What is the best manual transmission fluid?

TheIVJackal

Freedom through Jesus
So I know the manual says to use plain old 5w-30, I believe I used Redline last time I replaced the fluid, I've heard of Amsoil and GM Syncromesh (amongst others...), has anyone found any benefit to any of these over just a couple cheap bottles of motor oil? I wasn't impressed by Redline, still feels notchy, could be a mechanical thing more so than a fluid thing, just wanted to share my experience.

So what do you prefer and why? Any science/data to back up your position?

Thanks! :D
 

94RS

No fucks given.
Look into the reviews of Amsoil. They’re expensive, but usually the best when it comes to any type of fluid.
 

TheIVJackal

Freedom through Jesus
Thanks for sharing, has anyone tried out the different options and noticed a difference between them?
 


TheIVJackal

Freedom through Jesus
I have RedLine in there now, wasn't super impressed by it so I'm just wondering what else is out there and if to go back to stock/OEM spec's.
Would be super awesome if someone found data on this!
 


ZEROPTZERO

New Member
I recently put in Penzoil Synchromesh in my 2000 GS-R. It just replaced the Honda MTF2. The car just had fresh Honda MTF2 put in a couple months ago by the dealer just before I bought the car. I do prefer the shift feel of Synchromesh over the Honda MTF2. The Honda MTF2 that is sold nowadays is on the thin side, in line with a 20 weight oil or an ATF. The original Honda MTF1 that was developed back in the 90's and recommended for our cars was a thicker fluid (more like a 30 weight fluid).

My favourite fluid is Amsoil MTF but I just couldn't find it on short notice in my region as my local performance shop stopped selling Amsoil fluids. When I get time in the off-season I may switch to Amsoil MTF as it was my favourite in my S2000 and should work well in the Integra. I am liking the Sychromesh right now though and would recommend it over the Honda MTF. Redline MTL is a great fluid but for some reason I always found it notchy in Hondas, it seemed to work well in hot temp use but it was notchy when used in cooler weather. I think Amsoil MTF is the best fluid, followed by Pennzoil Synchromesh.
 
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TheIVJackal

Freedom through Jesus
Read a bunch in to this, looks like the most popular reviews based on experience in our cars yielded the following "best" options.

1. Pennzoil Syncromesh

2. Honda MTF - Very close 2nd/tie for first?

3. 10w-30 Motor Oil - The manual actually states to use this, some say it's dated as Honda has since released MTF, but not complaints from those using it.

*Amsoil was popular too but cost/benefit didn't seem to favor it, buy their fluid if you can afford it I guess.

I think what i'll end up doing is buying 2 bottles of the syncromesh and topping it off with some 10w-30 since the capacity is 2.2qts.

Hope this helps someone else out! :)
 

ZEROPTZERO

New Member
my only complaint with the current Honda MTF2 is that it starts out very thin, and then shears down quickly with the meshing action of the gears so it just gets thinner over time. Change it out frequently and it works good, and good for cold weather use being on the thinner side.
 

AWWilson88

AWWilson88
I had the syncromesh in my 98 itr lsd and it didn’t like it. Switched back to the Honda MTF, trans likes it much better.
 

moezer

New Member
Just used the honda mtf was grinding in 5th after the change over and a few k the grind went away

Sent from my SM-N950W using Tapatalk
 

bkirshr

User that is Registered
Motul Gear 300 is known as the best gear oil on the BRZ/FRS forums. I use it but honestly can't really tell a difference between it and OEM.
 
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