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Just did a transmission fluid swap. I live in central Texas, and though it doesn't get extremely cold, I have had some 20 degree starts in the last month or so, and shifting at these temperatures is abysmal. Furthermore, cold shifting in general, even on warm days, was sub-par.
I replaced the factory fluid with Amsoil MTF. MTF is a synthetic 9cst fluid designed for manual gearboxes that prefer a thinner fluid. Typical 75w-90 gear oil will be around 14cst at operating temperature. Pentosin is around 7cst at operating temperature.
I went with the Amsoil fluid because I felt it would be thin enough to provide adequate cold shifting performance, but thick enough to offer some protection during the summer time. Additionally there is a local supplier who stocks it, and it was actually cheaper then most of my other local alternatives.
Observations:
Immediately shifts were smother. First and second gear glide into place, and third gear no longer makes an uncomfortable crunching sound. Once warm, shifts remain positive, yet smooth. Not all of the notchiness is gone (a good thing), which means there is still that sensation that you are operating something mechanical, however there is no longer resistance to go into gear that was common on cold starts, and the synchros don't feel like they are cannibalizing themselves.
Overall I'm very pleased, especially considering the swap only cost $30. I'll report back after I get my first really cold morning, but so far so good.
While I was under the car, I also replaced the differential fluid with Amsoil Severe Gear 75w-90. I did this to remove break-in contaminants from the differential (of which there were many), and to see if I could rectify the binding sensation I perceived when going around tight corners at low speed. Additionally I would get a little bit of chatter under certain driving conditions.
Initial impressions so far are good. I no longer feel the binding when going around tight turns. However I'll hold off on a final verdict until I rack up some more miles.
The swap was worth it simply due to the amount of iron contaminants I removed, even with only 2k miles on my car. I was surprised, very surprised.
The magnetic plug on the diff was completely soiled. Even the magnetic plug on the transmission was heavily soiled. Anyone considering a fluid swap, I suggest it simply to remove break in wear from the diff and gearbox.
I changed my oil on the same day. Nothing special to note, other then the torque on the oil filter from the factory was absurd.
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