Hey guys, I was just wondering what trans fluid to use? a friend suggested 15W50 synthetic motor oil... because I put 80W-120 gear oil in and it feels like I have no oil in the trans at all, when I shift... Any suggestions? What seems to work the best? Thanks guys (in advance)

 

you might want to mention if it's manual or automatic, sounds like a manual. royal purple makes a fluid for manuals the require 30w motor oil, never used it but from talkign tio the sales rep it sounded like the way to go. i run amsoil gear oil in my wc t5.

 

Stick with Amsoil. From talking to the engineers that do oil testing, Amsoil and Redline come out on top (and have for years), the Royal Purple is junk (1960's technology).

 

and I can get these from like Autozone? (redline, I'm pretty sure I've seen...) but whats AMS or whatever? some automatic trans fluid stuff? what weight should I use? (82 4-spd manual)

 

Amsoil is not too common in chain type stores. Your best bet is to look in your yellow pages under Peutroleum (spelling?) and Lubricants. There are a good number of people who sell it on a smaller level or out of their homes.

 

So, I believe redline is sold in chain stores, is amsoil so much better than redline that I should try to find it somewhere rather than just getting redline?

 

Those 2 have a reputation for being the best on the market, but as to which is better out of the 2, I have no idea. Some Redline products are available at your local Pep Boys, but almost every town has someone who sells Amsoil. There are people who will use nothing, but Amsoil in there cars for all their lubricants, but Redline has a great reputation. It's just a matter of cost for most people. I've used Redline's Fuel System Cleaner and was very impressed, but I can't vouch for anything else of theirs. If you can't get either one of those, then Mobil 1 is your best bet behind those.

-The Gunny

 

Yes, but what weight should I use? Does redline make only one weight?

 

The factory uses automatic trans fluid. I prefer a 0/20 engine oil as I feel the tranny fluid just doesn't give enough protection. This trans has a bad habit of burning-up and needs all the help it can get, but heavier oil just doesn't get into the gears and bearings as it should so you have to stay with a light oil. I haven't tried any of the true synthetics because of syncro concerns...and removing it if it didn't work well. EEE

 

yea, the stuff I put in there was heavy as all hell, and THICK... Whats wrong with using synthetic w/ the synchros?... thinking about using 0W20 then for my trans then..? why not synthetic? what happens to the synchros?

 

The syncros are actually like little 'gear brakes' that depend on friction to match the gearspeed to the shaft speed. The synthetic might be a little too slick for proper action. If the shifting gets stiff and 'notchy' get it out of there.The thick gear oil will blow your trans, so get it out of there! The problem with the trans is when you have trouble, it's not just bearings, it's shafts and gears, and they are EXPENSIVE!

 

If you have a 4 speed that early the factory still used the thick stuff 80 90w. Mobil 1 it.

 

Thats what I'm saying tho... I do use the thick stuff but it feels like there is nothing in there at all ;p... So I'm still thinking maybe Redline (if they are weighted, 0W20??) Can someone set me strait? .... Thank you much for your patience.

 

WwHhhhoooaa. Sorry, I missed where you said it was a 4speed!!I thought (assumed ) it was a T5. The 4 speeds take 80/90W , the T5s the light stuff. I do recommend the synthetic in there as those trannys need help too. Yours is an ultra wide ratio 3.44 low gear. My sauce of choice in those is Shells' semi-synthetic 75/90...cheaper than the full synthetics and just as effective. Sorry again about the mis-direction! EEE

 

Yo guys, this topic caught my eye. I'm switchin over from an auto (th350) to a T5 here right now. Everything's out i'm just waitin for all the T5 stuff. I bought a bunch of stuff from pepboys last week, one of which was trans fluid. I got the Valvoline ATF Synthetic. Any knowledge of this fluid as to wether it'll be good in the trans or if I should not go synthetic or somehting else all together?? I've always heard synthetics are better, but this is my first manual trans, so I wanna make sure I get the right stuff in there for optimal performance. Thanks

 

Hey, thanks, Ian for all the help No probs on the misunderstanding... I didn't buy anything yet... so as of now, I'm getting Shell 75W90 Synthetic... err... Semi-Synthetic? sounds good... thanks a bunch!