I found your channel not too long ago. You are looking at the proud papa of a "new" 2004 STi; one owner, unmolested, with 85K miles!! This is my new project care and I'm learning SO MUCH through your videos!! Thank you for posting!!
16' Sti here, Honestly feel you've got the best channel for subie sti maintenance. You've really made it super easy for reference, very thorough. Thanks man.
You know the last couple of days since they announced the STI is no more I have been seeing more hate about the them. It's really sad but it is also really cool to come back and see that everyone that watches your Channel are all extremely positive and awesome people. Really love your channel and I really love your videos and I really hope you never quit doing it. It's been great. Cheers 🙂
Haha I did not expect that Mazda filter, thanks for sharing the info! I live in Winnipeg, an extremely cold place. I only drove about 800 KM during winter in the past 3 months, but I still changed the oil this month just for the longevity of the engine
We must be related lol I do oil changes every 2k miles and everything else in half the time that subaru recommended. I beat on my cars and I believe in preventative maintenance and that's why I never have issues. Just noticed your engine bay and I have a similar theme with carbon fiber everything. I just ordered the HKS carbon fiber turbo inlet and I think it would look perfect on your setup as well.
@@prodigy-ke7sl well for new cars dealership gives 4 free oil changes between 0 - 24k miles. So that means every 6k oil change, but for an sti and pushin the car with your friends doing an oil change every 6k isn’t always good. As mentioned on the video 3-4K oil changes is good
So It sounds like you didn’t check your oil every couple weeks in between changes? My Sti consumed a quarter of a quart in 1500 miles which is pretty normal. Regarding the dealer changes you can go as soon as you want, I used up my free changes in 10 k miles. 1k after break in, 4k, 7k, 10k. After the free ones are done bring in your own motul unless you change it yourself. Remember keep an extra quart in your trunk. Check it every couple weeks add as needed.
@@lucian7182 You are correct, I thought and was told that new sti don't burn as much but according to all the videos I watch now on STI maintnance exactly what you mentioned is the recommended specs.
My STI is stock and near 15k miles, been doing 5k oil changes with Subaru dealership oil and no consumption so far (I do check every few weeks). From these comments now I'm thinking 5k isn't short enough lol But I guess it varies. Maybe my engine was built on a good day at the factory
So you actually use that metal crush washer taped to the oil filter? I used that kind once before and it leaked pretty bad. Now I use a fibrous type and have zero issues. I would like to use the metal one since that's what I get with the filter but I always buy the fibrous one separately.
Little late here but just wanted to give my 2 cents.. I notice around the 2k mile mark my oil gets pretty dang black. And that’s when I change mine. Also my tuner says that’s what I should do since most of my driving is city driving.
You are the second youtuber I see talking about using 5w-40. Someone said that with 5w-40 the engine runs "quieter" and "smoother" I just got a 21 STI and want to do it right the first time. Would running 5w-40 be more beneficial than running 5w-30? I am completely stock and plan on staying stock. Only thing I will is an exhaust later on. Also, it's worth noting I drive the car a lot, between 15-18k miles per year. I appreciate any input guys!
How much power added did you switch over to 40. I have all the basics that a Subie owner does. Exhaust Cobb intake with the box and all that tubing. And I have the AC flashed on a stage 2 tune. Do you recommend staying with the 30 Or going up to the 40. Tbh I just don’t know how more power I’m really making. Please and thank you. Love the videos. Hope mine can be like your one’s day.
