What Trans fluid? MINI Cooper S - Getrag 6-speed

[minimc]

NOTE: Trans is same as in Ford Focus SVT - differing gear ratios.

OEM product listed for MINI is: Texaco MINI MTF 94, SAE 75W80, API GL-4 (as per label on 25L drum).

I'm a fan of synthetics, and would like to use them in the trans as well as the motor.

a) Don't know what the Texaco product is (syn/hybrid or other)
b) Looked at some of the moly stuff (Schaeffer) here seemed interesting.
c) Am considering products from Amsoil & Redline.
d) Do either Amsoil or Redline contain molly?
e) Is moly a desirable additive?

I am seeking opinions &/or experience with these products or others, &/or recommended additives.

Amsoil:
Synthetic Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (MTF) SAE 5W-30

Redline: MTL 70W80 GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 5W30/10W30)

 

[TimVipond]

I looked up the manual transmission fluid recommendations on the Amsoil site and it states:

Manual Transmission,Up to 7/2004.....GLS[2]
AMSOIL Synthetic Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission,From 7/2004.....GLS[3]
2. Use MTF 94
3. Use MTF LT-3 BMW Part # 83 22 7 533 818

So it looks like the MTF is the right recommendation up to 7/2004, but no recommendations after. What month/year is yours?

The Amsoil MTF works much better in my 2006 Honda Si 6 speed compared to the factory Honda MTF that was in there for 6,000 miles when I couldn't stand it anymore.

 

[Pablo]

This is a bit of a touchy tranny. Indeed what was the build date?

 

[minimc]

Hi, sorry it took me so long to get back on this.

Pablo, I've heard the same thing. Early 2003, which makes it pre LSD build date.

Thanks for the continued thoughts.

 

[Pablo]

I would go with:

Amsoil MTF

 

[Bror Jace]

It seems this tranny wants a 30 weight oil ... and/or the gear oil equivalent.

30 weight SAE motor oil is roughly equivalent to 80 or 85 weight SAE gear oils. Take a look here if you don't believe me:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/visc.html

So, it looks like Red Line MTL or Amsoil MTF would fit the bill nicely. Pick your poison. The LSD is another issue. I suppose you could get a 4oz. bottle of additive and add as needed.

My friend just bought a used 2002 Mini ... just refilled it using Red Line MTL. Says it's fine.

 

[minimc]

OK Pablo, That’s what I'm thinking too.

One of my thoughts and concerns is the makeup of the current fill (Texaco MTF 94) Like… does it use a fully synth base stock and does it contain a moly component? If its not fully synthetic I’m confident that fully synthetic will be better, but if it also contains a moly component I want to ensure whatever I refill with also contains this… even if it required an additive.

I see Amsoil selling a product (MCF) containing a moly component. The straight engine oil is still full synth… but when it comes to bikes like Harley Davidson, where trans & engine are sharing lubricant Amsoil includes the moly. I recognize these are 2 completely different machines (car/bike) which operate under differing conditions… still I cannot overlook the apparent benefit or need for such an additive component.

Thanks

 

[minimc]

Quote:

---

It seems this tranny wants a 30 weight oil ... and/or the gear oil equivalent.

30 weight SAE motor oil is roughly equivalent to 80 or 85 weight SAE gear oils. Take a look here if you don't believe me:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/visc.html

So, it looks like Red Line MTL or Amsoil MTF would fit the bill nicely. Pick your poison. The LSD is another issue. I suppose you could get a 4oz. bottle of additive and add as needed.

My friend just bought a used 2002 Mini ... just refilled it using Red Line MTL. Says it's fine.

---

Never doubted the weight thing, in fact that was one of the first bits I learned when researching it.

My only concerns now are matching the component makeup with bare minimum equivalent, and preferably superior..

Appreciate the thoughts & responses guys!
Thanks

 

[gtx510]

MTF usually have no or almost no moly. I think moly doesn't get along with synchros? Do bikes use synchros?
The web says MTF-94 is fully syn but I can't find info on it from a Texaco site.
www.google.com/search?q=Texaco+MTF-94
www.texaco.com/portal_default.asp

Amsoil or Redline will be better than Texaco, pick your poison.

Motul Motylgear 75W80
http://triplecaution.us/products/pdfs/Motylgear_75W-80_8234_(GB).pdf
http://triplecaution.us/
www.motorspotstore.com

Silkolene Pro SRG 75. 10.65cSt.
www.silkoleneoil.com/pdf/ProSRG75.pdf

Is Specialty Formulations up and running again?
MTL-P or SynchroGlide seem about right?
http://specialtyformulations.netfirms.com/store/nfoscomm/catalog/index.php?cPath=21

TRANSELF TRZ 75W-80? TRANSELF TRJ 75W-80?
www.elfmoto.us/lub/content/NT000C3BDE.pdf

Royal Purple Synchromax? www.royalpurple.com/prodsa/scmax.html

5W30 or 10W30 Motorcraft, TropArtic, Kendall, Conoco, Phillips66, and Union76 are pretty low in moly...
Supertech from Walmart?