Good results from SF SyncroGlide in 03 Honda

[noob]

I recently installed the SynchroGlide from Specialty Formulations in my 2003 Honda Civic Si. I had been using Royal Purple Synchromax prior to that.

The RP that I drained looked pretty good (about 12,000 miles), but I couldn't believe how much thinner it was than the SynchroGlide that I was putting in. I have put about 300 miles on the fluid now. I noticed a slight increase in notchiness when cold and a slight decrease in notchiness when warm. I'm sure that as the summer gets hotter, the SF fluid will shift better and better than the RP did.

** Both fluids were TONS better than the Honda MTF that I changed after only 5,000 miles.

All of the Honda crowd loves the GM Sychromesh Friction Modified fluid. I was going to get it, but decided to give SF a try since it's fully synthetic and won't need to be replaced as often.

Here are some viscosities that I found:

Honda MTF - 11.26cSt @100C
Redline MT-90 - 14.3
Redline MTF - 11.2
RP Synchromax - 7.7
GM Synchromesh - 9.08
SF SynchroGlide - 9.5
SF MTL-P - 12.5

I'm glad that I went with their SynchroGlide instead of their MTL-P. It would have been way too thick and would probably have shifted pretty poorly like one of the reviewers mentioned on this site.

The newer Hondas really seem to like thin MTF and I'd recommend the SF SynchroGlide as a great shifting fluid that should also provide very good protection.

 

[JHZR2]

Im thinking of using one of the SF oils in my BMW's transmission. It calls for an ATF, and SF has a nice one.

Maybe because I learned to drive MT on the BMW, which has such a darn good transmission feel, but I don't really understand 'notchiness'.

so the dumb question of the day is, what is notchiness or how would you describe it in a transmission?

Thanks!

JMH

 

[noob]

I'd describe it as feeling "something" through the lever as you're shifting between gears. With no notchiness, the gear exchange is smooth and the lever just slots right into place positively. With some notchiness (especially if you try moving the lever very quickly), you'll feel the lever hang up a bit on its way.

I normally shift slowly and smoothly so that each shift falls right into place. It's most noticeable on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. All the rest are normally very smooth no matter what.

 

[JHZR2]

excellent info - thanks very much.

My BMW has no notchiness on any fluid that Ive used - OE, redline, etc.

My GF's 161k integra definitely has some notchiness using honda MTL. Ill get some SF fluid for it when I get some for my BMW.

Thanks again!

JMH

 

[Bror Jace]

"I had been using Royal Purple Synchromax ... drained looked pretty good (about 12,000 miles), but I couldn't believe how much thinner it was than the SynchroGlide that I was putting in."

RP Syncromax is waaaayy too thin for Honda or Nissan transmissions.

It is a 7.5 cSt when they should have a fluid closer to 12.0 cSt.

"All of the Honda crowd loves the GM Sychromesh Friction Modified fluid."

I know.

But it's another fluid on the thin side. At least with Specialty Formulations, you know you are getting a killer anti-wear package and a base oil which is substantially resistant to shearing.

I'm sure the Pennzoil and GM fluids are OK ... but using it in a Honda is a misapplication.

--- Bror Jace

 

[airbus]

Noob,did you decide to put the "synchoglide" in on your own, or did Specialty Formulations recommend and say it was 100% safe to use in your transmission. The specialty formulations website says to use their "MTL-P"...just curious.

 

[Greaser]

How about the new Amzoil MTF?

 

[airbus]

Greaser,the new Amsoil "MTF" is better than I expected. Smoother shifts and better fuel economy.

 

[mechtech]

Give that Synchroglide several hundred more miles, before pronouncing final results.
Mine got better and better as it 'worked in' the pores of the metals. Maybe 1,000 miles for my car.
Great stuff.

 

[ChrisW]

Hmm...I have a 94 civic, now reading this has got me wondering if I should go with the synchroglide, or the MTL-P.

I live in the central valley of California, and occasionally go up to the mountains to snowboard. I think what's in there now from the previous owner is just 10w30 oil, so either the synchro or the MTL-P would be loads better than that.

 

[Greaser]

quote:

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Originally posted by airbus:
Greaser,the new Amsoil "MTF" is better than I expected. Smoother shifts and better fuel economy.

---

Talked to the local Amzoil dealer last night.He has the MTF in stock for $9.07 a quart so I'll take 4 to go and see what happens

 

[MolaKule]

FWIW:

"A "synchromesh" fluid can mean any fluid for a manual transmission that uses synchronizer assemblies for engagement of gears. And these fluids can range from ATF, 20 weight viscosities to 75W90, 40 weight viscosites.
"

quote:

---

did you decide to put the "synchoglide" in on your own, or did Specialty Formulations recommend and say it was 100% safe to use in your transmission. The specialty formulations website says to use their "MTL-P"...just curious.

---

Some people order without consultation and others consult and ask for recommendations before ordering.

 

[04SpecV]

Do you plan on trying any other lubes such as Redline MTL Amsoil MTF to compare to the SF lube?