Which Manual Transmission fluid ?

[johnfett]

Looking at buying a Miata Shifter Kit from MiataRoadster.com and see they mention Ford Motorcraft XT-M5-QS Synthetic Manual Transmission fluid with their kits.


But what are you guys using? help? feedback?

[kung fu jesus]

That Ford fluid is quite good.

I like Dino oil in older transmissions (Early NAs), Redline MTL in newer ones.

[johnfett]

Is the synthetic more prone to leaking, is that why you like the dino oil?

[kung fu jesus]

No.

The older transmissions use different metals. It's just a preference, but I have used both in the older trannys. I just like the feel of the regular stuff in the older boxes.

[johnfett]

also, how do you get the old oil out of that turret area without making a huge mess of oil spilling and oil drops all over the interior?

[kung fu jesus]

If you have an NB like your avatar shows, you don't have to worry about it. It shares the oil in the box. On NAs, I used a turkey baster, larger syringe, or the fluid pump for the trans fluid itself to remove the old oil from the turret. There isn't much in there. Place an old towel around the open turret and have anther handy just in case. :)

[Phatmiata]

ah man I forgot about this, I still have my MiataRoadster kit in the office and need to install it, maybe this weekend. :whistle:

So the NA guys are using Dino fluid now?

[kung fu jesus]

No, I just prefer dino in an older box, it feels less notchy to me. Just an opinion offered as requested.

I have mentioned this before, too, that the NC turret boot fits the 90-05 Miatas and is 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the NA/NB boot (thanks to Tsingson for sharing that!)

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?5638-Blue-Lion-Resurrection&p=89760&viewfull=1#post89760

[Phatmiata]

good to know, the kit I got from MiataRoadster is VERY complete, just needs oil.
I am leaching this thread too for member info :whistle:

[RotorNutFD3S]

I like Dino oil in older transmissions (Early NAs), Redline MTL in newer ones.

I share this preference as well.


If you have an NB like your avatar shows, you don't have to worry about it. It shares the oil in the box.

I know what you meant considering he has an '01 SE, but just FYI for others who may not know: only the 6-speeds share the oil between the case and turret, 5-speeds are separate systems from 90-05. And in my experience, only the 6-speeds benefit from the more expensive Motorcraft fluid.

[Demon I Am]

I've used the Motorcraft in the last 2 transmissions, and will put it in the next one.

[wannafbody]

Amsoil MTG, nectar of the gods

[The Driver]

ah man I forgot about this, I still have my MiataRoadster kit in the office and need to install it, maybe this weekend. :whistle:

So the NA guys are using Dino fluid now?

Not me. Motorcraft Synth, that's what's for dinner! :wink:

[Quigs]

The Motorcraft fluid works really nice in my Speed3...can't imagine it not making a bit of a difference in my NB as well. It'll be my fluid of choice for my cars for the foreseeable future I think.

[The Thaw]

I just put the ford motorc in my 6 speed....its great...use it!!!

[Agent☣Orange]

I used the German Motorcradt, even in WA state even though I later read that Motorcraft is best used in warmer climates. Not so sure about that since it seemed to work in below-freezing temps up north as well as in FL just fine.

It's a lifetime oil that gets better with age but I recomend flushing out your old stuff and then run clean, cheap oil first for a liitle while and then drain that before pouring in the expensive Motorcraft.

Do you have the 6-speed? You can fill the tranny from the turret which is easier while you're changing out bushings and boots.

[horribleR]

mt90