jakfrost

Perusing my latest issue of Pop Mech I see in Jay Leno's column he talks about a Red Line transmission fluid that he finds works so well he calls it a 'liquid synchronizer'.

Quote: "Red Line Oil makes a product called MTL 70W80 GL-4, a manual transmission lubricant that acts like a liquid synchronizer. My 1972 Dodge Challenger was always difficult to get into gear, and the gears ground when I shifted. I added a quart of MTL, and it doesn't even feel like the same transmission. MTL provieds the perfect coefficient of friction; it protects the gears and the synchronizers. Better shifting through chemistry? You bet".

Since he says "I added a quart of MTL" I assume he is using it like an additive, not replacing the existing fluid...?

Anyone have an experience like this? My 'cold weather' shifting is something I have learned to live with, one of the little endearing features of the 993, but it would be nice if it was solved this simply.

Jim

e9stibi

There was a thorough discussion on the subject of tranny oil recently and Steve Weiner chimed in, too.

NC TRACKRAT

I use MTL in all the MINI's (they all have LSD, too) but I'd stick with your choice from one of the recommended lubricants in the various posts on the subject.

jakfrost

Hmm, did a 'search' for 'MTL'...'MTL Red Line'...'MTL Red Line transmission fluid', etc, etc. All to no avail as far as a specific answer to the question, 'has anyone used this particular product, and if so what was their opinion...'.

So I guess I'll go down another road to find 'winter P-projects'

Jim

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Jim,

Whatever you do, never, ever use a GL-4 lubricant in any Porsche gearbox. You will buy a ring & pinion as well as a host of other pieces inside there that can ravage one's checking account. MTL (all forms) are GL-4's.

These transmission require a GL-5 and I do recommend Mobil 1 Delvac.

Leon993

I had my 30k service last year. Went w Redline tranny fluid, and engine oil.

Tranny feels great, always has, Ive never had that cold weather issue you mention.

I really got into Redline. I like their products alot.

Ed Hughes

Steve-does the M1 Delvac require an LS additive, or is it compatible with LS transaxles?

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Delvac is 100% compatible with LSD's and in fact, that's all we use in all G50's, all the way to the current Cup & RSR's.

ja78911sc

Also a preference of most heavy duty truck manufacturers

Ed Hughes

Thank you sir!

IXLR8

Right out of the Porsche 911 Carrera Owner's Manual...

Manual transmission and differential: approx. 3.8 U.S. qts./3.6 liters SAE 75W 90 gear oil, API classification GL 5 (or MIL-L 2105 B)

IXLR8

Taken from Ask Mobil...

Question:
Which Gear Oil Brand is Best for Porsches with Limited Slip Transaxles?
For Porsches with limited slip transaxles, I've heard that Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS 75W-90 is too slippery for the synchros and that Mobil Delvac Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 is the preferred lube. What's your opinion?
-- Stan Simm, Winston-Salem, NC

Answer:
Mobil 1™ Synthetic Gear Lube LS is specifically designed for limited slip differentials. It contains a nominal amount of friction modifier to satisfy the needs of many applications. Mobil Delvac™ Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 is not a limited slip gear oil.

If you disagree, take it up with Mobil. They are easy enough to contact.

P-daddy

When I bought my 95, the PO had Swepco in the trans. Not sure if it was mixed with anything else, but still looked green like pure Swepco. Transmission shifted well with a slight "crunch" on cold days. I have since replaced it with Swepco again, but now there's a tad more "crunchiness" on cold days for the first mile or so until trans warms up. I will have to try Delvac next. I have heard good feedback from Redline NS also.

PAULUNM

The Mobil 1 LS doesn't hold up nearly as well as Delvac. I'll offer my OT observations-

I ran Mobil 1 LS in my 4Runner diffs for about 25k miles. When I drained the rear diff, the oil was dark black and smelled burned.

Ran Delvac 1 for approximately the same number of miles, drained to replace with more Delvac, and the fluid was nearly clear, and had no burned smell to it.

Having said that, I'm also running it in my turbo- which I realize does not have a LSD, but the GT3 guys also run it.

Both Steve W and Matt from GT gears recommend Delvac 1. Good enough reason for me.

Chuck W.

I did the turbo when it had around 41K miles on it using Mobil 1 Delvac. By the look of the fluid, I am guessing that it had never been done. This is an easy DIY. Also, a cheap tool that makes it so much easier is a Multi-Use Transfer Pump from Harbor Freight. It's $8.00 and worth every penny. I just did my daughter's BMW 328I and without the pump it would have been next to impossible.