What Gear oil do you use?

unreal808 · 06-25-2005

What do you use?

I run just regular GL4, I have tryed, Red line, GM synchromesh.
I liked how the transmission shifted with Red line And GM synchromesh, but the viscosity seems too thin and the transmissions life seems to be shorter, than when I run OEM like GL4 and change it every year.

Quote

Pennzoil-Quaker State Synchromesh is a unique transmission and transaxle fluid that is not API "GL" rated. It has an approximate gear oil grade of about SAE 80W and can be used when temperatures range from -40ºF (-40ºC) to 300ºF (150ºC). According to Pennzoil's product description it is "formulated with high quality paraffinic base stocks, a fluidity modifier, multifunctional performance additives, corrosion inhibitors, a foam suppressor and a shear stable viscosity index improver additive. It provides excellent oxidation stability, low temperature performance, excellent synchronizer performance and compatibility with yellow metals, such as bronze, brass and copper components found in manual transaxles and transmissions." This description makes Synchromesh suitable for use in some transaxles or transmissions where GL-4 gear oils are specified.

A post on the message board at www.oilanalysis.com found Synchromesh to consist of a ** 5W30** non-detergent oil with a friction modifer and an EP (extreme pressure) additive. It is made under contract for General Motors by Pennzoil (APC 3378) or by Texaco (Code 1874 MTX Fluid).

According to Don Johnson, Synchromesh fluid was developed for use in the New Venture manual transmission used by Chrysler and General Motors. Specifically, Synchromesh is formulated for transmissions that require GM Part No. 12345349 (Specification No. 9985648), GM Part No. 12345577, or Chrysler Part No. 4874464 (Specification MS-9224). Owners of Diamond Star Motors (DSM) Eclipse, Talon, and Laser cars with MMC (Mitsubishi Motor Corporation) transaxles have reported positive experiences using Synchromesh. The same can be said for owners of the Mitsubishi 3000GT and Dodge Stealth cars with the Getrag-manufactured AWD transaxles. The main benefit to DSM and 3/S owners seems to be excellent synchronizer performance, with reduced grinding and easier shifting compared to using some other gear oils.

Pennzoil Synchromesh Fluid can be purchased as that brand or as the equivalent products: Quaker State Synchromesh (Quaker State is part of Pennzoil), Texaco Synchromesh, GM Synchromesh, or AC Delco Synchromesh (part number 89021808). GM Synchromesh retails for about $10 per quart bottle at GM dealerships. Pennzoil Synchromesh is sold at many Auto Zone auto parts stores for about $5 per quart and should be available from Pennzoil distributors. Texaco Express Lube stores use Synchromesh but the stores I contacted would not sell the product by itself to customers. Pennzoil Synchromesh can be purchased in 5-gallon containers from oil-store.com.

**Kracka** · 06-25-2005

A lot of S2000 guys are using GM Synchromesh Friction Modified, anyone tried that in their DSM yet? It was specifically designed for the 1500-series pickups I guess.

I personally used, loved, and recomend Redline for DSM trannies and I will be using it in my S2k once the warranty period expires (Honda MTF for now). I used BG Synchroshift II in my Talon once and absolutely hated it, terrible feel, notchiness, and lots of grinding.

**JET** · 06-25-2005

Notchiness comes from lighter fluids, like red line, royal purple, sychromesh, etc. BG is one of the heavier fluids and results in less notchiness, but if your synchro's are already worn, it will cause more grinding. The heavier fluid offers better protection though. It is also fine to mix fluids. 1.5 qts of BG II and 1 qt of redline MTL would probably work great.

**Kracka** · 06-25-2005

I switched from BG to Redline and never felt a Mitsu transmission feel so good up until I got my race tranny.

sleepydsm · 06-25-2005

What redline fluids, or combinations of fluids, did you use Chris? I I used 3 quarts of MT-90 (I think?) and it sucked worse than the Syncromesh I was using. Then I realized most people use a blend of I think MTL and MT-90. Can someone clarify this?

Wizard · 06-25-2005

I use and John Sheppard reccomends and uses Pennzoil Syncromesh.

If it works for his car....I think that is the best test of which fluid works. And for only $5 a quart, in stock at local Autozone's, etc.....why would you use anything else?

Wiz

TkrPerformance · 06-25-2005

I use amsoil
it works great no problems with notchiness

**Halon** · 06-25-2005

I have the GM/Pennzoil Synchromesh in my tranny. I really don't feel a difference between it and the OEM stuff I originally had in it. Once I have more cash, I'm ditching it and going with Redline. Still not sure what Redline fluid, or combo of it I will use yet. But I deffinately was NOT impressed with the Synchromesh.

**JET** · 06-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizard

I use and John Sheppard reccomends and uses Pennzoil Syncromesh.
Wiz

I don't know who that guy is, but John Shepherd told me to use BG II in my tranny when I got it from him. He said he ran it in his car too.

I tried amsoil once, I took it out the next day. That was the absolute worst stuff I have ever tried! I put valvoline or something back in and it shifted much better.

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 06-25-2005

I have a mix of Neo RHD and Redline in my tranny currently. The GM Syncromesh shifts nicely, but I don't trust it for gear protection at high horsepower.

**JET** · 06-25-2005

I run Neo RHD (2 qts.) and royal purple in mine. It is expensive, but well worth it.

unreal808 · 06-25-2005

I think that everyone’s transmission, is in a different form of internal destruction, and therefore needs different friction modifiers, but lets face it if your transmission is not shifting good you need a rebuild. I suspect that some people have old transmissions that have so much slop in them that anything you put init will be a Band-Aid at best. I have yet to feel any DSM that can shift the way I wish in every situation the transmissions are shit, but so are the other manufactures, like the Ford Mustang, and yes.. even the Honda transmissions. I try to get the transmission to shift good (rebuild) than run a good heavy oil. I will look at that Neo stuff.

slowbubblecar · 06-26-2005

I used napa gl4. I heard it is good.

**Kracka** · 06-26-2005

2 quarts of MT-90 and 1 quart of MTL is the proper Redline mix in DSM trannies.

EclipseGST · 06-26-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowbubblecar

I used napa gl4. I heard it is good.

Thats what I use too... Works good enough for me.

**Kracka** · 06-26-2005

Has anyone used the Mitsu MTF?

x-pride · 06-26-2005

I used the Pennzoil and did not notice a difference from the regular gear oil. Once I figure where my leak is coming from in my tranny I will be using the more expensive stuff. But I do have a JDM tranny from a GVR4.

TheBlackKnight · 06-26-2005

Transmission: Pennzoil Syncromesh, good stuff.

Transfer case: Mobil 1 75-90w.

**Kracka** · 06-26-2005

Something you summer-only AWD guys may want to look into is Lubrication Engineers LE-607 90W gear oil for the rear ends.