I’m due for an oil change and wanna make the switch now if it’s better for the engine even with just a little power difference rather risking it with the 30 also don’t wanna make the wrong switch what’s do you recommend. Living in RI area
@@willmorissette1499 first you have to understand what you are trying to do with the oil. First you are trying to lubricate the engine, which obviously you know that. The 2nd is maintaining viscosity, 5w 30, 5 being Viscosity rating for winter and 30 being your summer/hot viscosity rating. The higher the number does not mean more lubrication, moving to a higher number will not lube the engine better. So why do tuners asks for higher number? Simply because you run more power, I.e. your engine gets hotter. As the hotter the engine gets the viscosity of the oil lowers. When the viscosity of the oil lowers, 2 things happen. The oil does thin out and secondly your oil pressure goes down. Summary, if you are running a much spicer tune and power on your sti then yes move on up anything above 300whp will be fine. But for stock tune it makes no sense. I have an evo 10 as well as my sti and I run 5w-40 in the evo but run 5w-30 on the sti because it is stock levels (stage one intake tune). However if you live in super hot climates like Phoenix and south Florida, during the summer, run the 5w-40, then switch back during the winter. Overall if you read your service manual, you are allowed to use 5w-40, but not recommended (cause they assume you are stock) in the EVOs service manual they actually give you a table saying that if the ambient is at a certain temp, use 5w-40
I found the NGK 2309 LFR7AIX Iridium IX Spark Plugs on Amazon except they say that these don’t fit my 2016 STI and are for a motorcycle vehicle type. None of my local shops sell them, and NGK will take too long to ship. Any recommendations?
@@Autofreakgarage what’s considered enough power to switch. Any ots stage 2 tune. exhaust. intake or even just the stage 1 tune. Basically when’s the switching point you recommend power wise bc I’m stage 2 exhaust intake with the Cobb box and not really sure to make the switch to 40 like everyone else or run 30. Please lmk. Please and thank you
Check out my videos on both. You’ll need 5-6 total for both diff and trans. ua-cam.com/video/yaQS2UmFcg8/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/P898UoAMOWQ/v-deo.html
Great video, love the channel and all your videos. Agree with you 110% on your time intervals and “maintenance system”. I also use Motul 8100 5w-40. One thing I noticed not talked about is Upper intake cleaning. Have you ever considered or have done an upper intake cleaning on your EJ? I do one with every oil change and you can really tell the difference. Thanks and have a great day. Keep the videos coming!
@@Autofreakgarage No, actually pulling the vacuum line from the top of the intake and using intake cleaner. The process of spraying smalls amount of intake cleaner into the intake while the car is holding around 2k rpm and allowing the cleaner to clean any carbon build up.
@@richardjackson9421 I use CRC intake and turbo cleaner. At top center of intake you have a 90 degree chrome nipple with a rubber line attached to it. While the car is running I pull the hose off the nipple and connect a hose (I got from the auto store) and spray. Slowly.
@scoobyfreak86 Hey man, Question for you I’m looking to do a FMIC and just curious if the piping will interfere with the carbon fiber battery cover as well as fuse box?
Very informative video thank you! Also, I'm in the process of looking for a 2018+ bumper for my 2015 STi, did you have any fitment issues when converting? I also have an ETS 4in which I am hoping I can tuck in there somehow lol
@@Autofreakgarage Yes I might have to trimm... but besides that it will fully mount on the car properly right? Like plug and play (besides fog bezels). Thank you!!
So for the tire rotation part I have directional tires. Would you recommend that I demount them and flip them so I can cross rotate too? Maybe like every other oil change?
For everyone wondering I just did some research I recommended you use motul 5w30 x-clean for the wrx and 5w-40 x-cess for Sti I should’ve did Research before buying 5w-40 don’t be like me lol😭
Any chance you can add a tl:dr or timestamps in the description? I have ADHD and put it on 2x speed 6 min is still long hahah. I've been looking for a real car guy service schedule. Everyone says 6k miles for oil change and I immediately turn the video off
@@Autofreakgarage That's the same experience with me, high performance BMW guys seem to like it, easier to get here than Motul so I'll probably stick to that
so bro just change the intake filter cone? im planning to get grimspeed for my fa20. Just wondering what should i use to clean the cone or just replace the cone?
There are filter cleaners that you can purchase. I usually keep 2 on hand so I can just replace at the time of the service and then clean the other one when I have the time. Allows for little down time.
