Amsoil SS 5w30 - Is it really "Resource Conserving"

[Pablo]

@Pablo - I was a previous PC and want to associate my account with you, anyway to do that when I sign back up with an existing account?

It depends how long - it takes over a year of inactivity to disassociate from your previous dealer. I'm #515729. Give Amsoil a shout. Thanks!

 

[kschachn]

I wonder how much they (Subaru) would actually fight the use of 5w40. IIRC they would have to prove the oil weight caused the issue correct?

Yes they would have to prove it. And that assumes the warranty is voided by the oil grade, I doubt your warranty booklet or owner's manual states that grade selection is a criteria for continued warranty.

Also good luck differentiating a high HTHS 5W-30 from a 40-grade especially after use.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I honestly don't see how Subaru could prove anything. For example, my 300ZX would sheer 20W50 down to a "thick W30" within 3000 miles.

 

[bluesubie]

hmm I do see that but I read it as 5w40 only if 5w30 isn't available, however I do see the in hot weather comment. So much wiggle room in the manual, I wonder how much they (Subaru) would actually fight the use of 5w40. IIRC they would have to prove the oil weight caused the issue correct?

Besides oil brand, the hottest oil topic about Subaru’s is interpreting the manual. From what I’ve read, most dealer’s are fine with 5W-40 in a WRX/STI. Someone on the Outback forum recently had a discussion with SoA about 0W-20 which is recommended for the new 2.4T. After a lot of back and forth, and with that person mentioning the thicker viscosity in hot weather language, he finally got them to say a 30 grade would be fine.

I think any disputes in regards to oil viscosity during a warranty claim are rare. I go to my dealer for a la carte maintenance and they’ve gone to bat for me in the past with warranty claims. A lot of it has to do with the discussions between the dealer and the district Subaru rep.

Back when the Outback specced 5W-30, a former member and Amsoil dealer here went with other grades right away. I think he even used the 5W-30 diesel for an interval.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

Considering your criteria, why don't you just go to Walmart and get either Castrol or Mobil 1 0W-40 for about $5 a quart? It has the HTHS you're looking for plus proven performance in having Porsche A40 and Mercedes-Benz 229.5 approvals as well as ACEA A3/B4. It would be difficult to find an oil with better demonstrated performance at that price (or any price).

I get it with the Mobile1 brand. So, which would u feel better using of the two in really hot weather most of the year? In other words, 0w20 or 0w40? I realize a big selling point is a claim 0w20 saves money, uses less fuel + creates less pollution. YET, I doubt there is really that much difference as far as the environmental impact between one vs the other. More concerned about optimum protection in a Di Turbo used for short distance, stop and go driving almost 100% of the time in very hoy climate. I value your opinion.