My 97 SE 5spd is due for a trans fluid change. I'm using Redline MT90 right now but am interested in switching to AMSOIL. I've looked through the threads and saw a huge discussion on whether AMSOIL meets API standards etc. My bottom line: looks like a good product and I'm not worried. HOWEVER, the manual states 80-90 MT GL4 grade. AMSOIL has 80-90 that is rated GL2 thru GL5. I remember reading a while back where I think Daniel B stated expressly not to use GL5. Ok, appreciate your thoughts on the adviseability of using the AMSOIL 80-90 GL2-GL5. Is anybody with a manual using this? What's your experience? The prices are roughly the same for the Redline and the AMSOIL but still leaning toward AMSOIL. This is not to say anything bad about the Redline. Just thinking about a change. THks
Cheers

 

I'm running the AMSOIL Series 2000 75W-90, and I absolutely love it. The difference between it and conventional is night and day. It's so buttery smooth now. It made getting into gear so much smoother.

I love it, and I personally think it's worth every penny. Many will disagree, many will agree. My suggestion, spend the money, try it out. I guaruntee at worst, you'll think it was worth it. At best, you'll agree you would've paid more to get what you got.

 

normal Amsoil should be fine for a street car (no need to spend the extra few bucks on the series 2000). Any major brand syn fluid will make a noticeable difference in the shifts, especially in the first few minutes of driving in cold weather where the shifts can feel notchy until the fluid thins out. I've used Amsoil for several years now and haven't used any other brand since.

 

i am running the amsoil series 2000. i put it in when i put my STS in. people were reporting a lot of nothiness with a STS and "regular" tranny fluid, so i wasted no time in getting the amsoil. i must say it is very nice. in the morning the shifter is just as nice as it is in the warm afternoons. and the shifts are crisp and precise. i decided to spend the extra $5-$10 it is for the series 2000 (5qts.) obviously i cant compare the series 2000 to the other lines amsoil offers becuase this is their only product i have used. but it has still been worth every penny.

--Paul

 

Thanks for the info . BTW, noticed your Luna shift ****. I see that you've installed a STS, is your shifter shorter than stock? I like the look of the Luna but am wondering what it would look like on the OEM shifter. Also, was it easy to replace the stock **** and install the Luna. Thks
Cheers

 

Just FYI,

Amsoil does have an 80W-90 gear lube that is only GL4. The rest of the line is GL2-5, but can also be used in a GL4 transmission. Amsoil formulates these gear oils with buffers that protect the yellow metals from the EP additives. GL5 oils without these buffers can attack the yellow metals and cause problems, which is what DBM was warning about.

 

Did everyone change the MT oil yourself or did you take it to a shop. And how much does it usually cost if you go to a shop or do it yourself.

 

If you can change your own engine oil, the tranny will be easier. Loosen fill plug. The drain tranny from drain plug. Replace drain plug. If the car is level, start adding new gear oil through the fill plug, you'll need a funnel with a long flexible hose on it. The tranny is filled when fluid starts running out the fill plug, so go slow when you know you're reaching the capacity. It is very important the car be level when your filling the tranny. If it's not, the correct amount of fluid won't be put in. If you have to fill it at an angle, overfill the tranny slightly and then lower the car with the fill plug still off. The excess will run out. After it stops, raise the car again and replace the fill plug.

There are also other writeups on this for both generations floating around the forum.

 

Hi,

I sent you a PM.
Thanks

 

yes the STS's stance is well shorter than the stock lever. the **** was easy to put on...just take off your stock **** by heating it, wrapping a towel around it, and then clamping a set of vise-grips and turn it off. mine came out with no damage. and then screw on the luna. easy as that.

since the stock **** has a long shaft that screws onto the lever and the luna does not....the boot will not come all the way up to luna. i just wrapped one layer electrical tape where the boot should sit and it tighenend it up enough to hold the boot up.

i am not sure that the **** alone will make the shifter look shorter because the threading is in the same location. the stock **** is longer but it is covering/sliding over the lever not being screwed into the bottom of the ****.

hope that is not too confusing.

--Paul