GR86 First oil change (poll)

When will you carry out the first oil change in your GR86?

  • Within 1000 miles - DIY

    Votes: 48 28.4%

  • Within 1000 miles - Independent/specialist garage

    Votes: 14 8.3%

  • Within 1000 miles - Toyota Dealer

    Votes: 25 14.8%

  • At 6000 miles or 6 months - DIY

    Votes: 5 3.0%

  • At 6000 miles or 6 months - Independent/specialist garage

    Votes: 4 2.4%

  • At 6000 miles or 6 months - Toyota Dealer

    Votes: 14 8.3%

  • At 10000 miles or 12 months - DIY

    Votes: 1 0.6%

  • At 10000 miles or 12 months - Independent/specialist garage

    Votes: 8 4.7%

  • At 10000 miles or 12 months - Toyota Dealer

    Votes: 48 28.4%

  • Other (please specify in the comments)

    Votes: 2 1.2%
  • Total voters
    169
So what we’re after is an oil high in ester meeting the spec above?

So far, all I can find is the Millers EE Performance, which seems only available in 0w20…this is what I used when I performed the running in change at 1,000 miles, but I think I’d prefer a 5w30 now the car is starting to be pushed harder, and seeing how the oil temperature rises.
 
Itcaptainslow said:
So what we’re after is an oil high in ester meeting the spec above?

So far, all I can find is the Millers EE Performance, which seems only available in 0w20…this is what I used when I performed the running in change at 1,000 miles, but I think I’d prefer a 5w30 now the car is starting to be pushed harder, and seeing how the oil temperature rises.
Click to expand...
I’ve just asked Opie to see what they say in regards to the Motul Eco Lite. It doesn’t say it’s ester based though. If they come back with Millers then I’ll go and get a second opinion elsewhere. I just find it strange that Fensport only seem to sell Millers for GR86.
 
As expected this was Opies response.
IMG_9928.webp
 
I guess the question would be “Is the ester based 0w20 more resistant to shear and more protective than the non-ester but in spec 5w30?”

From browsing the Opie website, I was struggling to find an ester based 5w30 that met the GL-6 spec mandated by Toyota.
 
Ester based oils are usually way more expensive than “normal” oils, thus not making financial sense. Save the money with the normal oil and “invest” those saved pennies to an earlier oil change. Go for Ester based oil for serious track duty like Motul 300V.

My opinion: You cannot get the right oil and be in line with the instructions manual if you are a spirited driver, that’s what I was trying to say.

IMO, if you want to keep this car long term and healthy, forget the European owner’s manual.

Understand bearing clearances, understand how oil viscosity changes with the oil temperature, understand the emissions system in your car, monitor oil temps in your driving scenarios. And pick your oil based on the above.

Long story short go for high HTHS 5W-30 with low-mid SAPS (ACEA C3 spec) for daily drivers and ocasional track days, shorten your OCI to 3k miles for spirited driving, 5k miles for daily (normal) drivers. For sustained track duty you want 5w-40.

Also don’t forget that STI in Japan recommends 0w-40 and 5w-40 for the BRZ and the GR86.
 
Itcaptainslow said:
So what we’re after is an oil high in ester meeting the spec above?

So far, all I can find is the Millers EE Performance, which seems only available in 0w20…this is what I used when I performed the running in change at 1,000 miles, but I think I’d prefer a 5w30 now the car is starting to be pushed harder, and seeing how the oil temperature rises.
Click to expand...
@Itcaptainslow Did same. Went Millers 0w-20 at 1200 miles. Now gone to Motul 8100 5w-30 at 3500 miles. Car now running better 👍
 
Itcaptainslow said:
I guess the question would be “Is the ester based 0w20 more resistant to shear and more protective than the non-ester but in spec 5w30?”

From browsing the Opie website, I was struggling to find an ester based 5w30 that met the GL-6 spec mandated by Toyota.
Click to expand...
They suggested this 5w30 that is ester based. Doesn’t seem to be the indicated spec though.
 
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My mechanic buddy just did my first Oil Change with Millers 0w20 EE Performace with Stock filter and crush washer from Fensport.

This could all potentially be a placebo, it would be good to know tomorrow’s cold start/commute if it continues.

-Initial thoughts: At 2900 Miles on first drive the throttle response seems smoother in 1st gear through London Traffic.
-2nd-3rd Gear seems smoother than it’s ever been.
-3rd Gear seems very smooth.
-It took nearly whole 6 litres of Oil, 1off 5L bottle and half of a 1L bottle.
-Draining was done meticulously by even tilting the car/pan in multiple axes to make sure the Factory Break in oil was all gone.
-A spirited drive from London to Manchester in the past week seemed to really darken the oil, and was down about 700-800ml of Oil! Before Oil change, after being very stable for the first 2000 miles.
-I hope I don’t continue to see this burn rate of oil on motorways. I usually drive like a granny and check the Oil at least once a week.

