As you will see by my post count, I'm pretty new here. I've read through several FAQ's and stickies and I'm slowly working my way towards understanding different terms/acronyms/etc. I need a motor oil suggestion for my car. I own a 2003 Subaru WRX with around 160k on it. It was consuming oil at a pretty large rate (previous owner was using M1 :/), and I've been running Amsoil Signature Series 5w-30 for the past 3 oil changes at 3k or 4k intervals. Since switching to Amsoil, my consumption has gone down a good amount. I take long trips M-F (about 80 miles round trip) and I drive fairly conservatively. Every now and then I'll go WOT up the ramp onto the freeway, but not very often at all. I'm looking for an oil suggestion because Amsoil is pretty pricey and I know for the same price I can order some Motul 8100, from which I understand is a higher grade of oil than Amsoil. (bare with me).
Below is the list of suggested information I give out. Thanks for the help in advance! If I'm missing any info please do not hesitate to let me know. I've never received an UOA so this is about the most info I think I can give.
1. What kind of vehicle you have
-2003 Subaru WRX
2. What your owner's manual says -- not just viscosity, but certifications (look for acronyms like API SM, ILSAC GF-4, etc.) and change intervals as well.
- API SL or SJ with the words "ENERGY CONSERVING", according to my manual. 5w-30 suggested viscosity.
3. Where you live
- I live in Wisconsin, sub-zero temps are not uncommon.
4. How you drive (easy? hard? fast? slow?)
- Easy, consistent 70-80 MPH at 3k RPM daily, every now and then spirited driving (rare)
5. What your daily drive is like (short trips? long trips? city? highway?)
- Long trips, highway miles.
6. Whether your car has any known problems
- Previous oil consumption, oil smell (I think?) at high RPM's.
Below is the list of suggested information I give out. Thanks for the help in advance! If I'm missing any info please do not hesitate to let me know. I've never received an UOA so this is about the most info I think I can give.
1. What kind of vehicle you have
-2003 Subaru WRX
2. What your owner's manual says -- not just viscosity, but certifications (look for acronyms like API SM, ILSAC GF-4, etc.) and change intervals as well.
- API SL or SJ with the words "ENERGY CONSERVING", according to my manual. 5w-30 suggested viscosity.
3. Where you live
- I live in Wisconsin, sub-zero temps are not uncommon.
4. How you drive (easy? hard? fast? slow?)
- Easy, consistent 70-80 MPH at 3k RPM daily, every now and then spirited driving (rare)
5. What your daily drive is like (short trips? long trips? city? highway?)
- Long trips, highway miles.
6. Whether your car has any known problems
- Previous oil consumption, oil smell (I think?) at high RPM's.