Which trans oil are people using around here in 5MT?

[left footed whooten]

Need to change the trans oil in the wagon (06 WRX) and I've been looking around on the big forums, but nothing but retarded unclear opinions.

WANT:
To improve shifting feel and action if possible.
To quiet the gearbox if possible.
To put in oil that will improve protection and be at least as good as the OEM SS oil.
To have the oil appropriate for the climate, Truckee, 0 degrees up to 80+ degrees of temp range.

DONT WANT:
A hair brained ten-ingredient concoction.
To use something that no one else seems to use.
Anything that is more track-specific, meaning I mostly drive my car in the real world, maybe some autox if I get lucky this year.
Uncle Scotty's cocktail.

I'm thinking Pennzoil syncromesh 75w 90, or perhaps a Redline product. This is my first trans oil change in this car, so nothing to compare to. Mostly want something that will be as better than stock possibly improving engagement/feel and that will not be solid during winter freezes.

Inputs?

[100_Percent_Juice]

I switched to the Redline lightweight and it made shifting much better. Mainly down into first gear.
I think this is it > http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

[sperry]

Lightweight Shockproof is pretty universally loved in Subaru gearboxes. But it will be a little stiff on cold mornings.

[cody]

I switched from Uncle Scotty's to the Redline Shockproof LW. I've never loved my gearbox with any particular gear oil. OEM was about as good as the other two. I have heard great things about Amsoil Severe Gear and Motul 300V. I'll probably try the latter next change.

[Dean]

LW shockproof FTW!

[left footed whooten]

Have any of you driven with the shockproof on a 0 degree-ish winter morning? My temp extremes might make this more difficult. Reno's cold, but not quite as cold as truckee. Shockproof sounds good, but curious if anyone has used it in single digit temps. It does alright in Reno winter temps though eh?

[cody]

It can be a little "crunchy" in the morning. I really baby it to avoid the slight "crunchiness" in shifts before it warms up.

[Kevin M]

You might want to give Superlightweight Shockproof a try. It should be a little better in cold temps.

[bluestreak]

I use 1 qt heavyweight redline shockproof and top it off with standard redline trans oil. Its not bad at all in the cold, quieted down the transmission signifigantly, and I can shift into first at up to 30 or 35 mph.

[szucchet]

i use LW shockproof and never had a problem, even in freezing temps it still feels smother than stock fluid.

[100_Percent_Juice]

welcome bluestreak! You shift into 1st at 35?

[SteveM]

I still have the original fill of OEM lube at ~88,000 mi. Still shifts as wonderfly as when new. It is a bit stiff in the cold, but then compared to shifting the Alfa, it is always smooth...

[sperry]

Originally Posted by Kevin M

You might want to give Superlightweight Shockproof a try. It should be a little better in cold temps.

I've heard Superlight is way too light. The Lightweight is 75W80 (which is already lighter than the 75W90 specified by the factory). Superlight is 70W75, and doesn't have the friction modifiers for the synchros that the Lightweight has. So, likely it will shift poorly and be too light to protect the bearings.

I'd just deal with the Lightweight's thickness in the cold. It's not terrible if you're just patient when shifting into 1st and reverse in the cold. In fact, for the protection afforded, all the shockproof oils are generally better in the cold than the equivalent SAE oil. Remember that Lightweight shockproof's film acts like a 75W140 weight oil.

[WRX06TR]

I use the Redline 75W-90NS gear oil...works fine for me..

[cody]

Originally Posted by WRX06TR

I use the Redline 75W-90NS gear oil...works fine for me..

You also have an extra synchro cone on 1st as do all WRX's starting in MY05. I suspect that it would be too slippery for the earlier cars. Just a guess.

[k-dogg39]

Originally Posted by WRX06TR

I use the Redline 75W-90NS gear oil...works fine for me..

That is what I have as well.

[left footed whooten]

Any opinions of Motul 300?

[cody]

Just going off what they're saying on Nabisco, it's good.

[SpamMan]

+1 on Redline.. im using redline for the front and rear love it...

[sperry]

Originally Posted by SpamMan

+1 on Redline.. im using redline for the front and rear love it...

I hope you're not using the same fluid in the gearbox as in the rear end! There are friction modifiers needed for the LSD that you don't want in the gearbox.

Here's my summary from the original big thread on the topic:

http://www.seccs.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2803

Originally Posted by sperry

RedLine 75w90ns is *not* Shockproof!

Here's a summary of the Redline gear oils applicable for our Subarus:

Redline 75w90ns:

"This GL-5-type geal oil doesn't contain the friction modifiers for limited-slip hypoid differentials. This makes the transmission synchronizers come to equal speeds more quickly, allowing faster shifting and much easier low-temperature shifting. Can also be used in racing limited-slip differentials where weak spring design causes too much wheel spin."

This is good for the tranny if you're concerned with staying with a GL-5 oil. Frankly, I think it's too slick for the synchros, and will cause the tranny to shift poorly unless you're willing to double-clutch and rev-match more often than not.

Redline 75w90:

"Our most popular gear oil, this is the preferred product in nearly all car and light truck differentials, both conventional and limited-slip. 75W90 is preferred for most racing applications. It contains friction modifier which is recommended for limited-slip units. 75W90 Gear Oil can be used in many transmissions and transaxles; however, other Red Line lubricants have better frictional properties for rapid synchronization. Exceeds API GL-5."

I use this in my rear-diff. But it's not for use in the gearbox, due to the poor synchro performance that would result.

Redline Lightweight Shockproof:

"A unique gear oil designed to lubricate racing transmissions and transaxles which see serious loads (not recommended for most syncro-type transmissions). It has excellent low-temperature flow which allows easier shifting when cold. May be used to obtain maximum power transfer in racing differentials which do not see high temperatures. Similar to a 75W140 gear oil, but with the lower internal friction of an SAE 30 motor oil.

Used in two-stroke and four-stroke motocross transmissions (often mixed in equal parts with SuperLight ShockProof™ Gear Oil).

Used in most road-racing differentials with moderate power and dogring racing transaxles."

This is what I'd recommend. I'm actually using a 50-50 mix of Lightweight and 75w90ns, but I've run the straight shockproof before and liked it better (better synchro grab).

[Dewey]

RedLine Lightweight Shockproof.

[wildfirefli]

I picked up some 80w90 down here in vegas, Service at SOLV said it was the best. Does this work for Reno temp. too or should I go 75w90?

[cody]

What brand?

[wildfirefli]

Coudlnt find the good stuff. Chris told me to return it, said I wouldn't need to fill it right now. I got valvoline it was the best they had, just got it in case.

[cody]

Yah, Lithia Parts told me that's what they use (Penzoil) so it must work. Should be fine for topping off anyway. The worst thing that could happen is you'll have to shift slowly to avoid grinding. Just get the seal fixed and get some Redline 75W90NS or Shockproof LW in there when you can.