500 Mile - Complete fluid change
 

We hit 500miles today, and decided to do a complete fluid change before we hit the track this weekend.

Some of the goods we used.
http://www.tougefactory.com/ebay/oils.jpg

Removed the OEM oil filter with K&N high performance filter.
The filter is slightly taller by about 1/4"
The oil was fairly clean, with no unusual contaminants. The magnetic drain plug did a good job collecting small particulates.
We used exactly 5.5 quarts of Amsoil 0w20.
http://www.tougefactory.com/ebay/filter.jpg

Remove the Undertray to access the transmission.
http://www.tougefactory.com/ebay/under1.jpg

Remove drain and fill plugs:
http://www.tougefactory.com/ebay/frsdrain3.jpg

Transmission had a good amount of particulates that came out...normal for a new tran. Oil was dark brown still translucent.
Helps if your trans is warm for the fluid to drain easily.
We used about 2.6 quarts of Redline MT90
http://www.tougefactory.com/ebay/frsdrain1.jpg

Next is the rear diff.
http://www.tougefactory.com/ebay/frsdrain2.jpg

Also helps here to warm up the fluid to drain more easily.
You can see how much small particulates collected on the magnetic drain plug.
We used about 1.25 quarts of the Motul Gear 300
http://www.tougefactory.com/ebay/frsdrain4.jpg

.....ready for the track!

Is subaru gear oil as used in STI transmission OK for BMZ tansmission?

I had some grunge on the diff plug as well. I suspect the next change will have less on it.

Wondering if extra s is working well in this missions.

Your choices of fluid changes are exactly the same as mine, except I stuck with an OEM filter. Just happy to see this combo used at a professional shop!

Any change in shifting notchiness with that fluid?

I'm using the MT-90 in my transmission as well, and there was an improvement in shift quality. Not a huge one, but noticeable. To be honest it shifted pretty good to start with. I've noticed now that the temperatures are starting to dip under freezing overnight, the 1-2 shift is a little stiff until I've put a few miles on the car. I'm very tempted to try gmookher's suggestion of the Pentosin MTF2 (75W80) fluid for the winter.

For those that are asking, the STI specs GF5 and you want a GF4 in a BRZ transmission. GF5 is fine for the rear. Extra-S is GF5.

-Dennis

Just changed my diff fluid with Motul Gear 300 also. Still debating as to which tranny fluid to use.

The notchiness of the transmission didn't change. Fluids won't change that.
That slight grind from 1st to 2nd... I didn't notice this until the weather here started dipping into the 40's in the morning (even with the OEM fluids). After the first shift, it's perfect every gear with the MT90.

You could try the MT-85 (75w85)
We had this in our Evo's in the winter, and honestly with chicago temps dropping below 0 at times - it's just in the matter of the fluids getting up to temp.

No, the AWD design Subaru uses means the tranny case also houses the front differential. The front diff is a hypoid design and needs the GL-5 requirements. Our FRS/BRZ transmissions are just that, transmission only. Some of the GL-5 stuff could deteriorate brass synchros, etc. Use something GL-4 rated.

What kind of bolts are the drain/fill plugs? I can't tell if they are squares, torx, or triple squares.

People have been talking about significant brake fade; you didn't mention switching to performance brake fluid ???