Redline MTL vs. All

[DynaSpeed]

New guy checkin' in. I've been cruising this site for quite a while and have found it extremely useful. This truly is the holy grail of Q&A on automotive fluids.

My inquiry is on MTF - I've been waiting for the spring thaw and before the racing season opener I am going to be replacing the MTF and switching to a stainless steel clutch line on my 2002 Honda Civic Si. It has about 26k on the clock and am leaning towards the Redline MTL. The car is used for weekend racing (1320, Autocross, and Roadcourse) as well as a daily driver to work.

Some opinions have been to stay with the Honda MTF, with most believing that it's the best there is; Whereas, I'd like to try the Shockproof Lightweight or the Schaeffers 267 also.

Please help me make up my mind.

 

[Steve S]

call Redline oil I don't think shockproof is for transaxles.

 

[Bror Jace]

Dynaspeed, I used to recommend MTL for 100% of Honda synchromesh applications without reservation but recently I have seen a few applications where users claim the Honda MTF gives better shift feel. Not sure why. It may be that the transmissions had worn a certain way after many thousands of miles with a particular lube ... or driver.

However, is MTF the best there is?? I can't imagine that's the case. Honda motorcycle oils are barely up to their assigned task (according to used oil analysis - UOA) and VERY expensive.

How good could MTF be for $5 per quart?

If you want a heavier duty oil for your Honda, I would step up from the 70W80 Red Line MTL to their 75W90 MT-90.

--- Bror Jace

 

[Ballbearing]

I use a Castrol oil called "VMX" in my H22A Prelude.Its a semi synthetic 80w gear oil,for 5 speed manual transmissions as the name suggests.Seems to work well enough but i have'nt tried Honda MTF as its double the price like most things from Honda dealers,so i cant compare it.VMX does'nt seem to be available every where i've noticed.

 

[DynaSpeed]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll do some research to see if Shockproof isn't an option. I'll also see if I can find some VMX as opposed to the MT-90 to see if it's a good economical choice.