Recent content by gpshumway

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver Try this simple step to get the surface squeaky clean prior to applying any wax. Buy some 70% rubbing alcohol and pour in a spray bottle. Spray the car's paint and wipe with a plush MF towel. Helps get rid of sap, tar, left over wax residue etc. Improves the...

Originally Posted By: MCompact I put a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires on the Club Sport so I can drive it in subfreezing temperatures, but it never sees snow or ice. I've recently switched to those tires as summer tires on both of my all-year cars as well. The difference in grip to a...

Originally Posted By: irv To be honest, I have never tried modern synthetic waxes, but if those require layering, I don't see any use with those in the future either. Well, they don't necessarily require layering, that's just the way you get the best protection and durability. The thing is...

FWD + good studless ice & snow tires beats the pants off AWD on all-season tires. AWD is great for keeping you moving in the snow but it won't help you stop. All cars have all wheel brakes. The only way to improve traction on challenging surfaces is to have the right tires. The aforementioned...

Originally Posted By: irv I was a member on autopia back in 09/10 and just tried to log in the other day but because it has been a few years, (I assume) I was rejected? I had the same problem just a couple days ago. I was looking to post in the "swap meet" forum my products for distribution. I...

Warning: Long post :-) Over the past ~15 years I've developed pretty extensive experience with a few products and spent way too much time on the Autopia forums learning all I can about this. It's a rabbit-hole, don't go too far down it. Long story short, Klasse and Duragloss are my favorites...

I think one thing that should be noted is that the current formulation of Castrol Edge with Titanium (black bottle) has so little Titanium that it's hard to believe its anything but a marketing gimmick. Its as if the formulators decided to go with a Zinc/Moly/Boron additive package, but the...

Sorry for bumping this old thread, but I figured The Critic might benefit from my experience. Some R18 Civics show high aluminum, especially early in their lives. I know mine has. You can search my username for my UOA threads. I've been using M1 AFE 0w20, but started out with the Honda Philips...

"GC" used to be made in Germany, thus "German Castrol" or GC for short. It's a heavy duty 30wt with HTHS >3.5 and works well in the older Subaru EJ engine. Great for winter, but not as good for heavy use in the summer as RT6. 5w30 Subaru oil is just Idemitsu 5w30 with a Subaru label on it...

Originally Posted By: Trav Quote: It's funny how some people form such a strong opinion about an oil they have never used. I don't use any oil, my wife might use a bit of KY now and then but thats it AFAIK. I know enough about engines to know the engine doesn't give a rats rear about a little...

The issue not mentioned yet is intake valve deposits. The Subaru FA20 DIT is a bit too new to know if deposits are a problem yet, but they have been in other direct-injected engines. In that light, I think the Low-SAPS 5w30 Euro car formula is an excellent option. I've been using M1 ESP 5w30 in...

Originally Posted By: after5hock Thanks guys, So I think I am okay with going with the Rotella T6 5W40, I will probably be buying it in Washington when I drive down. it sounds like a higher weight is the better choice. I just hope the start ups aren't too much wear on the engine! any start up...

Originally Posted By: MCompact I am wondering what design characteristic(s) of the Subaru engine cause the oil to shear down. I am not doubting anyone here, but ask because I run M1 5W-30 in the DI turbo motor of my MS3 and the oil stays in grade for over 7,500 miles. Check the oil at 2,000...

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM Another myth that running a heavier than specified oil grade is some how beneficial in extreme service on any way in a late model vehicle. Does Ford recommend anything heavier than 5W-20 in the Mustang GT even for track use? The answer a one big NO!! Are you...

Originally Posted By: Tucson Five-O gpshumway, Well, just how often or bad does your wife lug the engine? If you're worried about it, then you noticed it and believe it to be a problem. I'm guessing it's a manual transmission. If so, lugging, real lugging, is murder on the bearings. Food for...