Tell me how i called the dealer to schedule my 30k Trans/ Dif fluid on my 2019 sti im currently at 31,300 the guy goes "theres nothing wrong with the dif fluid and trans it supposed to last you till 100k and you shouldn't touch it the car is still new but its your car" I had to come back to your vid to share this info i almost laughed on the phone. What do you guys think?
i wanna start using motul engine oil bud i don't wanna void my warranty. what's your opinion on the stock Subaru 5w30 oil, i change it every 1,500-2,000 miles depending on how i drive it that month. should i keep using it until im out of warranty or should i say screw it and start using motul. its a 2020 sti with just under 19k miles.
@@Autofreakgarage thanks mane 👌🏼 I’ll put some more thought into it, it’s not like they can tell what kinda oil is in it anyways. Is this oil ok to use with stock oil filter. I don’t wanna use the Mazda one because that would be a dead giveaway and they would void my warranty.
I found your channel not too long ago.
You are looking at the proud papa of a "new" 2004 STi; one owner, unmolested, with 85K miles!!
This is my new project care and I'm learning SO MUCH through your videos!!
Thank you for posting!!
about to get a "new" 2012 sti. one owner, stock, 92k miles. let's get it
16' Sti here, Honestly feel you've got the best channel for subie sti maintenance. You've really made it super easy for reference, very thorough. Thanks man.
You know the last couple of days since they announced the STI is no more I have been seeing more hate about the them. It's really sad but it is also really cool to come back and see that everyone that watches your Channel are all extremely positive and awesome people. Really love your channel and I really love your videos and I really hope you never quit doing it. It's been great. Cheers 🙂
Thanks for the kind works and the support!
@@Autofreakgarage Of course man. It's such a big positive in a negative world.
Haha I did not expect that Mazda filter, thanks for sharing the info!
I live in Winnipeg, an extremely cold place. I only drove about 800 KM during winter in the past 3 months, but I still changed the oil this month just for the longevity of the engine
Subaru's black Japan oil filter is the same as the Mazda Filter
just in case if you cant find one
I have a built ej257 motor and I change my oil every 2600km with Bardahl 5w-50 XTR. Spark plugs every 6k km, coolant every year.
We must be related lol
I do oil changes every 2k miles and everything else in half the time that subaru recommended. I beat on my cars and I believe in preventative maintenance and that's why I never have issues.
Just noticed your engine bay and I have a similar theme with carbon fiber everything. I just ordered the HKS carbon fiber turbo inlet and I think it would look perfect on your setup as well.
If you're stock or even stage 1 penzoil ultra platinum is really good oil too without breaking the bank
I agree3k miles is good for oil change. I just blew my engine at 22k miles. I'm covered by warranty but don't risk it
How?
@@prodigy-ke7sl well for new cars dealership gives 4 free oil changes between 0 - 24k miles. So that means every 6k oil change, but for an sti and pushin the car with your friends doing an oil change every 6k isn’t always good. As mentioned on the video 3-4K oil changes is good
So It sounds like you didn’t check your oil every couple weeks in between changes? My Sti consumed a quarter of a quart in 1500 miles which is pretty normal. Regarding the dealer changes you can go as soon as you want, I used up my free changes in 10 k miles. 1k after break in, 4k, 7k, 10k. After the free ones are done bring in your own motul unless you change it yourself. Remember keep an extra quart in your trunk. Check it every couple weeks add as needed.
@@lucian7182 You are correct, I thought and was told that new sti don't burn as much but according to all the videos I watch now on STI maintnance exactly what you mentioned is the recommended specs.
My STI is stock and near 15k miles, been doing 5k oil changes with Subaru dealership oil and no consumption so far (I do check every few weeks). From these comments now I'm thinking 5k isn't short enough lol
But I guess it varies. Maybe my engine was built on a good day at the factory
If I ever had an sti I've always said it would have to be as pristine as yours. Great video as always scooby!
