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Thanks! I'm far from needing a change but it's nice to know what is out there and then finding other options as possible solutions. In terms of diffs, I would probably go with Subaru or something like Motul. For CVT, I was looking at the Amsoil CVT fluid but I haven't heard of anyone using it and of any problems.
AMSOIL CVT fluid works great in a Subaru. I know a couple of people who have swapped over to it.
 
Severe duty for the differentials will be roughly 24k miles. I make it standard habit to do my brake fluid, differentials, trans (CVT, Auto or Manual) every 30k. I just recently posted an OEM fluid chart in the maintenance page, so feel free to check that out. Subaru offers a 75W-80 GL5, but only in 5 gallon jugs, so I went aftermarket and did Motul 75W-80. You can also use a 75W-90 but may see a decrease in economy, but likely not enough to justify any changes.
How is the shifting and performance of the transmission with Motul 75W80? Are you happy with it? It’s the only fluid I can find that’s both GL4 and GL5 specified. Probably as close to EXTRA MT as you can get in an aftermarket oil.
 
How is the shifting and performance of the transmission with Motul 75W80? Are you happy with it? It’s the only fluid I can find that’s both GL4 and GL5 specified. Probably as close to EXTRA MT as you can get in an aftermarket oil.
So far I have zero complaints. Shifts great. I'd done a couple thousand miles and about to do another 600+ this weekend on it.
 
So far I have zero complaints. Shifts great. I'd done a couple thousand miles and about to do another 600+ this weekend on it.
Thanks, that’s very useful. The closest thing I’ve been able to source in Canada is Titan Sintofluid 75W80 by Fuchs. By the description it’s probably functionally equivalent to the Motul 75W80. Fuchs Sinto Fluid 75W80 | f260a | GermanParts.ca
 
I changed out my M Tranny and R Diff fluids last weekend to Motul 300 75w90 which is rated GL4/5. I think some other people on the forum have done the same. Although the owners manual did say that it could detract from economy and drivability the only difference I can feel is that shifts take slightly more effort. I kind of like that though.
 
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I changed out my M Tranny and R Diff fluids last weekend to Motul 300 75w90 which is rated GL4/5. I think some other people on the forum have done the same. Although the owners manual did say that it could detract from economy and drivability the only difference I can feel is that shifts take slightly more effort. I kind of like that though.
I ran AMSOIL SG 75W-90 in my 17' 5MT and it felt fine as well.
 
I ran AMSOIL SG 75W-90 in my 17' 5MT and it felt fine as well.
You went from a 17' to a 21' ? What was the biggest upgrade between those model years for you?
 
You went from a 17' to a 21' ? What was the biggest upgrade between those model years for you?
Honestly, not much of a difference. The 17' was just a first model year so I had a couple warranty issues that were taken care of. The 21' Sport trim hasn't changed since my 17' Sport, besides seat color and wheel design. I just love these little cars. Both have no power, but both ride great and are super quiet. I actually had an 18' Civic Si between my Impreza's and for more money the car didn't ride as well and had a much louder cabin. I do miss the turbo power though.
 
yeah, the biggest power mod I've done is taking out the carbon filter. Car feels better imo.
 
I think the Impreza would be fine with the 2.5 from the Legacy. A little bigger and more power as opposed to going with a turbo. Just my opinion though. Don't get me wrong, turbos are nice. I have an S4 twin turbo but I didn't buy the Impreza to be a speed demon. If I was looking for that and wanted to stay with Subaru I would have gotten a WRX. Since this is an everyday car for me along with smoking cigars, I couldn't justify more money. Now my S4, that is a different story! One day I will fix it up and it will be better than ever. Until then, it just sits in the garage.
 
I think the Impreza would be fine with the 2.5 from the Legacy. A little bigger and more power as opposed to going with a turbo. Just my opinion though. Don't get me wrong, turbos are nice. I have an S4 twin turbo but I didn't buy the Impreza to be a speed demon. If I was looking for that and wanted to stay with Subaru I would have gotten a WRX. Since this is an everyday car for me along with smoking cigars, I couldn't justify more money. Now my S4, that is a different story! One day I will fix it up and it will be better than ever. Until then, it just sits in the garage.
I think the 2.5 would also be a great option and likely even get better mileage with the gearing the car has. My personal recommendation would be to use the 1.6 or 1.8 turbo engines used in the Levorg overseas in the Impreza. I think it would offer more power, better mileage and a tuning aspect for people who want to tinker.
 
I think the 2.5 would also be a great option and likely even get better mileage with the gearing the car has. My personal recommendation would be to use the 1.6 or 1.8 turbo engines used in the Levorg overseas in the Impreza. I think it would offer more power, better mileage and a tuning aspect for people who want to tinker.
A Levorg over here would be nice....
 
I changed out my M Tranny and R Diff fluids last weekend to Motul 300 75w90 which is rated GL4/5. I think some other people on the forum have done the same. Although the owners manual did say that it could detract from economy and drivability the only difference I can feel is that shifts take slightly more effort. I kind of like that though.
Some Crosstrek 6MT owners have had stiff shifting and driveability problems in the winter on Motul 300 75W90. If you live in an area with lower winter temperatures you’re probably better off with 75W80 for year round use.
 
Good to know. Thanks!
 
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I know this is an Impreza forum but I wanted to share some experience with Redline MT-90 which is a GL4 75W-90. I used it in both my old 95 Pathfinder MT and my old 2004 A4 MT. When it was below 30 degrees it absolutely sucked! The colder it was, the harder it was to shift until the MT warmed up. I was extremely surprised since this stuff was supposed to be good till -54. In colder temps it was like shifting through mud and sometimes the shifter would be frozen and have to be hit to break it look (by hand of course). I ended up getting rid of the Pathfinder with the Redline still in there. In the A4, I ended up going back to OEM fluid before I junked it.
 
I just purchased a preowned 2017 Impreza Sport 5 speed with 64,000 miles on the odo. I was lucky enough to buy it from the dealership that sold it originally and did all of the maint, so I know the drive line fluids were done at about 40,000 miles. However, the 5 speed is not shifting that well, very notchy and a bit sloppy, so I am going to change all the drive line oils. I am leaning toward Motul Gear 300 75w90 but a couple people here said it made shifts harder. I don't want that, but I do want a 100% synthetic, long lasting oil that also smooths out shifting a bit. Is there really a marked difference in feel between Motul 75w90 vs 75w80?
 
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