MTF and LSDs!

[televascular]

I have a 2006 Civic Si. This car comes standard with a helical gear limited-slip differential, and I read that it shares fluid with the tranny. Honda MTF is universal for all their models, so I assume a suitable replacement fluid for a typical Honda tranny is fine for my LSD.

BUT: I'm a bit more anal than that. I'm thinking about Specialty Formulations' MTL-P because I'm experiencing a lot of cold-start surging and roughness... but is the SF-MTL-P going to be suitable for my LSD? I'm not talking about the "feel" of the fluid, I'm concerned with possible damage, or increased wear and tear.

Throw some knowledge into this post!

 

[Dominic]

Im not sure but I know that the owner of specialty lubricants can help you. The MTFGlide I put in my ATF-spec'd manual has made a WORLD of difference in all shifting conditions. Nothing like a little properly made GL-5 gear oil in a transmission to make it work like butter.

I have a helical limited slip in my camaro as well, torsen posi in the rear, and I've been running redline shockproof in it. However, since you have a manual transmission there too, that makes your choice a lot more difficult. I'm sure he can spec you a well suited gear oil for the job that will replace the honda MTF perfectly.

btw, what kind of fuel economy are you getting in the Si?

 

[televascular]

I hope MolaKule sees this post! Anyway, my main concern is with compatibility, not shift quality. I've read horror stories of people using certain fluids on certain trannies that claim compatibility, but the synchros fail in 10,000mi. Who knows if that's a coincidence.

I drive in stop-and-go conditions mostly, and consistently get about 26mpg. This is above my expectations considering that I floor it everywhere. The EPA estimates are 23/32.

 

[televascular]

Nobody has any input? I need a stranger's blessing before I can go through with this.

 

[Dominic]

Have you contacted molakule yet? He is quick with answers - send him an email. Im curious what he has to say.

 

[unDummy]

The LSD isn't going to care about the fluid as long as the fluid can protect. Use the SF MTLP without worry. If anything, it should protect better. Honda MTF/MTFII VOAs/UOAs have been pathetic.

 

[gtx510]

A clutch LSD would care what kind of additives where in the oil, while a helical (TORSEN) diff would not.

Just pick a MTF that's the correct thickness.

Tehcnically, a helical, Quaife, TORSEN, diff isn't a LSD.
But it's just semantics...

 

[Trex101]

What does your owner manual say? Viscosity & GL-4 or GL-5?
Redline lightweight shockproof seem like a good candidate for your type of driving.

RL Shockproof fluid

 

[televascular]

I checked out that link, but the product info for the Lightweight Shockproof fluid says "not recommended for most synchro-type transmissions". I'm leaning toward the SF-MTL-P.

 

[biomed_eng_2000]

I am not sure if you have a Quaife diff (also helical gear) but they have a FAQ section regarding recommended lubes: www.quaifeamerica.com/technical/faq.htm

 

[Dominic]

Im almost positive that a Honda MTF equivilent from Specialty Formulations will do what you want it to do and do it better than Honda MTF or Redline can do it.