So you actually use that metal crush washer taped to the oil filter? I used that kind once before and it leaked pretty bad. Now I use a fibrous type and have zero issues. I would like to use the metal one since that's what I get with the filter but I always buy the fibrous one separately.
The crush washer is for the drain plug, not the filter.
@@Autofreakgarage that's what I meant lmao 🤣🤦♂️
Motul is great, my tuner switched me from the xcess 5w-40 to 10W-40 300V
Love your channel man, keep up the good work 👍🏻 you have a beautiful tool set!! Could you make a video of your tool setup if you haven’t already?
Thanks for the support! I plan to do a garage tour soon.
just switched actually today to motul 5w-40 and can definitely tell a difference
Do you recommend 5w-40 for a stock STI? Just exhaust ?
Stick to 5w30 if stock performance wise.
If It’s tune and down pipe exhaust intercooler turbo inlet blow off valve intake and Cobb access port and solenoid stick still with 5w-30 or 5w_40
Always Love the best oil opinion banter from everyone 🤣🤣🤣
Awesome thanks.
Thank you so much!!! You are very helpful!!
I heard the ruthenium plugs that are kinda new are really good. Would you recommend those?
Little late here but just wanted to give my 2 cents..
I notice around the 2k mile mark my oil gets pretty dang black. And that’s when I change mine. Also my tuner says that’s what I should do since most of my driving is city driving.
Great video as always!
I use for my stock 2017 STI motul 5w30 X clean EFE
You are the second youtuber I see talking about using 5w-40. Someone said that with 5w-40 the engine runs "quieter" and "smoother" I just got a 21 STI and want to do it right the first time. Would running 5w-40 be more beneficial than running 5w-30? I am completely stock and plan on staying stock. Only thing I will is an exhaust later on.
Also, it's worth noting I drive the car a lot, between 15-18k miles per year. I appreciate any input guys!
If you are stock and not running any more power than stock, stick to 5w30. I only move to 40 when I added more power overall to keep the motor cooler.
How much power added did you switch over to 40. I have all the basics that a Subie owner does. Exhaust Cobb intake with the box and all that tubing. And I have the AC flashed on a stage 2 tune. Do you recommend staying with the 30
Or going up to the 40. Tbh I just don’t know how more power I’m really making. Please and thank you. Love the videos. Hope mine can be like your one’s day.
I’m due for an oil change and wanna make the switch now if it’s better for the engine even with just a little power difference rather risking it with the 30 also don’t wanna make the wrong switch what’s do you recommend. Living in RI area
I switched over once I was at 350. I would say anything over 330.
@@willmorissette1499 first you have to understand what you are trying to do with the oil. First you are trying to lubricate the engine, which obviously you know that. The 2nd is maintaining viscosity, 5w 30, 5 being Viscosity rating for winter and 30 being your summer/hot viscosity rating. The higher the number does not mean more lubrication, moving to a higher number will not lube the engine better.
So why do tuners asks for higher number? Simply because you run more power, I.e. your engine gets hotter. As the hotter the engine gets the viscosity of the oil lowers. When the viscosity of the oil lowers, 2 things happen. The oil does thin out and secondly your oil pressure goes down.
Summary, if you are running a much spicer tune and power on your sti then yes move on up anything above 300whp will be fine. But for stock tune it makes no sense. I have an evo 10 as well as my sti and I run 5w-40 in the evo but run 5w-30 on the sti because it is stock levels (stage one intake tune). However if you live in super hot climates like Phoenix and south Florida, during the summer, run the 5w-40, then switch back during the winter. Overall if you read your service manual, you are allowed to use 5w-40, but not recommended (cause they assume you are stock) in the EVOs service manual they actually give you a table saying that if the ambient is at a certain temp, use 5w-40
I found the NGK 2309 LFR7AIX Iridium IX Spark Plugs on Amazon except they say that these don’t fit my 2016 STI and are for a motorcycle vehicle type. None of my local shops sell them, and NGK will take too long to ship. Any recommendations?
