Synthetic Fluids...

[MTCFORUM]

Jerry stated in a previous post that going to all synthetic fluids, (engine oil, trans, power steering, axle) can net gains of 7-10 RWHP.
I never thought of the benefits of synthetics in that way.

So now i am wondering what brands are recommended etc..

1) For the engine oil should we stick with 5W30?

2) Are all synthetic motor oils the same? I know a lot of people use Mobil 1.

3)For the trans, is MERCON V only a synthetic blend? And if so what full synthetic brand is recommended and does it increase the service interval?

4) For the power steering, any recommended brands? And is this something that can be done by a local shop or do you need a machine to suck out the old stuff?

5) For the rear axle, again any brand recommendations and can a synthetic be used with a limited slip?

Thanks
Steve

[MTCFORUM]

Well I only use Mobil 1. I use 5W30 in the winter, and 10W30 in summer (I live in Texas and summer is very hot).

I also use Mobil synthetic in my rearend (no off color jokes please).

I have never seen a fully synthetic transmission fluid that meets MercionV specs. I previously thought Mobil 1 was 100% synthetic, but after reading the label I noticed the small print after the asterisk on the 100% synthetic claim said "excludes carrier oil." So semi-synthetic seems to be about the best you can do. I use Aamco Mercon V from AutoZone because it is about the cheapest I have found, and they usually have case quanties on hand if I want to do a full fluid change.

"If you're not counter-steering, you're not driving."

[MTCFORUM]

I would use Amsoil or Redline 100% synthetic trans fluid. Now, Amsoil is the only 100% synthetic fluid that meet's Mercon V specs. They even got a nice letter saying that. They paid for the testing, when I was at Ford, and their oil met the Mercon V specs. But as Dennis will tell you over the phone, it's not cheap. I bet it'll cost close to $100 for 12-14 quarts of fluid.

For the most part, all synthetic oils are very, very similar. I tend to stay away from "mass produced" synthetic oils. That's just a personal thing. If you ever go and see how anything is mass produced it would scare you. So, even though I have no proof of anything, it's hard to beleive the quality control is good enough to make every batch the same.

Now, I do use Mobil 1 in my wifes car, but in the race car and boat, it's redline or Amsoil.

I'd even look at synthetic wheel bearing grease.

jerry

[MTCFORUM]

does using 100% sythetic trans fluid extend the service life, can you go more miles between changing it?

[MTCFORUM]

Yes Steve and Amsol sells filters to go along with there fluid

[MTCFORUM]

Jerry,

Baumann steered me away from Redline on my '96 Mark tranny. I don't remember the reason. Any thoughts?