Well here comes another big debate. However im not really asking what type of fluid to use thats been covered time and time again.

We all know that you technically make more power running synthetic oil vs convential. Less drag = more power. Same idea as lightweight parts. This should also help us get some much needed mpgs. My question is, shouldnt the same idea go for the trans ? Less frictional loss means more power to the ground and again better mpg, not to mention better protection. So my question is, why not run synthetic fluid in the tranny ? Im not saying synthetic gear oil that would kind of defeat the purpose (thicker). Im saying running a simple Mobil 1 syth or similar 10w-30 synth oil in the trans. After all 10w-30 is what most of our transmissions called for prior to MTF being released. What do you guys think ?


I know some people run redline however im not sure what weight that is ? Plus mobil 1 is more readily available and cheaper.

 

because many people have horror stories messing with trans fluid (slippage. not shifting right, etc.), so the safest thing to do is use what doesnt cause problems = honda trans fluid. MTF or ATF.

 

well engines have oil pumps that force oil through tiny passages and have many more surfaces that need to be lubricated therefore running a synthetic oil can aid in lowering the coefficient of friction on all of these parts therefore reducing the drag on the moving parts of the engine thus un-leashing a small (i emphasis small) amount of power.

a manual transmission has no pump, therefore the oil is not being forced through tiny passages. the oil in a manual transmission simply acts as an oil bath that the gear set sits in and spins the oil around all the gears to provide with lubrication, and heat dissipation.

since the oil has no bearing surfaces (like rod and main bearings in an engine) to be forced through, and the MT has much less moving parts i cant imagine that a synthetic oil can make a vast difference.

it may provide a heat advantage, if the synthetic oil can more efficiently absorb and dissipate heat then it may have an advantage there.

as for lubrication i would think a thicker (non synthetic) oil could provide with a reduced noise and better lubrication by coating the gears more properly and sticking to them as they spin inside the case. but in turn may cause more heat build up compared to a synthetic?

has anyone tried a castrol synthetic blend and try to get the best of both worlds?

my 2 cents, im sticking to ole' Honda MTF cause its cheap and was designed for our transmissions





Modified by h23prelude at 8:01 PM 3/24/2008

 

ppl run synthetics in rear differentials, there is no pump there and just as a transmission its basically just a bath. I understand what you mean though.

 

i would be really curious to see if a synthetic oil would keep the temp down in a transmission (or rear differential) compared to a conventional oil?

if i could probe a temp gauge in the transmission and run the car around to operating temp with both fluids and compare the temp's. this would be a very interesting investigation to see a possible cooling affect with with synthetic oil

if anyone is interested ill take a spare drain plug for my transmission and drill and mount a temp probe in it so i can read some fluid temps, i got both the plug and a spare coolant gauge and probe just sitting in my garage.

ill try running some different fluids and post the results with pics, and ill listen for noises, slip's...etc

let me know

 

i think that would be a great idea.