All this talk about 5w30 has gotten me a bit paranoid and am considering asking the Annual service at the dealership to switch to 5w30.

Will continue to monitor Oil levels religiously and document with a notepad, these dipsticks/engines are so inconsistent to read so I think I’ll do it every morning fully cold so that it’s a consistent variable I can control. At least it’s relative data that can be compared.

I wonder if anyone else has any similar experiences or expert advice with these engines.
 
GRaven said:
All this talk about 5w30 has gotten me a bit paranoid and am considering asking the Annual service at the dealership to switch to 5w30.
Click to expand...
Not sure that a Toyota dealership would do that since manual only says 5W-20 can be used if standard 0W isn't available...

I'll be doing my 1,000 mile change soon and also read about many using 5W-30 but wouldn't using that risk voiding your warranty if found out?
 
MorrisM said:
Not sure that a Toyota dealership would do that since manual only says 5W-20 can be used if standard 0W isn't available...

I'll be doing my 1,000 mile change soon and also read about many using 5W-30 but wouldn't using that risk voiding your warranty if found out?
Click to expand...
@MorrisM see this post.
It looks like it is the manual. All three 0w20, 5w20, 5w30.

Thread 'Which oil for fast driving (no track car)?'
https://www.gr-zoo.com/threads/which-oil-for-fast-driving-no-track-car.5887/
 
Page 370 of the owner’s manual specifies 5w30 can be used, and the following page states “Oil of a higher viscosity (than standard) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds”
 
GRaven said:
@MorrisM see this post.
It looks like it is the manual. All three 0w20, 5w20, 5w30.

Thread 'Which oil for fast driving (no track car)?'
https://www.gr-zoo.com/threads/which-oil-for-fast-driving-no-track-car.5887/
Click to expand...
I've asked about this for my service and was told 5W30 in the correct spec is not available for the the dealership to order. The dealership did give me the offer of getting the oil myself but this was messy because I've got the service plan.
I asked Toyota UK and they just focus on that the manual recommends 0-W20 and refused to acknowledge that 5W30 is also suitable. Not very impressed with Toyota UK on this.
 
Noel McC said:
@GRMatt74 5W-30 Motul 8100 Power is spot on spec wise. The cars spec is: API-SP or ILSAC GF-6A. My Motul 8100 Eco-lite 5W-30 is SP & GF-6A. I’ll go 8100 Power next change. Cheers.
Click to expand...

I’ve had email confirmation from Opie this oil does indeed meet the specification demanded by Toyota.
 
GRaven said:
My mechanic buddy just did my first Oil Change with Millers 0w20 EE Performace with Stock filter and crush washer from Fensport.

This could all potentially be a placebo, it would be good to know tomorrow’s cold start/commute if it continues.

-Initial thoughts: At 2900 Miles on first drive the throttle response seems smoother in 1st gear through London Traffic.
-2nd-3rd Gear seems smoother than it’s ever been.
-3rd Gear seems very smooth.
-It took nearly whole 6 litres of Oil, 1off 5L bottle and half of a 1L bottle.
-Draining was done meticulously by even tilting the car/pan in multiple axes to make sure the Factory Break in oil was all gone.
-A spirited drive from London to Manchester in the past week seemed to really darken the oil, and was down about 700-800ml of Oil! Before Oil change, after being very stable for the first 2000 miles.
-I hope I don’t continue to see this burn rate of oil on motorways. I usually drive like a granny and check the Oil at least once a week.

All this talk about 5w30 has gotten me a bit paranoid and am considering asking the Annual service at the dealership to switch to 5w30.

Will continue to monitor Oil levels religiously and document with a notepad, these dipsticks/engines are so inconsistent to read so I think I’ll do it every morning fully cold so that it’s a consistent variable I can control. At least it’s relative data that can be compared.

I wonder if anyone else has any similar experiences or expert advice with these engines.
Click to expand...

Update on driving 1.5 hours today. I have to report it is NOT a placebo!

I highly recommend the oil change at 7months and 3000miles.
It seriously drives like a different car, the shifts are smoother, and I am able to rev match so much more accurately!

I don't know what Subrau puts in as stock factory break in oils, but the car now has the following distinct behaviour.

-Hill starts, and friction point engine vibration is virtually gone.
-2nd Gear cruise had a vibrating resonance that used to cause a slight annoying buzz, this is gone.
-Synchro-meshing is so smooth it feels like a new gearbox!

I really can't believe the difference it makes (never had to break in a car before). Absolutely go against the Toyota service plan and do one earlier! I can't wait to see what it feels like with LSD and Gearbox fluids changed.
 
A gearbox oil change is worthwhile. I change to Millers (75W90 I think, made a post when I did it), and it did smooth out the gearbox a bit.

EDIT: Wait, hang on...you've haven't done the gearbox oil, you've just done the engine oil? The gearbox feels smoother? O_o
 
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