I have always ran MTL in my open diff, but when we installed the ITR LSD we switched to MT90 thinking the thicker stuff will be better for all gears in the LSD. Does it really matter? Any opinions?

 

My thoughts are that honda uses MTF (which is much thinner than gear oil) in their transmissions for a reason - even the ITR.

The only reason I would run something different is if I were running a clutch-style lsd.

 

Honda MTF for OE parts.

Thick stuff bad.

 

Honda MTF or BG Synchroshift II. I switched back to Honda MTF though, cuz it's much cheaper.

Warren

 

Redline shockproof is some nice stuff. Made for racing applications for LSD equipped trannies. Check it out.

http://www.redlineoil.com/redlineoil/spgoti.htm

s

 

I emailed redline and asked which would be better for the ITR diff... MTL or MT90??? they recommended the MTL.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kkim &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I emailed redline and asked which would be better for the ITR diff... MTL or MT90??? they recommended the MTL.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thought you had to add an additive in Redline MTL to make it work in the ITR LSD?

However, the oem Honda stuff works and I know it works, so that's what I use in everything.

 

Yeah, most synthetics won't work. You need some friction to let the synchros work.

Warren

 

I have never heard of using an additive w/ the redline.

I've had no problems using redline MTL in my car. it does contain friction modifiers designed to so it can operate correctly in the tranny. I do agree using synthetic motor oil in the tranny is bad... that can lead to problems.

I've used honda MTF also and have felt no detectable difference.

 

Doh! Back to MTL. I like RedLine products because they stand up very well to racing temps.

Warren, how long do you usually keep the Honda MTL in the tranny?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kkim &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have never heard of using an additive w/ the redline.

I've had no problems using redline MTL in my car. it does contain friction modifiers designed to so it can operate correctly in the tranny. I do agree using synthetic motor oil in the tranny is bad... that can lead to problems.

I've used honda MTF also and have felt no detectable difference.</TD></TR></TABLE>

redline does have a friction modifier additive for lsd's.

From redline's site: "DIFFERENTIAL FRICTION MODIFIER & BREAK-IN ADDITIVE is a friction modifier designed to reduce limited-slip noise and to aid the proper break-in of any differential. This can be added to any gear oil to reduce temperature during break-in and prevent gear softening. Replaces manufacturers' limited-slip additives. Can be used to perfectly tune a limited-slip unit. Red Line 75W90 and 80W140 Gear Oils already contain this additive. "

s

 

never saw that ... thanks. however, the additive they talk about would work with a friction/plate type lsd and not the limited slip type we have in the ITR, correct? I used that redline 75W90 gear oil for LSDs in the rear end limited slip diff of a 325iS I had a few years back. worked great in that.

Warren was talking about the tranny synchros, though, and I was respondng to that statement concerning the friction modifiers in MTL. But again, thanks for the additive info.

Getting back to the question at hand, redline MTL is better suited than MT90 for the ITR LSD according to Redline.

To me, Honda was covering their butt when they found out that their recommendation of using engine oil in their trannys was causing problems. They then started marketing Honda MTF, most likely with friction modifiers, to help the synchro problems they were seeing. It's a very good product and it works, but there are many other products out there that will do the same job and some of them do it even better.

I'm a believer of synthetic oils in small displacement engines to help reduce frictional losses. If I ever detect using them is causing me harm I'll go back to conventional oils. That day, however, has not yet arrived and I've been using redline tranny and gear oils in my cars for the last 8 years without problems.

 

3-5 weekends.

Warren

 

I talked with redline the other day, and they suggested the MTL over the shockproof. I'm running a Quaife, but that doesn't have a clutch pack in it.

 

What about with a Quaife? The shop put Redline in the tranny (not sure which one) when they installed the Quaife. Surprisingly the grinding that I used to have a while back before I did my first MTF change reappeared! So I think I 'm going back to the Honda MTF because that had alleviated my 2nd gear grinding and all the gears went in smoother last winter when I put fresh Honda MTF in it.
Should Honda MTF be ok with the Quaife or should I stay with Redline and put up with the 2nd gear grinding? All the gears now with the Redline seem to require more effort. Before with fresh Honda MTF, they went in smoothly and with no noises or grinding.
My goal is to find a fluid that 'll give me smooth & easy shifting with no grinding, and that is good for the Quaife at the same time. Can it be done?

 

just curious... what oil does Quaife recommend using?

 

that's what I 'd like to know but I guess this might not be the topic for that question.