't realise it has a DCCD set up. In that case, go for the Motul Gear 300 in the gearbox (they can be very fussy and it seems to be the only thing that always works) and here are the straight 90s for the diff.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-679-sae-...ion-fluid.aspx

The Fuchs Titan Race 90LS, Shell TS90 and Motul 90PA are ideal for the diff.

Cheers

Tim

 

thanks for the speedy advice Tim

 

It says on your website Motul gear 300 cannot be purchased online, contact us for alternatives?

 

Ooops, we ran out, but it's back in stock and I've asked one of the web guys to make it available again. It should be there for purchase in the next half an hour.

Cheers

Tim

 

all ordered succesfully, she will soon be a very happy scooby!

Cheers

 

Thanks for the order

 

Hi oilman,

This thread is perfect for answering my question - thanks for taking the time to help us all

anyway, just bought a 2003 wrx with prodrive pack

the dealer recommended topping up with castrol edge 5/30 but it's £46 for 4 litres!!

can you recommend a good alternative that is a cheaper option but not detrimental to the engine

halfords are doing 4l of magnatec 5/30 for £18 - is it ok to use this - if it is i'll stockpile some - if not what do you recommend!?

thanks again

 

ok - someone has pointed me in the direction of castrol edge for £28 for 4 litres - that's much better and i'll stick with EDGE for that price I think unless someone can convince me otherwise!!

 

Hi oilman
I've only covered 2300 miles in 7 months in my uk classic turbo kicking around 240 bhp. Even though i'l change the oil in next couple of weeks, what do you think is more important changing according to miles or months? My last oil change I used shell helix ultra 5w40

 

I'd change it every 12-15 months if you aren't doing many miles

 

Thanks for the advice tim .. I should have added its a dccd box (99 type r) will this make any diffrence...
Just to confirm, u said I needed 3.5L and I think the smurfs blood is just under 1L per bottle? do u happen to do bigger containers of the stuff ? Or will I just have to buy 4 bottles ..

Many thanks

 

Hi

The DCCD set up is a pain when it comes to oil, I'm really not sure about the Shockproof oil and DCCD as I can't think of anyone who has used it in a DCCD car before. It might be worth trying the Motul Gear 300 first of all as that one always seems to give good results with DCCD. Unfortunately trying the Gear 300 or Shockproof isn't cheap.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-899-motu...ter-based.aspx

Cheers

Tim

 

Will the motul gear 300 hopefully make any diffrence with the crunch between 4th&5th As this was the reason I was recommended the smurfs blood, if u think this is the best product to use I will give it a shout
Hopfully it will make some sort of diffrence if not looking like a new gearbox soon

Thanks again

 

hi oilman - what's the best alternative price wise for castrol edge that wont **** my engine up

2003 wrx with prodrive remap to 265bhp
90000miles

thanks

 

Hi Oilman.

I have a litre of Du Pont teflon
teflon gear treatment. 80w90.

is it any good your thoughts or review please.

for gearbox / diff....

subaru
impreza
type R 1998

running standard

many thanks
hence555.