What oil to use in your Engine, Trans, Diff?
 

Im looking to replace the oil in the engine, trans, and diff. I was looking at redline but there doesn't seem to be a dealer here in Toronto. So what oil are you using, and where did you buy it.

Toyota 0W20 Synthetic from dealer $5.xx per litre
Subaru oil filter $8 vs Toyota filter @ $20

You're going to get as many different answers as there are problems with the FRS/BRZ :iono::bonk:. Best to do a :search: and make your own decisions. I had the same questions as you do now and decide on going with Royal Purple 0w20. Read lots of great stuff about them. I also went with the factory (OEM) Subaru filter as many had good stuff to say about it too.

In the end go with what makes you comfortable. Personally, I couldn't see myself spending $10 + for a quart of oil, so the RP fit the bill at around $9 per/qt. After trying the RP out I'm going to try Mobil 1 as I've had good experience with it in the past. Even though there are people who say that Mobil 1 doesn't work well with the boxer 4 motor. I guess some things you have to try for yourself.

I was just at a Subaru dealership yesterday and got to chat with a Subaru master tech and when I asked about changing the AT trans oil and the diff oil. He said not to touch it unless something goes wrong. Even if I were to track/autox the car. He said both of those oils are designed to last the life of the car. For now, I'm going to stick with his, and the factory engineers', recommendations. Again, do a search and read up on the issue. There are several good threads on the subject.

As stated above, you'll get varying opinions on your questions. All I can say is what I personally have used in my car...
Engine Oil: The manual calls for 0W20 SN or SM oil.
Right now, I am using Amsoil Signature Series 0W20, and will continue to use it through the winter. I have also used G.C. 0W30 (SL) and liked it.

Transmission lube: The manual calls for a GL3 75W90. GL3 is an old spec that is considered obsolete. A GL4 oil should be acceptable here. Some GL5 oils may be OK, but I would avoid them just to be sure. I currently have Redline MT-90 GL4 75W90 in mine. I plan on winter driving mine, and 75W90 is fairly thick stuff in the cold. I may find that a thinner oil (like 75W80 may improve shifting during the winter months.

Rear differential: The manual calls for a GL5 75W85 with a 75W90 as an acceptable substitute. I am using Redline 75W85 lightweight GL5 gear oil in the rear end.

I picked up an exhaust system at JRP in Mississauga this week and they had a PILE of Redline lubes on the shelf. 0W20 and others for the engine, MT-90, MT-85, MTL (approx a 75W80) trans oils, and the 75W85 gear oil. Decent prices too.

Hey roddy, out of curiosity. Why did you change out the trans & diff oils? Was there a specific reason? Also, have you seen any changes good or bad? :thanks:

If for no other reason than I can't leave anything alone. I like to change these fluids fairly early (I think it was around 1800 kms or so). They are new assemblies and will shed a bit of metal as they break in. Both have magnetic drain plugs, and the one in the rear end was already accumulating a fair bit of material. The one in the transmission was clean.
I noticed an improvement in shift quality, particularly on the 2-3 shift, where I found mine to be a little crunchy.

ENEOS 0W-20

Im not looking for opinions. Im looking for people who have actually used or curerntly using these oils in their car.

there is absolutely no need to change the oil in your diff for a very long time because our LSDs are mechanical and the oil is uses purely for lubrication. A self sealed unit that will last a long time.

there is absolutely no need to change your transmission oil anytime soon unless you've been grinding your gears for the hell of it.


As for brand, i'm an Amsoil convert and have used it in my subaru and now my FRS.

my engine received 4 part Amsoil 0-30w signature series and 1 part 5-30 diesel oil. Top up with 0-30 as necessary (i don't tend to overfill)


If you're looking for REDLINE you can check out Pacific Mall, there is a shop there closer to the north side in the main complex that usually carries it.

and if you were not looking for OPINIONS then your subject would not read "what do you use" and would instead be "where can I buy brand X"

7th gear is right. The oils in the rear end and transmission don't need to be changed any time soon. I did it because I wanted to. Amsoil is good stuff. I have been using it for years in my off-road toys and the Mustang. It is not as easy to find on the shelf as Redline or Royal Purple though.

MOTUL FTW

Where did you get Amsoil? JRP?

I got mine from a local guy who sells it out of his garage. Amsoil is weird that way, preferring to sell it through "members" and distributors...not a lot of retail locations stock it. There is a warehouse in the GTA, but I'm not sure where it is. Check their website for a phone number and maybe you can pick some up there, or find a local distributor. You can also order it online and have it delivered right to your door. If there's one thing I don't like about Amsoil, this is it. I prefer being able to walk into a store to buy stuff.

I have also changed my tranny et diff oil, since i am drifting the car, and since i have put the Redline oil mt-90 for tranny and 75w90 gl-5 for the diff. i feel a very nice difference in the shift!