KevinEF7

Hey guys, I literally just bolted up my new synchrotech rebuilt trans and I also went with the full carbon synchro upgrade. I am looking for info on first fill and break in procedures if any.

The trans came with a tag that said to use Genuine Honda MTF, or 10W30 conventional oil.

I personally have always used GM Synchrotech as fill, but synchrotech must know what there talking about. I searched Honda MTF and see alot of horror stories of people saying the newest fluid Honda sells is to thin for out trans. Is there a specific part number?

I was unsure if the carbon upgrade would affect fluid at all. I do still have enough GM Synchromesh to fill this trans, but that tag has me second guessing.

Runnerdown

Gm synchromesh is ok to use, however...what power will you be putting down? Synchromesh and other oem type fluids do not handle high heat and lots of torque well.

KevinEF7

Nothing more than 350hp 250tq

David @ Synchrotech

iTrader: (1)

Synchromesh is fine but for performance use we recommend Torco MTF.

wantboost

iTrader: (2)

Torco MTF is the bomb, it's all I use and after I talked to the guy that invented it at PRI last year it's all I'll ever use.. we had a real in-depth conversation about other fluid options and the science that goes into their lubricants is impressive.

Their engine oil is also some of the best stuff around, especially for high rpm turbo motors.

KevinEF7

The Torco MTF isnt to expensive, but the RTF is quite spendy.

I can assume you guys are both talking about the Torco MTF as the recomendation?

1HGEJ2

iTrader: (1)

can u post a ebay link? i wanna try it. there some different torco mtf :-/

KevinEF7

The GL-4 labelled version is the one he is refering to, in the left in this pic, but the Torco RTF in the middle also has good reviews.

KevinEF7

The GL-4 labelled version is the one he is refering to, in the left in this pic, but the Torco RTF in the middle also has good reviews.

MR.johnson

torco MTF/RTF is the only way to go.

Vagitarian

says the guy with 700hp!!

1HGEJ2

iTrader: (1)

ok i found the mtf gl4. is that right? 18$ per liter. im from germany and i wanna try it for my albins gear.

MR.johnson

8.

justYncredible

iTrader: (1)

im thinking about using that fluid this time around i didnt have any issues with oem but since i did a complete rebuild might as well switch it up

4genaccordfreak

I'm also using Torco MTF in my trans.

LS trans
Mfactory LSD
Mfactory 4.785 Final Drive
Synchrotech carbon synchro's and heat-treated shift sleeves
Speedfactory Shift-change Holder

Works great, it is fairly thick, when cold and it is (obviously) suggested that the trans be up to operating temperature before shifted aggressively or it will be clunky/grind.

So far I have had no issues while pushing 400-450whp on Torco MTF.

KevinEF7

Im going to end up using regular old quality dino 10w30 I think. Alot of stories of Torco not being the most daily driver friendly in 60degree weather (Im canadian, that is half the season here)

Synchromesh seems a close second, but Aquafina seems strongly against it. Synchrotech also recomended 10w30 on the tag....

Ive got a week to change my mind 7 more times

MFactory

The 10w30 is for break-in (why would you want to use an expensive fluid for only 500 miles?).

After that, switch to the Torco MTF (or RTF if it is a track car) and you won't look back.

Torco is what we (MFactory/Synchrotech) recommend, and is all that we use on all of our performance transmission builds

KevinEF7

Little nervous of cold temperature problems, since the car is a DD, a true DD to and from work and groceries, lots of small trips where the trans doesnt probably always heat up

MR.johnson

perfect. just like drag racing. drive about a mile and park it lol.

4genaccordfreak

Like I said in my post. Torco MTF is fine in colder temperatures as long as you are not thrashing through gears like a maniac (while still cold). If you ease into gears, as you would when driving normally to run errands and things, it is fine.

I am also Canadian and where I currently live the temps drop significantly in the evenings, I have yet to have a problem. I only slam gears when the rest of the engine is up to temp and the rad fan is coming on.

wantboost

iTrader: (2)

I can see his concerns, the mtf and rtf are very viscous when cold and even at room temperature.

it takes a long time for Honda transaxles to get up to operating temps when street driving, especially in cold weather... so I totally understand why he's worried... I also know he doesn't drive like a jackass so the concerns, while valid, will be mostly a non-issue.

I would be worried that street driving in cold weather could cause the trans to never warm up. especially if you are stuck in traffic or in slow speed zones, you'll actually have he transmission cool down in these situations, making the fluid more thick and viscous.

I can't recall offhand the operating temp range from Torco on the fluids but I know they have to get hot before the fluid thins out and can coat and protect the gearset.

I would call Torco and get their advice, it never hurts to talk to the expert, especially when you have a unique situation such as yours with extended periods of deep cold. remember the colder it gets the more brittle and weaker metal gets (at -40F you can shatter low carbon steel with a good hammer hit it gets so brittle), so regardless of what fluid you use there is an underlying issue of material strength in cold weather especially during cold start ups and cold driving.

that's what I would do at least, that way you can voice your concerns and Torco will tell you the best solution, what I really like about them is if their product won't work for your specific application or temperature range they will tell you the best solution even if it's from a different company.

they care about your setup having the proper fluids/lubricants and engine/drivetrain protection rather than making money all the time. proof they are car guys first and business men second (the way it should be)

TravisBiggie

Great post. Will be buying torco MTF for my ~550whp setup, with a cusco clutch type MZ lsd. Will also be running a container of redline LSD fluid as well, since ive read it helps with this chattering LSD.

KevinEF7

Ended up doing a first fill with Pennzoil Synchromesh. Might switch to Torco after I get a good low abuse break in on this fluid and the weather would be consistently warmer