Gear oil for your 993
Thread Starter
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 8
From: Chino hills, CA
Gear oil for your 993
Boy and girls,
Here is a gear oil that's specifically made for our 993 trans/axle environment with added friction modifier for our synchros to work correctly when cold. It is both GL4 and 5 which is perfect for our transaxle boxes.
I haven't had the chance to try this in my 993 yet, as my 993 is shifting perfectly right now (don't want to mess with a good thing), don't know exactly what I have in there, for sure it is Swepco 201 as base and some additive added in. Have over 30k miles on it now, like I said it is shifting perfect, so I am not going to chance it.
So... back to the original subject. The previous stupif California yuppie owner of my 996 didn't baby the 2nd gear synchros so I was suffering some 2nd gear cold shifting problem. And decided to experienment with some special mix fluid to see if it would help with the symptoms. Long story short, the fluid didn't work out really well at first, actually made it worst... come to find out it was the idoit me that didn't follow the filling capacity by the manual and over filled the slush box.
Well, after draining some of the fluid I found the transmission to be in perfect working order. The cold shifing problem is very slight now, almost all gone. So the fluid certainly did what it was advertised to do, from reading the tech information from the web site it does sound very convincing, and I like it. And will be using it in my 996 for now.
Just FYI.
The fluid is made by a company call Specialty formulations, the web site is:
Here is the link to the data sheet on the product that I used. MTL-R
http://specialtyformulations.com/
http://specialtyformulations.com/MTL-R.htm
Here is a gear oil that's specifically made for our 993 trans/axle environment with added friction modifier for our synchros to work correctly when cold. It is both GL4 and 5 which is perfect for our transaxle boxes.
I haven't had the chance to try this in my 993 yet, as my 993 is shifting perfectly right now (don't want to mess with a good thing), don't know exactly what I have in there, for sure it is Swepco 201 as base and some additive added in. Have over 30k miles on it now, like I said it is shifting perfect, so I am not going to chance it.
So... back to the original subject. The previous stupif California yuppie owner of my 996 didn't baby the 2nd gear synchros so I was suffering some 2nd gear cold shifting problem. And decided to experienment with some special mix fluid to see if it would help with the symptoms. Long story short, the fluid didn't work out really well at first, actually made it worst... come to find out it was the idoit me that didn't follow the filling capacity by the manual and over filled the slush box.
Well, after draining some of the fluid I found the transmission to be in perfect working order. The cold shifing problem is very slight now, almost all gone. So the fluid certainly did what it was advertised to do, from reading the tech information from the web site it does sound very convincing, and I like it. And will be using it in my 996 for now.
Just FYI.
The fluid is made by a company call Specialty formulations, the web site is:
Here is the link to the data sheet on the product that I used. MTL-R
http://specialtyformulations.com/
http://specialtyformulations.com/MTL-R.htm
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 82
From: CA>Oklahoma!
Hi Robin,
I've tried Swepco 201 and now Mobil 1 in an attempt to improve cold shifting. The Mobil 1 may be slightly better than Swepco, but I still get a little "click" shifting into third when the transmission isn't fully warmed up. I just ordered a gallon of the MTL-R, and I'll keep you posted on the outcome.
I've tried Swepco 201 and now Mobil 1 in an attempt to improve cold shifting. The Mobil 1 may be slightly better than Swepco, but I still get a little "click" shifting into third when the transmission isn't fully warmed up. I just ordered a gallon of the MTL-R, and I'll keep you posted on the outcome.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by BobbyT
I've tried Swepco 201 and now Mobil 1 in an attempt to improve cold shifting.
Thread Starter
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 8
From: Chino hills, CA
Well, Swepco is better for cold shifting than Mobil 1.
Going back to my records, this is what I tried.
Mobil1, Redline, Dino oil, Swepco 201 (with additive)
From my research (sorry not a chemical eneginner so the lingual may not be correct)...
Our transmission is a combined transmission and differential design so typically GL5 would be great for differential application but terrible for the synchors, GL4 is good for gear box application with synchros but not good enough for the high pressure envirnment for the differential.
So... theoritically GL4/GL5 mix with friction modifier should be the best blend. I think even Porsche uses a different mix for the 993 from the factory, which is stuff you can't get here. Same for the 996, the recommended oil for the 996 is something like the Shell transaxle and Mobilube something like that. Which neither is avaliable in the state unless you go through the dealer at $55 a quart.
I called a Shell enginner and had him look up the composition of the Shell transxle, which he said that there isn't anything in the US off the shelf that's comparable. So.....
I am happy with the performance of the MTR from Specialty Forumlations, I found the information from a site call "Bob the oil guy", is a discussion board completely dedicated to oil. I was amazed by the contribution and inputs from everyone concerning this subjest, and the MTR was the one that everyone recommended there.
