Regular maintenance suggestions for second gen twins?

[Pat]

A year or two ago Counterspace Garage published a great guide to maintaining track-driven cars. What, if anything, should be done differently for second generation twins?
Are the recommended fluids the same?
@CSG Mike

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Pat

A year or two ago Counterspace Garage published a great guide to maintaining track-driven cars. What, if anything, should be done differently for second generation twins?
Are the recommended fluids the same?
@CSG Mike

So far it seems the same.

I've been doing trans rather frequently, as it drains thin with any hard driving.

[Pat]

Hoping to go through fewer transmissions on the second gen car, huh?


Is there a way to analyze the tranny fluid like one might do for engine oil at Blackstone? Or maybe some other more scientific way to determine appropriate transmission fluid change intervals?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Pat

Hoping to go through fewer transmissions on the second gen car, huh?


Is there a way to analyze the tranny fluid like one might do for engine oil at Blackstone? Or maybe some other more scientific way to determine appropriate transmission fluid change intervals?

Send it off to the lab, but when it drains like water and grey, you don't need a lab to tell you the end result.

[Pat]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Send it off to the lab, but when it drains like water and grey, you don't need a lab to tell you the end result.

Sure, but by then you have already run the transmission with unacceptable lubrication. The damage has already been done. So how can one prevent this? Changing tranny fluid every three months or single track weekend seems like a bit much. But maybe that's what it takes. <shrug>
I checked Blackstone's website and it says:
"Can I get a TBN on my ATF?
Well, you could, but it wouldn’t mean very much. The TBN is based on the level of calcium sulfonate and magnesium sulfonate in the oil, and transmission oil doesn’t have much of it. We can, however, run a TAN (Total Acid Number) on your transmission oil."
and
"Can you analyze my transmission fluid and differential fluid?
Yes. The kit is the same and the cost is the same. We also sell pumps for drawing samples."

[AK2112]

I did a transmission fluid analysis on my Focus ST when I changed it for the first time at 36k.

Everything was fine though a few metals were on the high side of their numbers which they attributed to their numbers averaging 16k per trans fluid change and the fact that mine was in the car since new for more than double that amount of miles.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Pat

Sure, but by then you have already run the transmission with unacceptable lubrication. The damage has already been done. So how can one prevent this? Changing tranny fluid every three months or single track weekend seems like a bit much. But maybe that's what it takes. <shrug>
I checked Blackstone's website and it says:
"Can I get a TBN on my ATF?
Well, you could, but it wouldn’t mean very much. The TBN is based on the level of calcium sulfonate and magnesium sulfonate in the oil, and transmission oil doesn’t have much of it. We can, however, run a TAN (Total Acid Number) on your transmission oil."
and
"Can you analyze my transmission fluid and differential fluid?
Yes. The kit is the same and the cost is the same. We also sell pumps for drawing samples."

A transmission cooler.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

A transmission cooler.

This is a no brainer to me. Especially on an AT where you can literally boil the fluid in a real hurry.

Oh god now all I can smell in my head is burnt ATF!

[Petah78]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

So far it seems the same.

I've been doing trans rather frequently, as it drains thin with any hard driving.

Same fluid as the gan1? I beleive the specs changed for the gen2 (thinner).

[Pat]

A transmission cooler. Duh. Of course.
I don't remember many people using a tranny cooler on manual 86s. What can you tell us about that? I presume you guys have tested some things.
Overall I think 86s are pretty reliable and easy to live with, even with track use. The one big exception in my experience is the transmission. If I could do something to confidently extend the life of it I would seriously consider it.
But I understand a tranny cooler may only be part of the solution (i.e. flexing of the housing, etc.).
I don't see any transmission cooling options on the CSG website.

[Pat]

Originally Posted by Petah78

Same fluid as the gan1? I beleive the specs changed for the gen2 (thinner).

Good question. According to www.parts.subaru.com, Subaru part number SOA748V0100 is the correct manual transmission fluid for a 2014 BRZ, but NOT the correct part number for a 2023 BRZ.
According to the owner's manual the car is filled with LV 75W at the factory, but also says API GL-4 SAE 75W can be used. It goes on to say, "However, using this type of oil will increase fuel consumption. [and] the following may be experienced:
The overall performance and function of the transmission may be adversely affected.
Rattling noises may occur during idling and fuel consumption may increase."
I don't know a lot about these fluids, but it sounds to me like Subaru says we should use 75W manual transmission oil. I think that's different than 75W-90, which is what everyone seems to run in the first gen cars. Hopefully someone can chime in here with better knowledge than what I have. I'm guessing CSG recommends 75W-90 for more protection (i.e. thicker film) in high-stress applications.
Also, now I fear I'm turning into one of those people that argue about which engine oil is best. Oh God help me.
I really just want to know how to get the longest life out of my transmission and differential, knowing the car sees 0* Fahrenheit temperatures in addition to 100* Fahrenheit track days.

[raisingAnarchy]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Send it off to the lab, but when it drains like water and grey, you don't need a lab to tell you the end result.

Is it watery and grey with the OEM fluid only? Or are you seeing the same effects with other brands/viscosities?

[Blighty]

I've seen pics of the diff oil draining grey after heavy track use, but not the tranny.

Interested to hear more about this.