Jfrahm

Or the one that is supposed to address your problem? Redline NS?

neunfünfeins

Interesting. Prior to this thread, I thought pretty much "all the cool kids" use Swepco 201. Apparently I need to do more reading...
It is GL-5, but seems to have a huge following, anyway...

Wouldn't reading the trans code off the trans be a more reliable indicator of having LSD or not?

mel_t_vin

With the 911 crowd...in the 915 and 930 gearboxes.

tj90

Im using redline 75w90 gl5 in mine and no complaints. I debated on GL4 versus GL5 and opted for the GL5 for more shear protection. Its what I am running in my 993, so I decided to stick with it. On my 944 I have a LS, but didnt go with NS version but in retrospect probably should have. Sounds to me that the shifting issue could be syncro wear. I have the same problem in my 911. I learned to rev match my shifts to 2nd. I blip the throttle while clutch is in so that I am shifting at a higher RPM which helps a great deal. I am sure I need a tranny rebuild eventually but Ive been putting it off.

MistaX

I'm using Swepco 201, and completely lost second gear for a few blocks on a cold start with today's 20F weather. Only a year on this fluid and it was like this last year too.

Once it's warmed up it's fine, but it's crap when it's cold. My trans is probably due for a rebuild, 140k on it and it doesn't seem like it's ever been apart. The LSD works when it feels like it.

400hp944

^^^^ What Mr. Greenjeans said. Swepco is all I have run in both of my race cars. I don't know why anyone would use anything else. When I have my turbo trans refreshed, the mechanic said the inside looked amazing and I wasted my money...lol My current spec car gets changed about every 3 race weekends and it gets abused. No issues at all!

neunfünfeins

True, but also the 944 crowd from what I've read various places.

To be fair though... there does seem to be a recurring theme regarding issues with 201 in cold climates, and most commonly regarding 2nd gear.

FRporscheman

Yes, the fluid you want for a 944 trans is one that specs GL-4 only, not GL-5/GL-4.

I've run Brad Penn in a 944, 928 S4, and VW Corrado VR6. In all cases, shifting when cold is as smooth as when warm, I'm a fan.

Jason @ Paragon Products

If you like Swepco 201 but want the cold weather performance that a synthetic offers, Swepco 202 is for you.

http://www.paragon-products.com/Swep...swepco-202.htm

mel_t_vin

The Borg Warner syncros in the Getrag-derived 016 gearbox are happier with a synthetic lubricant.

Same reason 911 owners with a G50/G64 don't run Swepco 201 through their box.

arthropraxis

I used Swepco once but don't remember which one. Is the consistency of 201 like honey and smell like strong sulfur? If so, is the 202 thinner in consistency?

Whichever it was I used before it made the transaxle feel like I was shifting through mud. But I don't remember what was used it could have been the wrong grade.

neunfünfeins

Yes 202 is a bit thinner. The usual 201 is 80w90 with -15F pour point, whereas 202 is 75w90 with -49F. 202 has a higher viscosity index (VI) = more consistent over temperature.
As I compare 202 to 201, I'm starting to like 202 better... on paper, anyway.
Both score 1A on the ASTM-D130 copper corrosion test, so I wouldn't worry about them attacking brass/bronze. They don't contain active sulfur EP additives.
Not sure the same can be said of Royal Purple (4A/Fail).

Kinda surprised I haven't heard more about 202...

Swepco 202 is synthetic. Still has friction modifiers for LSD. Moly is an added bonus. Naturally, 202 costs more.
If you don't like Swepco, then what do you like for a 951 M220 LSD?

neilll

I wanted to update. The Redline MT90 (which is a 75w90 GL-4 synthetic) finally got to my house today. I only had time to put the fluid in and take a 10 minute drive because we were heading out of town tonight. Right off the bat it seemed like a little bit of an improvement but as I drove it got better. I'm not sure if this was from warming up or because it took time for the new gear oil to displace the remnants of the old that didn't come out when I drained. The Royal Purple was equally not great cold and warm so it is still an improvement.

By the time I was done with my short test drive, there was no grinding but 1 to 2 was still a bit slow but could be eased in before revs matched perfectly; so better but not the same as before the initial change. I'll report back after I get a few more drives in when I get home in a week.

mrgreenjeans

I personally use 201 SWEPCO in my LSD-220 - 944 NAs, my 914 - 2.0 , my '89- M030 - 951 with 220 or LSD, and my '88 Carrera with G50 transmission.
I do NOT use it in anything newer, but go with the recommendations of the 202 SWEPCO.....

and as stated above: no issues in wear, noise, chatter, or balky shifting in any of them. Highest mileage 944 is 170, lowest is 28,000.

"like buttah"

CVR_Rally

I must try this. My 87S which has LSD is a bear to shift when the RPM is high. If I short shift say around 3500ish it's fine. No grinding but it is a PITA. When I took it to a track day last year it was like arm wrestling. Granted once I started to get used to where it wanted to shift I got better at it.