Going back to my records, this is what I tried.
Mobil1, Redline, Dino oil, Swepco 201 (with additive)
From my research (sorry not a chemical eneginner so the lingual may not be correct)...
Our transmission is a combined transmission and differential design so typically GL5 would be great for differential application but terrible for the synchors, GL4 is good for gear box application with synchros but not good enough for the high pressure envirnment for the differential.
So... theoritically GL4/GL5 mix with friction modifier should be the best blend. I think even Porsche uses a different mix for the 993 from the factory, which is stuff you can't get here. Same for the 996, the recommended oil for the 996 is something like the Shell transaxle and Mobilube something like that. Which neither is avaliable in the state unless you go through the dealer at $55 a quart.
I called a Shell enginner and had him look up the composition of the Shell transxle, which he said that there isn't anything in the US off the shelf that's comparable. So.....
I am happy with the performance of the MTR from Specialty Forumlations, I found the information from a site call "Bob the oil guy", is a discussion board completely dedicated to oil. I was amazed by the contribution and inputs from everyone concerning this subjest, and the MTR was the one that everyone recommended there.
Passed On
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,031
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh, PA
After 92K miles on Mobil 1 75W90 in my '95 993 with no material synchro or shifter trouble, I'm sticking with it (still on the original clutch, also).
However, same fluid in '98 Audi A4 Quattro absolutely stunk. Right after the tranny fluid change I thought I destroyed the tranny. Switching to Red Line 75W90 cured all the gear banging/grinding/nonshifting I was getting with Mobil 1. Go figure.
However, same fluid in '98 Audi A4 Quattro absolutely stunk. Right after the tranny fluid change I thought I destroyed the tranny. Switching to Red Line 75W90 cured all the gear banging/grinding/nonshifting I was getting with Mobil 1. Go figure.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 280
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
Robin I'm curious what the "additive" is that you used in your Swepco201. I had the same symptoms you described on your website after I switched to Mobil1. Redline was only slightly better. Sweptco is the best by far for me but I put it in without any additives.
Thanks in adavance!
Thanks in adavance!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 8
From: Chino hills, CA
Chris at Newport motorsports added it in for me when I took my car there for some hydraulic lifter replacement last year. When I explained the symptoms to him he knew exactly what to put in, and soon after my 993's transmission cold shifting improved 100%.
You may want to call him and ask him.
FWIW, that's another good place to have your car serviced, resonablly priced and good work.
You may want to call him and ask him.
FWIW, that's another good place to have your car serviced, resonablly priced and good work.
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Six Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile
Joe Kucinski
10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap
Joe Kucinski
Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes
Verdad Gallardo
This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917
Verdad Gallardo
Is This Convertible Cayenne A Steal, Or A Returnless Investment?
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Non-Flat Six Porsches You Can Buy For Under $100K
Joe Kucinski
Porsche's Top 5 Most Questionable Naming Decisions
Verdad Gallardo
Pogea Racing's 964 Porsche 911 Reimagination Stands Out in a Crowded Field
Verdad Gallardo
6 Convertible Top MYTHS Most People Don't Understand!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 8
From: Chino hills, CA
Well... I knew someone was going to ask about that. I took my car there because i trust Chris and I was also in the middle of a transition moving from Miami to Los Angeles without my own house (was renting). July 2005 I purchased a home in Chino hills, and have been slowly getting back into thing. You should see my garage now.... :P
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 488
Likes: 1
From: Long Beach, CA
Originally Posted by Robin 993DX
home in Chino hills...You should see my garage now.... :P
to you...I'm just another Bischoff.
I feel so...so....
so much BETTER when I drive through parking garages...
JoH
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 320
Likes: 1
From: San Diego - Poway
Thanks Robin, sounds good. Mobil 1 isn't working for me at all in the 993.
1st, 2nd and even 3rd are clunky when cold.
Just ordered the gallon, $40 bucks with shipping.
1st, 2nd and even 3rd are clunky when cold.
Just ordered the gallon, $40 bucks with shipping.
Last edited by tbil; Mar 8, 2006 at 04:13 PM.
King of Cool
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 8
From: Miami Beach, FL
Originally Posted by Robin 993DX
Chris at Newport motorsports added it in for me when I took my car there for some hydraulic lifter replacement last year. When I explained the symptoms to him he knew exactly what to put in, and soon after my 993's transmission cold shifting improved 100%.
You may want to call him and ask him.
FWIW, that's another good place to have your car serviced, resonablly priced and good work.
You may want to call him and ask him.
FWIW, that's another good place to have your car serviced, resonablly priced and good work.
Ok, ok, just giving you hard time, already saw (and knew) why.
Thanks for the tip, I should change my tranny oil soon but I already have 4 quarts of Mobil so now I don't know whether just use that or get this stuff...