Red Line synthetic 10W40?

nxttruck2002 · May 9, 2007

Well it's I'm about to do my oil change on my Impreza. I live in Hot Houston, which rarely get cold. I'm going to change my oil to Red Line synthetic 10W40. The only thing holding me back is I don't know if it's GF-4 (or SM) approved. So, do you guys know whether or not it's GF-4 (or SM) approved?

-Omar

nxttruck2002 · May 9, 2007

If you guys don't know where can I find out?

TallPaul · May 9, 2007

Call Redline. The number is at redlineoil.com. Are you concerned about warranty and/or killing the cat with too much zddp? Both good questions for the folks at Redline.

Why 10w40? Did you know that you usually can run one grade thinner with Redline. I believe that is because the HTHS viscosity is so good. For example their 5w20 has HTHS of a decent 10w30 conventional oil.

I would recommend 10w30 unless you have a good reason to step up to 10w40. Again, the folks at Redline are more than happy to help you with this also. Just know what the manufacturer calls for in your vehicle, which I suspect is no more than 10w30.

Redline is a great choice. Run it hard, run it long (one year or say about 10,000 miles), it can take it.

nxttruck2002 · May 9, 2007

They recommend 5w30, but I think that's too thin. They also probably encourage that viscosity because of better MPG. Here's what my manual says:

bluesubie · May 9, 2007

Which Impreza are you running it in? If you are n/a, you're probaby fine with the 5W30. The turbo's are a little harder on oil (especially the 2.5T's). Further to TallPauls' comment, I think RL's 5W20 has an HTHS higher than most Energy Conserving 5W30's.

Are you sure that you must use SM? My manual (2004 Forester) shows SL or SJ (if you cannot obtain an SL grade).

-Dennis

addyguy · May 9, 2007

As per the manual, 10W-40 would be acceptable to use. However, as other have said, that manual is assuming you are using a 10W-40 conventional, not a high-quality synthtic like Redline. As others have said, Redline oils have the properties of the next grade higher at the hot end. So, their 10w30 has a 100C vis. of something like 10.6, but the HTHS number is that of a 10W-40, so you get the best of both worlds: the fuel economy of a 30 weight, and the protection of a 40-weight!

bluesubie · May 9, 2007

Redline product information.

-Dennis

TallPaul · May 10, 2007

I don't have any problem with you running 10w40, but I think you would do just fine on 10w30 (skip the 5w30 in TX) provided you have decent oil pressure. Redline is extremely robust against heat. The 10w30 will do you just fine. I you want, mix 10w30 and 10w40 for an in between grade.

simple_gifts · May 10, 2007

Redline has no API approvals. It is recommended for applications requiring SL, SM etc

harrydog · May 10, 2007

Back when I had my modified Audi S4 (5-cylinder turbo) I called Redline to ask which oil they recommended. I was lucky enough to talk with Roy Howell. He said that the only reason to even consider using 10w40 over 10w30 would be if you were running the car all day long at the track in very hot temperatures, like 100 degrees. Otherwise 10w30 was recommended even for very hard street use and occasional track use.

nxttruck2002 · Aug 8, 2007

I have been running the Red Line 10W30 for 1,000 miles so far and everything's good. Anything I should know about?

Omar

harrydog · Aug 8, 2007

How long are you planning to run this oil? Is your Impreza a turbo or N/A engine?

oilyriser · Aug 8, 2007

I climbed mountains with the radiator covered, in California warmth in my Subaru, with oil that had sheared to about 9.5cSt and there was almost zero wear.

buster · Aug 8, 2007

I'd drop down a grade or two using RL.

pp_rp · Aug 8, 2007

Quote:

They recommend 5w30, but I think that's too thin. They also probably encourage that viscosity because of better MPG. Here's what my manual says:

Yes, but thinner is better at start up even when it's 85f or hotter. try 5w30.

CBDFrontier06 · Aug 8, 2007

In the unlikely event of an engine failure (or turbo failure), what normally happens with a warranty claim if you admit to using an oil that has no API certification? Denial likely?

Steve S · Aug 8, 2007

Redline 10w/40 us like other brands 20w/50 .it will worl but the Redline 10w30 is all that is needed.

Steve S · Aug 8, 2007

Redline 10w/40 is like other brands 20w/50. It would would work but the Redline 10w30 is all that is needed. I can't figure edit.

nxttruck2002 · Aug 9, 2007

harrydog: I plan on running it for 4,000 miles. It's an STI-- 2.5liter tubro

buster: I'm using RL 10W30. That's what other people on this forum recommended me. Why would you drop down a grade or two? I broke my motor in with a high-quality non-synthetic oil for the first 10,000 miles. When I changed to RL 10W30 at 10k it runs SO much better and smoother. I love this oil

pp_rp: I let my car warm up for five minutes before I drive it. It may be thinner at start up, but when up to full operating temperature in 100+ degree stop and go heat, I really don't think 5W30 is that good.

CBDFrontier06: It's SM approved, so I'm good to go.

Steve S: That's what I'm running now.

Any thing else I should know guys?

Thanks for all your help,
--Omar

Steve S · Aug 10, 2007

Quote:

Quote:

They recommend 5w30, but I think that's too thin. They also probably encourage that viscosity because of better MPG. Here's what my manual says:

Click to expand...

Yes, but thinner is better at start up even when it's 85f or hotter. try 5w30.

That statement is total B.S.

Red Line synthetic 10W40?

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