Very cool car!
As a BITOG resident turbo engine builder, I prefer full synthetic oils.
A previous post claimed his Subaru had many miles, used dino oil and experienced no problems. That's entirely possible. Today's water cooled turbo's are easier on oils. And turbo's don't get all that hot if not pushed hard.
I'd guess that Subaru has had a nice life, with a responsible pilot at the controls.
However, track days, aggressive driving, towing and so on really do heat up the "hot section" of the turbocharger, far beyond normal driving. This is when the failures start. And this is where oil choice matters most.
We see turbine inlet temperatures go from 540 degrees F, to 1500 degrees F under hard use. The parts glow cherry red, the oil that comes in contact with the hot side bearings and shaft will be significantly heated. Regardless of the water cooling. The water cooled housing keeps the shaft cool by conduction of heat through the bearings and through the oil.
As a BITOG resident turbo engine builder, I prefer full synthetic oils.
A previous post claimed his Subaru had many miles, used dino oil and experienced no problems. That's entirely possible. Today's water cooled turbo's are easier on oils. And turbo's don't get all that hot if not pushed hard.
I'd guess that Subaru has had a nice life, with a responsible pilot at the controls.
However, track days, aggressive driving, towing and so on really do heat up the "hot section" of the turbocharger, far beyond normal driving. This is when the failures start. And this is where oil choice matters most.
We see turbine inlet temperatures go from 540 degrees F, to 1500 degrees F under hard use. The parts glow cherry red, the oil that comes in contact with the hot side bearings and shaft will be significantly heated. Regardless of the water cooling. The water cooled housing keeps the shaft cool by conduction of heat through the bearings and through the oil.
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