To start off I have read through a lot of threads to answer my questions but still not for sure. I just hit 15k miles and plain on changing fluids. I talk to my dealership and they said if I didn't go back to the factory transmission fluid it would void my warranty but it didn't matter on the differential. I have only done a few mods to my car such as intake and exhaust. I love the car and want it to last but I don't baby it when I drive it. I would appreciate any help or advice I can get.


Thanks Jason

 

I would suggest Red Line fluids. Quality and reviews are excellent. I plan to switch over in a few weeks myself.

 

Just for fun, tell the dealer you want to only use factory fluids in your differential too, then ask them to show you the 90w differential oil. They don't have it. If they tell you 80w90 is "just as good", tell them the Rage man says "T'aint so!".

On your year transmission, there have been a variety of suggestions:
Red Line MTL, MT-90
GM Syncromesh and GMS Friction Modified
BG Syncroshift

 

Road Rage,
your suggestion on those would change on lets say 03 models?

 

BG Synchroshift: I had my mech at a speed shop recommend this.

Rage: have you seen any technical specs on it? Does it look any good? I can't find any information on it myself.

 

young r: I don't think anyone has made oil recommendations based on years other than the MY04 - so read what 00-03 users have tried and their comments. The MY04 is different because the tranny uses carbon blocking rings. Askling about which oil is right for just the MY03 is nonsensical, since the mechanical parts for all years is similar.

BG is a love/hate deal with me. Their website points you to their distributors, many of whom sound like failed Amsoil guys. i called the one in my area, and he was clueless about technical matters, instead just giving me the brochures and anecdotal drivel. Some of their products make no sense to me (like MOA), and although 44K is a good cleaner, it also uses very strong solvents which may not be compatible with all injector types. Unless an oil additive company provides me with a lot of info, i am not inclined to throw any old thing in my car's engoine, tranny, or diff.

I also think the current fad of "engine internal cleaning" is nonsense - a $100 dealer perk for the technically illitierate. It relies on scaredy-cat tactics.

The BG Synchroshift claims to improve the shifting in every tranny it is used in - we all know that cannot be, based on our own experiences. There are some BMW trannies that love RL MTL, and others that hate it - even Red Line will tell you that.

"Beware the miracle oil product, claiming applicability to all things". (RR's Axiom)

 

thanks for info

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Road Rage

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by thongfoto

 

If Honda MTF works well in your transmission, then there really isn't any reason to try anything else. It doesn't work well in my tranny at all, so I've tried several others. My current fill is GMS Friction Modified, and I'm very happy with it. During the hottest months, I may go back to my previous favorite, which was Redline MT-90.