Getting away from ATF in my MT

[hefftone]

Hi,.... I need some advice.

Long story short. I am installing a Lightweight Flywheel 16lb chromoly and "Stage 2"clutch (sprung hub disc) in my 97 M3. Coming out is the dual mass flywheel and rigid clutch disc.

So I know the topic of "gear lash chatter" has been brought up a lot, but I honestly hate reading the BMW forums, as for everyone one person that is logical and objective, there seem to be a dozen "Love this, hate that" subjective tools with an inferiority complex. A million people will say "use the cocktail of RL D4 ATF and 75-140 NS GL"....Lemmings!

I have no idea who came up with that mix, whether its some hack or an oil expert at RL. I accept that it quiets the noise....i just don't feel good about it. Seems there is a better option....

I read dozens and dozens of posts on here, and I have grasped the concept of CST@100ºC
I emailed amsoil.....thinking I would go with their MTL or MTF. But their tech people skiddishly seem to recomend their ATF...
I looked at the synchomax from RP...looks good still pretty light.

Giving that my Light flywheel (16lbs) is considerably heavier that some of the others at 8.5, 10.5 and 13lbs.... and I have a sprung hub clutch disc, I don't anticipate the chatter to be much....if anything.

But I still want to run a good lube in the trans as the miles continue to pile up (currently 250k).....I bought the car at 203K and have never touched the trans oil,...err ATF.

Right now I am heavily leaning towards the GM synchromesh fluid, as a friend conveniently left a couple of raound bottles of it at my house a couple of years ago. It looks to spec out middle of the road, and seems very popular.

Also considering the Rp Synchromax.

I live in at atlanta where it is usually warmer, except for January and February, still rarely below 20ºF. What would you do with this particular combination???

 

[montero1]

Motul 300

 

[Dave Hess]

Try the GM fluid.

 

[JHZR2]

Amsoil MTF.

 

[badtlc]

Redline MTL (70W-80, GL-4) is a very stout MTF, too. It is thicker than ATF, but not thick like a 75W-90 MTF. It seems to be a great compromise of protection and cold performance.

 

[hefftone]

Thanks for the suggestions

In hind sight, I should have tried the GM fluid, as it turns out I had just enough....but I did not realize that the time.

Instead I went with the Redline MTL 70w-80, based on its slightly higher cSt@100 (10.6) and being more readily available. (a co-worker lives right next to the Summitt Racing store).

Used some permatex high tack gasket sealant on the plug threads because i think thats where my slow leak was coming from.

Will post results after i get this sled back on the road.

 

[tgw323]

I have 1992 C1500. They had a problem with gear shift rattle at idle. I decided to try Redline MT90 to quiet it. Drained at 50,000 miles. The stuff that came out looked like used brake fluid. The MT90 quieted it, the only negative being a little grind on the 1st or 2nd shirt on very cold days. I've changed it twice since, now at 233,000 miles. Last change I used 1/2 MT90,1/2 MTL to help with the cold shifts. And it still doesn't rattle. I don't know if what you have is the same formula as what they used then, but I would only use the GM fluid if was a choice between that & running dry.