Subaru Extra MT Alternatives?

[High Performance Lubricants]

We use the same fluid for GL-4 and GL-5 applications. This oil is not a traditional Sulfur Phosphorus based gear oil. Even in its GL-5 form it does not attack yellow metals therefore safe to use in GL-4 applications as well. Our 75w90 would do well for you here. As soon as you open a bottle and smell it you will realize you have something different. Our 75w90 is doing an exceptional job in the Petty GMS 42 and 43 cars.
That is the oil I would recommend for you.

David

 

[Fair-Eagle7435]

Just to shed some light on Subaru Extra MT 75W-80 oil that they factory fill on multiple manual transmission cars. Subaru only sells it in 5-Gallon pail under part number SOA748V0100 that is not viable for lot of DIYers to buy unless a group wants to split up 4 quarts each

I had done research sometime back and after calling various techs, I found out that Mitasu Japan makes that oil and it is called MJ-441. Below is the link and you will see it is good not only for Subaru SOA748V0100 but several other manufacturer standards.

https://www.mitasuoil.com/en/mj-441

You can't get it in USA so closest match is Motul Motylgear 75W80 if you compare MSDS from Motul and Mitasu MJ-441. Both MJ-441 and Motylgear are synthetic blends and GL-4/5 certified.

I have used in my two Subaru WRX (2015+) without an issue and for first ~200 miles with Motul I saw transmission was bit notchy but after that period shifting is just like stock fluid.

 

[EMOTO]

Just to shed some light on Subaru Extra MT 75W-80 oil that they factory fill on multiple manual transmission cars. Subaru only sells it in 5-Gallon pail under part number SOA748V0100 that is not viable for lot of DIYers to buy unless a group wants to split up 4 quarts each

I had done research sometime back and after calling various techs, I found out that Mitasu Japan makes that oil and it is called MJ-441. Below is the link and you will see it is good not only for Subaru SOA748V0100 but several other manufacturer standards.

https://www.mitasuoil.com/en/mj-441

You can't get it in USA so closest match is Motul Motylgear 75W80 if you compare MSDS from Motul and Mitasu MJ-441. Both MJ-441 and Motylgear are synthetic blends and GL-4/5 certified.

I have used in my two Subaru WRX (2015+) without an issue and for first ~200 miles with Motul I saw transmission was bit notchy but after that period shifting is just like stock fluid.

Just starting to research what to put into the manual transmission in my 2023 WRX.

Any thoughts or updates that anyone would care to share?

 

[twX]

Just starting to research what to put into the manual transmission in my 2023 WRX.

Any thoughts or updates that anyone would care to share?

The only 75W-80 GL-5 gear oils on the market besides the Subaru Extra MT seem to be Motul Motylgear 75W-80 and Fuchs Sintofluid 75W-80. I plan to use the Fuchs, since it should be quite good in extreme cold. I haven't found any testimonials for this oil used in this transmission, but I'll provide an update once I try it this spring/summer.

A 75W-90 will be serviceable in your climate, but it'll impact shift quality when the transmission is cold, and will reduce fuel economy a bit as well.

 

[EMOTO]

The only 75W-80 GL-5 gear oils on the market besides the Subaru Extra MT seem to be Motul Motylgear 75W-80 and Fuchs Sintofluid 75W-80. I plan to use the Fuchs, since it should be quite good in extreme cold. I haven't found any testimonials for this oil used in this transmission, but I'll provide an update once I try it this spring/summer.

A 75W-90 will be serviceable in your climate, but it'll impact shift quality when the transmission is cold, and will reduce fuel economy a bit as well.

It would be great to hear what you think of it, once you have a few miles on it!

Redline claims that their MTL® 75W80 GL-4 Gear Oil is good for Subaru manual transmissions. I have no experience with their products.

 

[EMOTO]

What do people here think of Miller, like this one?

TRX Synthetic 75W80 GL5​

https://performanceracingoils.com/millers-oils-trx-synthetic-75w80-gl5/

 

[Skeet6]

Just starting to research what to put into the manual transmission in my 2023 WRX.

Any thoughts or updates that anyone would care to share?

I've used Supertech 75w-90 GL-5 in my 2016 Impreza 5MT for years. She's at 247,000 miles and counting.
Mike B

 

[Wheel366]

We use the same fluid for GL-4 and GL-5 applications. This oil is not a traditional Sulfur Phosphorus based gear oil. Even in its GL-5 form it does not attack yellow metals therefore safe to use in GL-4 applications as well. Our 75w90 would do well for you here. As soon as you open a bottle and smell it you will realize you have something different. Our 75w90 is doing an exceptional job in the Petty GMS 42 and 43 cars.
That is the oil I would recommend for you.

David

Would you recommend the same for a 2018 Legacy Sport and 2019 Impreza Sport front and rear diff? I just had the Legacy done but it would be usefull to know for future use.

 

[Clarkbug]

Just starting to research what to put into the manual transmission in my 2023 WRX.

Any thoughts or updates that anyone would care to share?

I actually was searching to see what was new on Gear lubes (after reading the massive gear oil comparison thread that SubieRubyRoo put together), and managed to find my own post from years ago.

