Machine Zealots - Subaru STI Engine Oil Change with German Castrol Syntec - YouTube

Hope this helps anyone who needs it =)

Afterthoughts and other things can be found on the blog:
Machine Zealots: Subaru STI Engine Oil Change

 

Dropping the under tray helps, but isn't necessary. You can get the filter out without removing it.

 

ditto,
I never removed it when I did my oil change
Access was not great, but it's there

 

Wow, that's pretty amazing. How did you go about draining the oil? I personally don't mind removing the skidplate, doesn't take long anyways, but I'll definitely check out the clearance the next time I get under there.

Still suprising to me

 

There is a weep hole in the tray that the oil from the funnels into, which actually makes it quite simple. The oil drain plug isn't covered (at least on 04 it isn't). You have to angle your arm in and have a filter wrench that fits, but it isn't that hard.