By Jon Belanger
In the last issue Dewey suggested running Red Line 15 wt. gear oil and I
suggested Red Line MTL. Let me clarify. Redline has a complete line of excellent
gear oils. I personally run their 75W90 because it was recommended by Bob
Lybarger, the guru of FV transmissions... it's slippery as the dickens and
is just thick enough to stay inside your gearbox. If I were in national
competition and were trying for that last tenth of a second I would run
MTL. What follows is from Red Lines product information sheet... then you
decide:
75W90 Gear Oil--the preferred product in nearly all car and light truck
differentials, both conventional and limited-slip. It is preferred for most
racing applications. It is compatible with most limited-slip friction modifiers,
but it is preferable to use Red Line 80W140 in problem differentials where
75W90 still allows chatter. Can be used in many transmissions and transaxles;
however, other Red Line Gear Oils have better frictional properties for
rapid synchronization. Exceeds API GL-5.
80W140 Gear Oil--generally used in commercial trucks which will climb long,
steep grades and some racing applications where power is not critical. Generally
0.5% less efficient than 75W90. Can also be used in differentials and transmissions
where excessive noise is a problem and limited-slip differentials which
vibrate excessively when turning a corner. Exceeds API GL-5.
LightWeight Gear Oil--a 75W/80W GL-5 gear oil designed to lubricate transmissions
and transaxles which recommend 80W GL-5 gear oils. It has excellent low-temperature
flow which allows easier shifting when cold. Also has good synchro compatibility.
May be used to obtain maximum power transfer in racing differentials which
do not see high temperatures.
SuperLight Gear Oil--a 70W/75W GL-5 gear oil with the viscosity of an ATF.
This is used when temperatures are not high and when the maximum power output
is required such as in qualifying laps.
MTL--Manual Transmission/Transaxle Lubricant. A 75W/80W GL-4 gear oil which
is designed for manual transmissions which require 75W or 80W GL-4 gear
oils, motor oils, or ATFs. It provides low temperature shiftability equal
to an ATF, yet will not thin out or shear at high temperatures and provides
the substantial gear protection of a GL-4 gear oil. The higher synchronizer
coefficient of friction allows faster upshifting and downshifting and the
lubricant is non-corrosive to synchros and bushings. MTL can also be used
in racing power steering units to prevent fluid boil out.
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