I have a stock 2020 Sti and live in NJ as well. Would you still recommend 5W-40? Or only if you are running more HP
Only if you are running more power. Stock power 5w30
Thanks for this, I also have a stock '20 and live in the northeast (NY). Cheers
@@Autofreakgarage what’s considered enough power to switch. Any ots stage 2 tune. exhaust. intake or even just the stage 1 tune. Basically when’s the switching point you recommend power wise bc I’m stage 2 exhaust intake with the Cobb box and not really sure to make the switch to 40 like everyone else or run 30. Please lmk. Please and thank you
What air cleaner setup do you have? It is really nice looking!
The intake? Cobb redline
great video. keep it up
nice! how about the fuel filter?
About how many bottles of Motul 75w90 would i need for the transmission and diff just hit 31k on my 2019 Sti so i will be changing .
Check out my videos on both. You’ll need 5-6 total for both diff and trans.
ua-cam.com/video/yaQS2UmFcg8/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/P898UoAMOWQ/v-deo.html
Thanks and appreciate all the info on the Sti helps out tons being a first time owner!
I like to use NGK Laser Iridium
Great video, love the channel and all your videos. Agree with you 110% on your time intervals and “maintenance system”. I also use Motul 8100 5w-40.
One thing I noticed not talked about is Upper intake cleaning. Have you ever considered or have done an upper intake cleaning on your EJ? I do one with every oil change and you can really tell the difference. Thanks and have a great day. Keep the videos coming!
Thanks for the support! Are you referring to cleaning the throttle body?
@@Autofreakgarage No, actually pulling the vacuum line from the top of the intake and using intake cleaner. The process of spraying smalls amount of intake cleaner into the intake while the car is holding around 2k rpm and allowing the cleaner to clean any carbon build up.
Do you use sea foam? Which line do you pull
@@richardjackson9421 I use CRC intake and turbo cleaner. At top center of intake you have a 90 degree chrome nipple with a rubber line attached to it. While the car is running I pull the hose off the nipple and connect a hose (I got from the auto store) and spray. Slowly.
These cars dont really need that theres no carbon build up thier port injected
Great video, I have to ask where you got all the carbon fiber dress up parts? That engine bay is awesome!
Thanks! They are from a few brands. Subispeed, Cobb, password jdm, and revel gt.
@@Autofreakgarage thank you man, love your content.
@scoobyfreak86 Hey man, Question for you I’m looking to do a FMIC and just curious if the piping will interfere with the carbon fiber battery cover as well as fuse box?
You shouldn’t have any issues with the tmic piping on those.
Very informative video thank you! Also, I'm in the process of looking for a 2018+ bumper for my 2015 STi, did you have any fitment issues when converting? I also have an ETS 4in which I am hoping I can tuck in there somehow lol
Glad to have helped! Might have to do some trimming with the 4”, but not certain since I never ran it with a fmic.
@@Autofreakgarage Yes I might have to trimm... but besides that it will fully mount on the car properly right? Like plug and play (besides fog bezels). Thank you!!
Yes it’s an OEM piece so bolts right up.
So for the tire rotation part I have directional tires. Would you recommend that I demount them and flip them so I can cross rotate too? Maybe like every other oil change?
I would just transfer the fronts to the backs so they are facing same direction but still are being rotated.
When changing the diff and tranny fluid, does the car have to be flat? or can you change it either the front or rear elevated?
Trans should be flat due to the location of the drain bolt. Diff is ok being tilted to one side.
Have a 2019 sti, always use motul 5w30. Would it be beneficial to convert to 5w40 on a stock block?
Stay 30 if stock
You mention Motul brake fluid, do you use the rbf series or dot 5.1? Also off topic, how hard was it to fit the AOS under the Perrin strut bar?
amzn.to/3qbFVdb
My shop did it, but it wasn’t hard. Just need to position the aos correctly on the bracket.
