"Must-have" Oil Change items.

[lordtakuban]

Mobil 1 is to Motor Oil as Jose Cuervo is to tequila. It is not that good. However, I'm not sure why it would be consumed/lost so much by Subaru engines specifically. I don't use it or plan to ever use it, so I won't be able to speak directly to that specific issue.

I just did my first oil change at just over 2K miles with Motul 300V and Power Enterprise MAG II Filter; installed a QwikValve; and sent the FF oil off to Blackstone labs for a baseline analysis.

Here's some pics and links to the products I used:
First Oil Change

[Captain Insano]

I have some mobil1 full synthetic 0w-20 I'm about to use. Will post if the engine starts to eat it once I have it in the car.

[n2oinferno]

I skimmed through this, but I saw something that the OP missed.

Oil.

You definitely must have oil when doing oil changes.

Also cat litter can help to clean up spills that might happen.

[zoomzoomers]

I know I might get flamed for saying this, but I wonder if these oil manufacturers have successfully Jedi mind tricked a huge portion of our population. I have an uncle who is a retired mechanic and had his own shop for decades. He once told me that buying expensive oil is pretty much a waste. If you maintain your car well and change your oil & filter at the recommended intervals.

Now I know there's a ton of research and yada yada, but how many of us push the limits of the oils used in our cars to a point where they break down. If anything I'd gather that most enthusiasts change their oil faster than what's recommended so wouldn't logic dictate we use the value brand, that meets the standards set by the factory, and save money? I mean wven for those who track their cars, etc. Do they merit using expensive oils that will be changed out way early??? I just can't stop thinking that we've been bamboozled. LOL

[Captain Insano]

Originally Posted by zoomzoomers

I know I might get flamed for saying this, but I wonder if these oil manufacturers have successfully Jedi mind tricked a huge portion of our population. I have an uncle who is a retired mechanic and had his own shop for decades. He once told me that buying expensive oil is pretty much a waste. If you maintain your car well and change your oil & filter at the recommended intervals.

Now I know there's a ton of research and yada yada, but how many of us push the limits of the oils used in our cars to a point where they break down. If anything I'd gather that most enthusiasts change their oil faster than what's recommended so wouldn't logic dictate we use the value brand, that meets the standards set by the factory, and save money? I mean wven for those who track their cars, etc. Do they merit using expensive oils that will be changed out way early??? I just can't stop thinking that we've been bamboozled. LOL

Well, I think it's a sorta a weird bizarro world thing with oil and maintenance for car fanatics. Let's face it, if you come on this forum as much as most people that are reading this, you are probably a little bit fanatical about your car(s).

So, I do agree with alot of what you are saying. I knew a pretty great engine builder and he once told me he puts the cheapest oil he can find in his cars. He changes the oil when it needs to be changed. And he doesn't sweat it, because as long as the car has oil and you are changing it when you are supposed to, things will be fine.

I tend to agree with that, but at the same time, I know that I'm a little bit paranoid about my car too. And, I have been there in the past with some of the cars I love, spending way too much on oils and other maintenance stuff, because I'm paranoid. The only time I've ever had a problem with an engine was due to a bad aftermarket tune. Nothing to do with oil - and I've never had any other problems with an engine.

So what I'm saying... I agree with you. But I think most people that like their cars as much as we do. That will spend oodles of money on even minor performance gains or appearance modifications... They tend to not care much about overspending on oil. Know what I mean?

I think some oils definitely are better than other oils. But I also think, if you are changing your oil every 3000-4000 miles or after track sessions like most of us here, you should be just fine even if you are using an average oil instead of the very best oil money can buy.

[zoomzoomers]

Jedi mind trick = paranoia

[Jayde]

So is there ramps out there that will clear our cars and provide ample amount of space to drain the oil, but not cost an arm and a leg?

[Phaedrus29]

Originally Posted by Jayde

So is there ramps out there that will clear our cars and provide ample amount of space to drain the oil, but not cost an arm and a leg?

Don't really think so. You can use wood planks in addition to rhino ramps, like on this DIY: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11730

Or you can do what I do and just jack up the car onto the rhino ramps.

[xwd]

Originally Posted by Jayde

So is there ramps out there that will clear our cars and provide ample amount of space to drain the oil, but not cost an arm and a leg?

I have these, they work well.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...tension+kit.do

[Phaedrus29]

Originally Posted by dwx

I have these, they work well.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...tension+kit.do

Nice! So you can just drive up on those no problem? They don't look very high...how's the space underneath?

[Vukodlac]

I'm loving that Fumoto oil valve. What a great idea, thanks for the suggestion!

[RedRocket]

Originally Posted by Vukodlac

I'm loving that Fumoto oil valve. What a great idea, thanks for the suggestion!

I know.. I'm at 1200miles on my FR-S.. Might have to do my install of the Fumoto now.

[oaroyale]

Quick question, when installing the fumoto valve, do I have to use a crush washer?

[zoomzoomers]

No. The valve itself has one on it.

[=oaroyale;635667]Quick question, when installing the fumoto valve, do I have to use a crush washer?[/QUOTE]