I changed the lube in my 6 speed to the Motorcraft lube that you called out. Here in Minnesota, I was able to get it at the local Ford Dealership. The improvement in shifting, while still not perfect on cold winter days, is significantly improved.
Best Gearbox Oil for 6 Speed NC?
Hi all,
A few weeks into my NC ownership I'm setting my sights on changing the diff and gearbox oil.
For the diff I'm planning to use RedLine Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5
However for the gearbox - many forums I've read point to Motorcraft XT-M5-QS (WSD-M2C200-C) as being fantastic for the 6 Speed NC. Has anyone managed to buy this in the UK or has anyone found a similar alternative available in the UK?
Any input much welcome. Thanks all.
Wes
A few weeks into my NC ownership I'm setting my sights on changing the diff and gearbox oil.
For the diff I'm planning to use RedLine Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5
However for the gearbox - many forums I've read point to Motorcraft XT-M5-QS (WSD-M2C200-C) as being fantastic for the 6 Speed NC. Has anyone managed to buy this in the UK or has anyone found a similar alternative available in the UK?
Any input much welcome. Thanks all.
Wes
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
Hi Wes, using Redline in both the 'box and diff, it's made a huge difference in the gearshift, especially the notchy 1st to 2nd gear when cold. Redline synthetic Manual Transmission 90 MT90 75W-90 GL4 for the 'box and Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5 in the diff.
It's a good idea to change these oils well before the recommended mileage as it's surprising just how much metal particulate gets scrubbed of in the bedding in period.
It's a good idea to change these oils well before the recommended mileage as it's surprising just how much metal particulate gets scrubbed of in the bedding in period.
Thanks Steveti - actually ended up buying these exact Redline's from Opie Oils earlier, hopefully filling them on Friday - will report back.Hi Wes, using Redline in both the 'box and diff, it's made a huge difference in the gearshift, especially the notchy 1st to 2nd gear when cold. Redline synthetic Manual Transmission 90 MT90 75W-90 GL4 for the 'box and Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5 in the diff.
It's a good idea to change these oils well before the recommended mileage as it's surprising just how much metal particulate gets scrubbed of in the bedding in period.
Probably an obvious comment but please make sure you can undo the fillers before draining.
Just planning this job myself. I'll likely give the Redline a go. Has anyone used additives for the oil?
I had an LT77 gearbox in my Cobra, this was a gearbox used on many British Leyland cars and others such as Rover SDi, Triumph TR7, Sherpa vans, FX4 taxis as well as being used by third parties such as TVR and Morgan. Unfortunately they're not very good and also all quite old. The change is particularly bad when cold. I came across a suggestion to use a specific engine oil and also add some Molyslip. I did try this and the change did improve but shortly after decided to fit an R380 'box which is effectively an evolution of the LT unit, beefed up and strongified in all departments.
Anyway it's the adding of the Molyslip which has got me thinking of the Mazda 'box, just wondering if I should use that or an alternative or (more importantly) if there is any reason why you absolutely should not use anything like this?
I had an LT77 gearbox in my Cobra, this was a gearbox used on many British Leyland cars and others such as Rover SDi, Triumph TR7, Sherpa vans, FX4 taxis as well as being used by third parties such as TVR and Morgan. Unfortunately they're not very good and also all quite old. The change is particularly bad when cold. I came across a suggestion to use a specific engine oil and also add some Molyslip. I did try this and the change did improve but shortly after decided to fit an R380 'box which is effectively an evolution of the LT unit, beefed up and strongified in all departments.
Anyway it's the adding of the Molyslip which has got me thinking of the Mazda 'box, just wondering if I should use that or an alternative or (more importantly) if there is any reason why you absolutely should not use anything like this?
Well, one thing I remember from my early motoring days is, after adding Molyslip to an elderly Triumph gearbox, the synchromesh didn't work so well. Synchro hubs rely on friction to work properly, so adding molybdenum disulphide allowed the hubs to slip and made for 'crunchy' gear changes!Just planning this job myself. I'll likely give the Redline a go. Has anyone used additives for the oil?
I had an LT77 gearbox in my Cobra, this was a gearbox used on many British Leyland cars and others such as Rover SDi, Triumph TR7, Sherpa vans, FX4 taxis as well as being used by third parties such as TVR and Morgan. Unfortunately they're not very good and also all quite old. The change is particularly bad when cold. I came across a suggestion to use a specific engine oil and also add some Molyslip. I did try this and the change did improve but shortly after decided to fit an R380 'box which is effectively an evolution of the LT unit, beefed up and strongified in all departments.
Anyway it's the adding of the Molyslip which has got me thinking of the Mazda 'box, just wondering if I should use that or an alternative or (more importantly) if there is any reason why you absolutely should not use anything like this?
Modern high-pressure gear oils contain all the additives necessary to perform efficiently, so my humble opinion is don't put anything else in 🙂
That's a really good point. It did work in the LT but I'd say anything could have made that better!Well, one thing I remember from my early motoring days is, after adding Molyslip to an elderly Triumph gearbox, the synchromesh didn't work so well. Synchro hubs rely on friction to work properly, so adding molybdenum disulphide allowed the hubs to slip and made for 'crunchy' gear changes!
Modern high-pressure gear oils contain all the additives necessary to perform efficiently, so my humble opinion is don't put anything else in 🙂
Been using Redline in the GM since 2013 now, no issues despite running >100 bhp over standard.
I suspect I'll be following suit!Been using Redline in the GM since 2013 now, no issues despite running >100 bhp over standard.
I did get some stuff for the Cobra which is supposed to be good stuff, gearbox and diff' (LSD). 'kin expensive mind you, not had any issues with it but don't know if better/worse/same as Redline or other.
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
Mazda MX5 Forum
A forum community dedicated to Mazda MX5 Miata owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