What about power steering fluid ?
Stock is fine. I never changed that out as I didn’t have a need.
For everyone wondering I just did some research I recommended you use motul 5w30 x-clean for the wrx and 5w-40 x-cess for Sti I should’ve did Research before buying 5w-40 don’t be like me lol😭
I’m due for spark plug change….where do you recommend to buy them? The dealer is asking $17 per plug…street robbery.
Link below for the plugs and everything else discussed in the video.
Any chance you can add a tl:dr or timestamps in the description? I have ADHD and put it on 2x speed 6 min is still long hahah. I've been looking for a real car guy service schedule. Everyone says 6k miles for oil change and I immediately turn the video off
My 2019 Sti is completely stock should i stick to Oem or Motul 75w90 is fine?
I would recommend moving over to Motul. Much smooth feel all around.
@@Autofreakgarage Thanks!
Thoughts on Liquimolly for oil changes?
I don’t have experience with it so I can’t comment. I do know a lot of e9x M3 guys use it in their s65’s.
@@Autofreakgarage That's the same experience with me, high performance BMW guys seem to like it, easier to get here than Motul so I'll probably stick to that
do you use that motul fluid for both trans and diff? or is there any specific for them?
ua-cam.com/video/yaQS2UmFcg8/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/P898UoAMOWQ/v-deo.html
Ams 5w50
any one know anything about ams oil it works great in my subi rn
so bro just change the intake filter cone? im planning to get grimspeed for my fa20. Just wondering what should i use to clean the cone or just replace the cone?
There are filter cleaners that you can purchase. I usually keep 2 on hand so I can just replace at the time of the service and then clean the other one when I have the time. Allows for little down time.
The spark plugs you use work on 2020 Sti everywhere I check says product doesn’t fit car !!?
Yes they fit
My store sells ngk plugs we just go by "2309"
What break fluid do you use ?
Motul fluids for the whole car
Tell me how i called the dealer to schedule my 30k Trans/ Dif fluid on my 2019 sti im currently at 31,300 the guy goes "theres nothing wrong with the dif fluid and trans it supposed to last you till 100k and you shouldn't touch it the car is still new but its your car"
I had to come back to your vid to share this info i almost laughed on the phone.
What do you guys think?
Find a new dealer.
@@Autofreakgarage will look into that
I am about to hit 30k and looks like I have to set some time aside to do sone fluid changes lol
When you fill up the car, do you use E85 gas or regular?
Shell 93
i wanna start using motul engine oil bud i don't wanna void my warranty. what's your opinion on the stock Subaru 5w30 oil, i change it every 1,500-2,000 miles depending on how i drive it that month. should i keep using it until im out of warranty or should i say screw it and start using motul. its a 2020 sti with just under 19k miles.
That’s up to you. But honestly, I would switch over to Motul as soon as you can.
@@Autofreakgarage thanks mane 👌🏼 I’ll put some more thought into it, it’s not like they can tell what kinda oil is in it anyways. Is this oil ok to use with stock oil filter. I don’t wanna use the Mazda one because that would be a dead giveaway and they would void my warranty.
Yes it’s fine with use with stock filter.
I believe 8100 x clean is API cert’d
You won’t void your warranty by using a different brand of oil as long as it is still has the same specs as OEM.
All this stuff work with 2013 sti as well?
Yes sir
@@Autofreakgarage you’re the best.
what if my car is stock? lol i have a 21 Sti
Yes, I would follow the same regiment.
I want to complain about the air intake but it carbon fiber so I cant now
Thank you
New sub
what car cover is that?
ua-cam.com/video/5W6_SGpktF4/v-deo.html
You really don’t have directional tires on your sti?!? what lol
how could you criss cross the tires if they are directional.
Michelin PS4s's are non directional.
@@Autofreakgarage oh wow, I am learning things here. Thanks
Wow, I would've thought those are directional too, I just thought all high-performance tires are. Live and learn