Fordnatics List Archive

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Mail From: (email redacted) (Greg Powers)

After the previous discussion of transmission lubes, I'd like to know if
Redline MTL is the best choice for use in a T-5. I'm currently using
Mobil-1 Synthetic gear lube which seemed to be quite an improvement over
the ATF that was in it originally.

Will I notice a difference going from Mobil-1 to Redline, and are there
other quality lubricants out there to consider?

Greg
((email redacted))

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Mail From: (email redacted) (Scott Griffith, Sun Microsystems Lumpyware)

On Nov 17, Greg Powers wrote:

> After the previous discussion of transmission lubes, I'd like to know if
> Redline MTL is the best choice for use in a T-5. I'm currently using
> Mobil-1 Synthetic gear lube which seemed to be quite an improvement over
> the ATF that was in it originally.
>
> Will I notice a difference going from Mobil-1 to Redline, and are there
> other quality lubricants out there to consider?

There is no "best" lubricant, givent the huge variety of driving
styles and personal requirements for feel. I can only suggest that you
try several and select the feel that fits your driving style. A drag
racer will probably want something different than an autocrosser, who
will want something even different from a roadracer. And none of them
will want what a normal street commuter might like.

If you are running the Mobil 1 Synthetic 75W90 gear oil and change to
the MTL, you'll probably notice an improvement in the speed with which
the synchros act, which will lead you to quicker shifts without
clashing or overdriving the synchros. You'll probably notice that the
gearbox feels much freer, especially in cold conditions. The gear oil
is very stiff, and a little too slick, for the smoothest shifting
action in a T-5, according to Borg-Warner. But some drag racers seem
to like the stiff stuff for its cushioning effect, since they
typically simply overpower the synchros by hammering on the lever
anyway.

The relative viscosities of MTL, various ATFs, and the Mobil 1 75W90
gear oil are as follows:

Fluid Viscosity, 40degC Viscosity, 100degC
(Centistokes) (Centistokes)

Red Line MTL 50.8 10.2
Red Line High-Temp ATF 64.1 11.8
Red Line Synthetic ATF 32.5 7.2
Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF 29 5.7
Mobil Multi-Purpose ATF 37.6 7.0
Mobil 1 Synth Gear Oil 106 15.2

IMHO, the gear oil is _way_ too heavy for the T-5, which was designed
specifically for ATF, and I'm surprised that you've had such luck with
it. But if you like the way it feels, you'll probably be disappointed
in how it feels with MTL.

The ideal lubricant is the one you like, and that you keep clean and
topped up. Try several.

-skod

- --
Scott Griffith, Sun Microsystems Lumpyware
expatriate SCCA New England Region Flagging/Communications worker
(and driver, of anything that turns both right and left,
and can pass tech...) Return Path : (email redacted)