Looks like Amsoil also now makes a 75w-85 that might be a close fit for a Subaru transmission also. I am currently running the MotylGear 75w-80 that seems to work just fine in the 6MT, but I am starting to hear a little noise and need to check on things in there...

 

[The Critic]

I actually was searching to see what was new on Gear lubes (after reading the massive gear oil comparison thread that SubieRubyRoo put together), and managed to find my own post from years ago.

Looks like Amsoil also now makes a 75w-85 that might be a close fit for a Subaru transmission also. I am currently running the MotylGear 75w-80 that seems to work just fine in the 6MT, but I am starting to hear a little noise and need to check on things in there...

HPL makes a 75W80 GL-5 gear oil.

 

[Clarkbug]

HPL makes a 75W80 GL-5 gear oil.

I may need to look into that during their next sale.... Thanks!

 

[Delta]

$80ish for a 5 pack shipped to your door. Easy...

 

[edyvw]

I may need to look into that during their next sale.... Thanks!

I used their 75W which is similar to what BMW uses in E90 manual. While I don’t doubt protection, shifting is far from what others offer. Even in the morning, Motul 75W80 I got month or so ago, shifts better.
I BMW community Redline D4 is considered as best bet to have decent cold shifting and good hot shifting (to avoid “money shift” mostly on track). I was thoroughly impressed by it. But Motul Gear Power 75W80 is better stuff. It is just joy to row gears.
HPL wasn’t as good in cold. But real problem was hot fluid. It just wanted to go always in the wrong gear. I know it was thinner fluid, but that was not a problem with similar BMW fluid.

 

[Clarkbug]

HPL makes a 75W80 GL-5 gear oil.

Ok, so any thoughts if I am looking at the HPL product offerings if I can use manual transmission life, or need to stick with differential life for my Subaru?

Since its a six pack I might also try to see what I can use for the transfer case and rear diff on my 2017 Sienna...

 

[mt23]

Using the HPL manual transmissionmission life 75w90, differential life 75w90 in various subarus. Would recommend to a friend.

Did 6,000 miles of towing this summer in my 6mt Forester. Spent an entire day with outside temps above 100 degrees towing highway speeds up grades and mountain passes. Never even a lick of concern. Infrared temps of transmission and diff were under 180. Transmission shifts smooth.

 

[The Critic]

Ok, so any thoughts if I am looking at the HPL product offerings if I can use manual transmission life, or need to stick with differential life for my Subaru?

Since its a six pack I might also try to see what I can use for the transfer case and rear diff on my 2017 Sienna...

I am unfamiliar with the MT life product, but IIRC, Subaru does want a GL-5 product?

I do have 3 qt of the Differential Life 75W80 that I am willing to part with if it’s enough for your application.

 

[Clarkbug]

Using the HPL manual transmissionmission life 75w90, differential life 75w90 in various subarus. Would recommend to a friend.

Did 6,000 miles of towing this summer in my 6mt Forester. Spent an entire day with outside temps above 100 degrees towing highway speeds up grades and mountain passes. Never even a lick of concern. Infrared temps of transmission and diff were under 180. Transmission shifts smooth.

So you are using both products? How is the shifting feel for you? Do you see any cold temperatures routinely? Cold weather shifting is the issue I have run into with a previous transmissionmission oil change, getting into second was almost impossible you were at a complete stop or had driven a fair bit.

I am unfamiliar with the MT life product, but IIRC, Subaru does want a GL-5 product?

I do have 3 qt of the Differential Life 75W80 that I am willing to part with if it’s enough for your application.

Yes, Subaru does want that GL-5 for the diff that shares the sump with the transmissionmission. I have the MotylGear in there now and it works well, but trying to plan ahead for future changes.

I'll add up all the various use cases I'll have and see if three quarts will work. Thanks for the offer!

 

[mt23]

So you are using both products? How is the shifting feel for you? Do you see any cold temperatures routinely? Cold weather shifting is the issue I have run into with a previous transmission oil change, getting into second was almost impossible you were at a complete stop or had driven a fair bit.

Both products. Shifting feels good especially hot. Cold shifting feels fine for what it is. Both myself with 6mt forester and friend with 6mt sti noticed that the hot shifting improved after a few thousand miles and heat even further.

 

[The Critic]

So you are using both products? How is the shifting feel for you? Do you see any cold temperatures routinely? Cold weather shifting is the issue I have run into with a previous transmission oil change, getting into second was almost impossible you were at a complete stop or had driven a fair bit.

Yes, Subaru does want that GL-5 for the diff that shares the sump with the transmission. I have the MotylGear in there now and it works well, but trying to plan ahead for future changes.

I'll add up all the various use cases I'll have and see if three quarts will work. Thanks for the offer!

I have not used the HPL product in a MT application.

 

[Roberts9156]

My 23’ WRX manual says to use Subaru Extra MT but 75W-90 is ok, but “4: You may use this type of manual transmission oil. However, using this type of oil will detract from driveability and fuel efficiency.”

Does a good 90 weight such as Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90 make the shifting feel worse?