2020 Subaru STi 21k miles. Need help selecting 5w-30 oil (extended SoA 8 year 80k warranty)

[gts24]

I have been researching this topic for a couple weeks. Combing through threads here -- I very much appreciate the data, but I can't find a situation that necessarily fits.

I have an extended 8 year 80k mile warranty on this car that is "new to me" which I purchased with about 21k miles on it. It is untouched, no modifications at all (not so common with this car, as I'm sure you're all aware).

I have a Saabaru that I have had since 2005, and have run Rotella t6 5w40 (brotella) in forever. So yes I am aware that 5w-40 may be the better play here but that brings me to the primary issue: I would like to stay within the confines of the Subaru warranty at least in the near term (ie 5w-30).

I have driven the car now about 700-900 miles and it hasn't used a drop. The previous owner was having the dealership do their oil changes, so the assumption of course is Subaru synthetic with Subaru blue filter. This person didn't seem like the type to check the oil often, more so that it was go to the dealership "have service done", rinse repeat.

When I purchased the car the oil was perfect level, and after me tromping on it for a few days it hasn't moved on the dipstick (seems good).

My primary concern is staying within the confines of the Subaru Warranty for now, so I'd like to get the best possible 5w-30 synthetic fluid and do my own oil changes.

I have evaluated the following as potential options but would very much appreciate your feedback:

1. Shell Rotella T6 Multi-Vehicle Motor Oil 5W-30 https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SHE550046251
This also exists: I think same product, sleeker name? Shell Rotella T6 MV https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/515810764
2. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/55291206
3. Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/139680614
4. Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-30 https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/495194903 (does this *actually* fit into the Subaru specs? Seems as though people like this a lot but I'm not sure it would technically meet Subaru's specs.)

I am open to any other possibilities, such as Castrol, Quaker state etc if that would be the better route to go.

I very much appreciate your feedback!

 

[buster]

It's unlikely that an oil will make that much of a difference but any good 5w30 should get the job done.

 

[kschachn]

What are the “Subaru specs” that you have to meet to preserve your warranty?

 

[TheOilWizard]

No reason to overthink this.

I just checked the Subaru manual an it appears any SN 5-30w will be fine for the warranty.

My opinion is to get any name brand (or major store brand) SN 5w-30 and move on.

 

[PF52]

2. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/55291206

That's what I use in my WRX, although technically that is not the same because it is FA engine vs. EJ. But I am not too terribly concerned about the warranty because it will expire based on age rather than miles. I am only at 5K miles.

 

[TheOilWizard]

What are the “Subaru specs” that you have to meet to preserve your warranty?

I checked a few minutes ago and the only requirements are SN or above 5w-30.

 

[gts24]

What are the “Subaru specs” that you have to meet to preserve your warranty?

No reason to overthink this.

I just checked the Subaru manual an it appears any SN 5-30w will be fine for the warranty.

My opinion is to get any name brand (or major store brand) SN 5w-30 and move on.

Thank you for your replies.

The manual is here: (cites 2021, but is same as 2020) https://techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/ownerManual/MSA5B2105A_STIS.pdf

page 46:
ENGINE OIL
Use 5W-30 synthetic, with one of the following specifications:
• API classification SN or SN PLUS with the words “RESOURCE CONSERVING”.
• ILSAC GF-5, which can be identified with the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark).

 

[kschachn]

Thank you for your replies.

The manual is here: (cites 2021, but is same as 2020) https://techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/ownerManual/MSA5B2105A_STIS.pdf

page 46:
ENGINE OIL
Use 5W-30 synthetic, with one of the following specifications:
• API classification SN or SN PLUS with the words “RESOURCE CONSERVING”.
• ILSAC GF-5, which can be identified with the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark).

View attachment 216011

There you have it then. Not that it is actually warranty dependent however, but if you believe it is then you know what to buy.

 

[gts24]

There you have it then. Not that it is actually warranty dependent however, but if you believe it is then you know what to buy.

