Moving from 5-30 to 0-30 on STi

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555

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First, I apologize if this topic has been covered already. I have done some searches and did not see it or find it. I have an 04 STi with mild mods(turboback, reflash etc.) On the rare occasions that I do drive it during the winter months(yes I know, that's what it's made for etc. It's the other idiots that forget they're driving on snow and can't stop at red lights that take the fun away) I'm considering using 0-30 oil since I don't have a heated garage(just a carport). The car sits for days and possibly 2 weeks at a time. I've moved to New England and its "brisk" winters, so start-ups are biggest concern. Any opinions on brand of oil is welcome also, and not just for winter. Currently using Motul 5-30. Thanks
 
German Castrol (GC) 0w30 would be about perfect for you.
It's what I run in the winter on mine, although mine sits in my garage when not startling Jeeps and other 4x4s.
wink.gif
 
If this car isn't driven often - I'd justs tick to what you're using now. Or maybe Rotella T6, thats a big favorite in the STi community. I'm not familiar with the Motul though, so maybe the 5w30 you're running can cope with the turbo heat just fine.
 
Some people use RT6 in below 0F temps. German Castrol 0W-30, Belgian Castrol 0W-40, and Mobil 1 0W-40 would be good choices for your application if you really want a 0W oil, IMO. Or just stick with Motul 5w30. The cold cranking viscosity test is performed at -30C for 5W oils.

Which Motul are you running? What kind of tune? E-tunes, some open source, and Cobb OTS tunes generally run richer so you might want a 0W-40 to help deal with the fuel dilution

There's actually an ongoing discussion right now with recommendations.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/opinions-wanted-best-oil-for-2013-wrx.205915/

-Dennis
 
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I turn my over few times by a using a hand ratchet to lubricate engine parts before getting in and turning the key. I don't thinks it's worth paying extra for 0W because it's only few degrees difference if you're using synthetics.
 
Originally Posted By: 555
First, I apologize if this topic has been covered already. I have done some searches and did not see it or find it. I have an 04 STi with mild mods(turboback, reflash etc.) On the rare occasions that I do drive it during the winter months(yes I know, that's what it's made for etc. It's the other idiots that forget they're driving on snow and can't stop at red lights that take the fun away) I'm considering using 0-30 oil since I don't have a heated garage(just a carport). The car sits for days and possibly 2 weeks at a time. I've moved to New England and its "brisk" winters, so start-ups are biggest concern. Any opinions on brand of oil is welcome also, and not just for winter. Currently using Motul 5-30. Thanks


So I gather you have moved from California to New England.

I would recommend Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 for your car. It can be had at any Walmart for $25 for a 5 quart jug.
 
If you don't want to mix different oil weights, and have your mind set on a good 0W-30 with a very high (for 0W-30s) viscosity index, then the RLI (Renewable Lubes Inc.) 0w30 is for you (IF your car can use that oil's relatively high 3.8 HTHSV).
wink.gif


BTW; the 555 of your username does refer to the McRae era Scoobie World Rally Team sponsors, correct?
 
Originally Posted By: Highkm
I turn my over few times by a using a hand ratchet to lubricate engine parts before getting in and turning the key. I don't thinks it's worth paying extra for 0W because it's only few degrees difference if you're using synthetics.


What vehicle and how long does it sit? Some vehicles will crank without injecting fuel if you set the accelerator to 100% (pedal to the medal.) Otherwise, the oil gets flowing pretty quickly, so just start'er up and go.

Originally Posted By: stchman
Originally Posted By: 555
First, I apologize if this topic has been covered already. I have done some searches and did not see it or find it. I have an 04 STi with mild mods(turboback, reflash etc.) On the rare occasions that I do drive it during the winter months(yes I know, that's what it's made for etc. It's the other idiots that forget they're driving on snow and can't stop at red lights that take the fun away) I'm considering using 0-30 oil since I don't have a heated garage(just a carport). The car sits for days and possibly 2 weeks at a time. I've moved to New England and its "brisk" winters, so start-ups are biggest concern. Any opinions on brand of oil is welcome also, and not just for winter. Currently using Motul 5-30. Thanks


So I gather you have moved from California to New England.

