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Krasteff

Better Gearbox Oil Than Oem Spec

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I recently came to realize that there might be better fluids for the getrag unit than the originally intended ones, a dexron 3 fluid is specified but maybe that's because back in the day there were no super thin manual transmission fluids, nowdays we have synthetic mtls with same viscosity as dexron 3 like castrol syntrans, liqui moly top tec 5300 and others that i don't recall now but are easily found online, the dexron 3 fluids are good but were made with some proprieties in mind that are not relevant to our application and lack the additive package for smoother syncro engagement, the mtls in my mind are the perfect match because they have what is needed leaving out the additives and proprieties that we don't need, maybe I'm splitting hairs? I'd like to know your opinion on the matter

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Use what the manufacturer recommends. If you think something else may be better then ask the manufacturer and heed the advice.

 

Just my opinion.

Edited by Mjolinor

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I agree but:

 

-The manufacturer is not a divinity and his choice would be limited to the fluid technology that was present when the car was designed;

 

-we all know that the reply of the "manufacturer" is gonna be use what is specified and don't get me wrong a good dexron 3 is good enough, I'm just not sure is ideal

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Well stick some in and report back.

You do not see many failed gearboxes in Smarts and change speed is controlled by the gearbox computer so what is to be gained?

 

ATF went downhill in lumps when they took whale oil out of it. :)

 

 

Edited by Mjolinor

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Yes not huge to be gained after all, i recently (before thinking of this) changed the fluid with appropriate amsoil atf so I don't really feel changing in again but for the next fluid change I will give it a go for sure in the meantime I wanted to hear some opinions but I think very thin mtf is indeed ideal 

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I used to swear by Amsoil in my bike, never ever an issue love the stuff.  

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I am not that familiar with the internals of the 450 gearbox but I have rebuilt a 451 CDI and would be very cautious of changing the recommended oil because the gear change motors are on the very top of the gearbox and rely on splash and drag to get the oil up there. Both of those are significantly different with different viscosity oil.

 

 

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Yes but regarding viscosity the mtfs I was talking about are identical to atf, that was my point :)

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The producer is the supreme 'deity' over the product. He designed the gearbox according to the working fluid, that is, some criteria are the type, the materials used and the working fluid. Some time has passed since 1935 and Getrag was able to draw the necessary conclusions. In addition, there is also a group of specialists there... let's not think we are more special because they probably know better what they are doing. This does not mean that luck does not happen. I am tired of changing defective gearboxes, I am satisfied with one that works and I try to use it as long as possible as it was designed.

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Guys, still, I agree that a dexron 3 is the safer bet and there should be Little to be gained but I'm proposing same viscosity manual transmission fluid... not engine oil, in my book that is a safe bet and potentially better, It was just for messing around and getting your opinions, btw off topic and stupid question but what is the rubber thing bolted on the upper left side of the exhaust? Vibration dumpener? 

Edited by Krasteff
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