Thanks. Of the mentioned oils (or others that you may recommend) which would do the best in hot temperatures during summer months with some spirited driving involved? I guess I should have implied in my original question, which will do best and resist shearing the most?

 

[kschachn]

Shearing is often a phantom concern. Very few engines have a problem with mechanical shearing of the oil's VM.

Using an oil with an approval such as VW 504 00 or Porsche C30 helps with oxidation and deposit formation. A higher HT/HS helps with wear, and oil such as Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 (which is also API SP) is an excellent oil. One of the best on the market and now you can get it from Walmart for a decent price. For a little less money Pennzoil Euro L 5W-30 (also at Walmart) has BMW Longlife-04 approval, a higher HT/HS and is API SN.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I checked a few minutes ago and the only requirements are SN or above 5w-30.

You would be comfortable running an ILSAC RC oil in a 300hp 2.5 liter?

Think 600Hp mustang 5.0 foxbody when you think Sti for a power density comparison.

@bluesubie has a ton of pressurised EJ experience

@kschachn post #10 sounds reasonable.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

You would be comfortable running an ILSAC RC oil in a 300hp 2.5 liter?

It's not 1997 anymore.

BMW B58 - 382 hp (more like 410 actual), 3.0 litres, 0w20
BMW S58 - 503 hp (more like 550 actual), 3.0 litres, 0w30 FE
Merc M139 - 416 hp, 2.0 litres, 0w20

I could go on

 

[Speedy3861]

If you require an API ILSAC Resource Conserving rated oil, are there several good choices. I've been using Mobil1 EP for several years, often available on sale and not hard to find. UOA's from my Honda 1.5t powered vehicles using 3-4k intervals have been excellent. Direct injection engines, especially ones with forced induction are always going to show dilution, there's no Magic oil, the EP does seem to stay in grade despite this as long as you avoid long intervals.

 

[kschachn]

No brand of oil is more resistant to dilution by a less viscous fluid.

 

[TheOilWizard]

You would be comfortable running an ILSAC RC oil in a 300hp 2.5 liter?

Think 600Hp mustang 5.0 foxbody when you think Sti for a power density comparison.

@bluesubie has a ton of pressurised EJ experience

@kschachn post #10 sounds reasonable.

Pretty common to get 300 hp from boosted 4-cylinders nowadays. My Explorer is 300 hp from the 2.3 Ecoboost.

 

[bluesubie]

It's not 1997 anymore.

True, although this particular engine is from 2003.

@gts24 The chart in your owner’s manual lists 5W-40. That’s what I would use. Your manual also states that higher viscosity oil is required in hot weather.

I would not run any resource conserving oil and an EJ turbo.

 

[gts24]

True, although this particular engine is from 2003.

@gts24 The chart in your owner’s manual lists 5W-40. That’s what I would use. Your manual also states that higher viscosity oil is required in hot weather.

I would not run any resource conserving oil and an EJ turbo.

Any specific recommendations? I'm an open book.

 

[bluesubie]

Any specific recommendations? I'm an open book.

No, not really. Just pick a brand you like and use the specs for comparison. ACEA C3 oils are reduced SAPS but there’s no reason to run a reduced SAPS oil in an STI IMO. I’d go with ACEA A3 (and associated MB, VW, BMW specs).

Pennzoil, Castrol, Mobil 1, Motul, Amsoil, etc are all good choices.

 

[Patman]

Pretty common to get 300 hp from boosted 4-cylinders nowadays. My Explorer is 300 hp from the 2.3 Ecoboost.

There's even a boosted 3 cylinder in the 300hp club now too (the GR Corolla)

 

[gts24]

True, although this particular engine is from 2003.

@gts24 The chart in your owner’s manual lists 5W-40. That’s what I would use. Your manual also states that higher viscosity oil is required in hot weather.

I would not run any resource conserving oil and an EJ turbo.

View attachment 216025

Their wording is legal gobbledygook, "have your cake and eat it to". I'm really doing my best not to read much into this but it does state "but it should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change".