I would recommend Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 for your car. It can be had at any Walmart for $25 for a 5 quart jug.


I would NOT follow this advice. He's driving an STi, not a Civic. With an aftermarket tune, he's probably pushing well over 17# of boost. This application is not what anything designated as "AFE" is designed for.

I'll second the recommendations for Mobil 1 0W-40 (practically a 0W-30) or Rotella T6.
 
Yes Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 would be fine but doesn't technically have the Honda HTO-06 turbo spec' unlike Mobil 1 5w30.
That said, it really doesn't get cold enough in a New England winter to benefit from Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 over Mobil 1 5w30 or most other light 5w30s.
One exception would be the new G-Oil 0w30 if you can get it due to it's ultra high 228 viscosity index.

Check out the following thread discussing the same topic:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/shell-rotella-t6-5w-40-in-winter.206014/
 
Oops! Had more to say. Firstly, thanks for all the quick informative responses. Getting some affirmation on the Motul made me feel better about paying the price for it. Will do an oil change(sticking with the Motul 5w30) and throw it on the dyno and then store it for winter(found shelter). I know there are good "full synthetic"s out there but I do want to stick with 100% synthetics for this vehicle and I should have mentioned that in my post. This is great site!
 
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Originally Posted By: Highkm
I turn my over few times by a using a hand ratchet to lubricate engine parts before getting in and turning the key. I don't thinks it's worth paying extra for 0W because it's only few degrees difference if you're using synthetics.


What vehicle and how long does it sit? Some vehicles will crank without injecting fuel if you set the accelerator to 100% (pedal to the medal.) Otherwise, the oil gets flowing pretty quickly, so just start'er up and go.

Originally Posted By: stchman
Originally Posted By: 555
First, I apologize if this topic has been covered already. I have done some searches and did not see it or find it. I have an 04 STi with mild mods(turboback, reflash etc.) On the rare occasions that I do drive it during the winter months(yes I know, that's what it's made for etc. It's the other idiots that forget they're driving on snow and can't stop at red lights that take the fun away) I'm considering using 0-30 oil since I don't have a heated garage(just a carport). The car sits for days and possibly 2 weeks at a time. I've moved to New England and its "brisk" winters, so start-ups are biggest concern. Any opinions on brand of oil is welcome also, and not just for winter. Currently using Motul 5-30. Thanks


So I gather you have moved from California to New England.

I would recommend Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 for your car. It can be had at any Walmart for $25 for a 5 quart jug.


I would NOT follow this advice. He's driving an STi, not a Civic. With an aftermarket tune, he's probably pushing well over 17# of boost. This application is not what anything designated as "AFE" is designed for.

I'll second the recommendations for Mobil 1 0W-40 (practically a 0W-30) or Rotella T6.


So 0w30 is not for high performance automobiles?

So Mobil 1 0w30 is only for Civics? Then run Mobil 1 5w30.
 
Originally Posted By: Flareside302
Amsoil signature series 0w-30. Won't shear like most other oils.

It will most likely shear in the OP's application.

-Dennis
 
Originally Posted By: Flareside302
Amsoil signature series 0w-30. Won't shear like most other oils.. Has a really low NOACK, solid 170 VI. And can easily extend your OCI's


In this application I don't think any 0w-30,other than an hdeo,will extend the interval any appreciable amount and cost coupled with availability translates to shopping for a better option.
Amsoil's 10w30 SSO is what I'd consider shear proof. I've seen used oil analysis using it in my friends 500hp turbo fox. He runs 10000 mile drains and that includes track time and some outta town cash burns,so its a far more prudent choice in a modified turbo engine.
If the op's car has no emissions,or limited emissions equipment I think devlac elite 222 0w30 would be THE oil if available.
I love bench racing but its oil we're talking about.
 
Originally Posted By: Flareside302
I've also seen several UOA 's of the AZO not shear after being beat the [censored] out of. That's why I have it in my truck.


Another data point, but Mobil 1 0w-40 didn't shear in any Windsor I've run it in or my modular.
 
Originally Posted By: Flareside302
Amsoil signature series 0w-30. Won't shear like most other oils.. Has a really low NOACK, solid 170 VI. And can easily extend your OCI's


There ya go.
 
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