First off I'd like to thank ALL of those who replied to my inquiry. There is a lot of good information here and I appreciate it!
Originally Posted By: SubieRubyRoo
Charger, the 3.6 does NOT require the 23-24psi bypass valve that the EJ25s do. Wix specs a 51334 for the 3.6, which is 8-11psi, and 57712 for the 2.5, which is 23psi. If you want to use Tokyo Roki that's fine, but Wix makes an engine-correct filter for either application.
Wix 57712 - 2.5
Wix 51334 - 3.6R
Thanks for this! Would the NAPA Gold have the same specs?
Originally Posted By: njohnson
Here is what I am talking about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdC5s28Fmf0
Very informative video. It seems if Subaru is filling the 3.6 with Mobil One in Canada from new, I should be fine going to it or a comparable 5w-30 for my first change. I guess I'd like to use the best thats out there in the same price range. I'll have to spend more time looking at whats available at my local Walmart...But then there are these takes on when to switch...
Originally Posted By: bluesubie
If you want to stick with one brand, go with Mobil 1 5W-30 in the Outback. Although I’d probably go with conventional oil since synthetic isn’t “required”. Back when Subaru didn’t require synthetic in most engines, people generally switched to synthetic at 10k miles since uoa wear metals were still high up until then. It probably doesn’t matter though.
I kind of agree with waiting until 10k as well. I would like to go to synthetic before winter though, especially since it seems Subaru puts it in the 3.6 from day 1 in Canada. I think the important thing is to get the original oil out soon. I do agree with the thought process that the wear metals are high in the first few miles in any new engine.
Originally Posted By: NormanBuntz
So many of the commenters here don't realize the Subaru 3.6L calls for 5w-30, unlike the 2.5L that calls for 0w-20. If the 3.6 calls for the same 6,000 mile change interval as the 2.5, I'd just wait until 6K and then start using the synthetic 5w-30 of your choice. Personally I like SOPUS products when they're on sale.
Its hard to argue with this...I always used T-6 if it was available in the weight I needed. I would like to stay with a 5w-30 especially for warranty purposes. Bottom line with all of the excellent suggestions right now I think I'll go something like Havoline 5-30 for the next change then switch to a synthetic, it should have about 4500 miles on it and just before fall sets in again. Not sure if I'm more OR less confused at this point. Thanks again for all if the great information.
Good Luck and Happy Motoring.