Maxgear no good, what MTF for 04 sentra?

daschrier · Feb 27, 2006

So, I originally thought that transmission fluid was just trans fuild, but after reading through this site, I've found out that different trans fluids may be fine for differentials, but not manual transmissions and synchros and vice versa.

I have an 04 sentra 1.8 5 speed and have RP maxgear currently, and the cold shifts suck (I'm in Boston). The car shifts beautifully when it's warm, but that takes longer than my commute to work. I suspect that this fluid is too viscous for my transmission.

What alternatives should I look at? Next on my list is amsoil MTG, and just looking at specs it is less viscous, but specs don't always tell the whole story.

Thanks guys

MolaKule · Feb 27, 2006

Try the MTL-P from our company.

http://www.specialtyformulations.com/MTL-P.htm

Originally developed for Nissan vehicles like mine.

04SpecV · Feb 28, 2006

I'd give the Amsoil a try.

daschrier · Feb 28, 2006

Price for both amsoil and the MTL-P are the same, so any other thoughts, opinions, etc, on which one I should try

HEV · Feb 28, 2006

Well, since MolaKule is the man behind the MTL-P and you have an open forum here to discuss things with him, why not use his fluid. It's all the rave. Read about people's results when they use his fluids.

04SpecV · Feb 28, 2006

Did you try searching? There are tons of threads about both.

I think you forgot to add up the s/h charges when you compared the prices.

daschrier · Feb 28, 2006

Well, amsoil is like $8.95 a qt from them, SF is $30 a gallon plus $10 shipping, so it's basically equal. I need just under a gallon.

I'll do some searching for the MTL-P, but to be fair I originally had the GM synchromesh because it was all the rave, and that was a mistake too

unDummy · Feb 28, 2006

Using MFG websites info for viscosity:
RP Mxger 21 @ 100, 145 @ 40 degrees C
RL MT90 15.6 @ 100, 90 @ 40
SF MTLR 14.7 @ 100, 93 @ 40
Am MTG 13.8 @ 100, 84 @ 40
SF MTLP 11.3 @ 100, 73 @ 40

OK guys, which one flows the best when coldest?

I have nothing against RP Maxgear. I use it to quiet down some noisy transmissions. The cold weather shifting isn't anything to brag about, but still better than mineral oils and some OEM fluids.
I also thought that Nissan now requires a 75w85 and not the 90wt that was used for many years prior to the growth of wimpy shifter fingers/wrists.

daschrier · Feb 28, 2006

Yes, I know that synchromesh isn't appropriate now, but back on the sentra forum people were raving about it and said it had no problems, so I blindly used it, my fault really.

The manual for my car says gl4 75w85 or 75w90 can be used. The OEM fluid was a lot bette than the max gear in the cold, but once max gear is warm it's very nice. It just doesn't work for me since it's cold from november until april.

I'll probably go with the MTL-P

glxpassat · Mar 1, 2006

Maxgear is really more like a straight 90 weight if you look at it's viscosity, and my second gear was a no-go below 70F. So, I mixed a 3:2 ratio of RP Maxgear with RP Syncromax and basically got the same viscosity as SF MTL-R when cold and hot. It shifted very nice and was better when cold than the straight Maxgear, but with my picky VW transmission I ended up going back to stock fluid for cold weather.

MolaKule · Mar 1, 2006

quote:

but to be fair I originally had the GM synchromesh because it was all the rave, and that was a mistake too...

Yes, but Synchromesh is not the proper viscosity or the right fluid specification for your transmission, it's too thin.

Our MTL-P calculates out to about $7.25/Gallon when purchased in gallons; that does not include shipping.

I always tell customers it is cheaper to ship gallons, and have some left over for topping up or replacing samples for used oil analysis.

One thing for sure, there will not be a bidding war between us and Amsoil. The price of materials and components for these oils are very expensive.

[ March 01, 2006, 12:40 PM: Message edited by: MolaKule ]

mechtech · Mar 1, 2006

If you get the correct viscosity of Specialty Formulation's gear oil, you will be happy and done.

Vspec · Mar 1, 2006

I have a Spec-V go for the MTL-P for the win (FTW)

Bror Jace · Mar 3, 2006

I'm another SpecV driver who's happiest with his MTL-P.

--- Bror Jace

04SpecV · Mar 3, 2006

I'm stickin to my Amsoil mix.
This is a different transmission anyways. Maybe any lube in the right range would shift good in it.

I'm a bit confused by Vspec: Weren't you saying your trans does not always shift good in other threads?

Maxgear no good, what MTF for 04 sentra?

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