Zmanco Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 I'm getting ready to swap to a T5 out of a 280zxt and wanted to hear what others running with it think of the two approved oils. Background: Nissan specs both Dexron and 80W90 gear oil as acceptable for the non-world class T5. From what I've read, some people had problems with 3-4 shifts with 80W90 that went away when they switched to Dexron. I'm curious what others are running and your experience with shifting, both at the track and on cold days. 280ZX FSM Recommended Fuels and Lubricants.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aarang Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I use Redline MTL in mine. Shifts nice and it is approved for the yellow metals in these transmissions. I tried the Swepco and trans fluid mix in it before, but it made the shifting more notchy. I think you would be good with MTL or MT90. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbs.james Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I use Redline MTL in mine. Shifts nice and it is approved for the yellow metals in these transmissions. I tried the Swepco and trans fluid mix in it before, but it made the shifting more notchy. I think you would be good with MTL or MT90. I use MT90 in the NWC in my Z31 and Highly recommend it It shifts really nicely, I use Redline for all my Gear oils Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30 ounce Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I'm using Royal Purple Synchromax in mine. Shifts at 7250 rpm's are no problem. I would also recomend this for your T5 http://www.mgwltd.com/mustang_shifter.shtml You are always welcome to come drive mine & see if you like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleeperZ Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I use Redline MTL in mine. Shifts nice and it is approved for the yellow metals in these transmissions. I tried the Swepco and trans fluid mix in it before, but it made the shifting more notchy. I think you would be good with MTL or MT90. That's what I use as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aarang Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Double what 30 ounce said, definitely get a good aftermarket shifter. I am using the Pro 5.0 shifter in mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmanco Posted April 20, 2012 Author Share Posted April 20, 2012 Interesting that no one is using ATF. The Redline website specifically calls out that their ATF is used in T5s. Are you all running aftermarket shifters? The stock one feels fine to me, at least shifting it on the bench. My plan is to install it and upgrade the shifter if I'm unhappy with the stock one. I had my eye on this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/...em=360452098648 if I go that route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30 ounce Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 The Royal Purple Synchromax is an ATF blend made for the T5. I called them and they insisted that was the correct fluid to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleeperZ Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Interesting that no one is using ATF. The Redline website specifically calls out that their ATF is used in T5s. Are you all running aftermarket shifters? The stock one feels fine to me, at least shifting it on the bench. My plan is to install it and upgrade the shifter if I'm unhappy with the stock one. I had my eye on this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/...em=360452098648 if I go that route. Maybe the Redline ATF is appropriate, but I referenced the Nissan service manual and it calls for 80/90 weight, so I just used the Redline synthetic substitute for that. You might want to look at the shifter 30 ounce is using, or the B&M for the T5, which I use - they both have more offset back than the Hurst, and you will need it unless you have long arms.....5th is still a little hard to hit for me as the shifter location is a bit forward as mounted in the S30. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30 ounce Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 You might want to decide on the shifter before you install it. I don't think it's possible to install the shifter from the top. You will need to drop the transmission again. I will try to make the drive to Nederland this weekend. Are you going? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I've read that there are hundreds of different models of T5, with different synchros, gear sets, etc. "T5" alone doesn't mean much. There are even two different "T5"s used in the ZX series,the FS5R30A and the FS5R90A. There is also an assumption that Nissan meant ATF when they specified "Dexron" in the FSM. Dexron is just a tradename, not a grade of oil. Many ways to get things wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmanco Posted April 20, 2012 Author Share Posted April 20, 2012 You might want to decide on the shifter before you install it. I don't think it's possible to install the shifter from the top. You will need to drop the transmission again. I will try to make the drive to Nederland this weekend. Are you going? Yes, your description is causing me to rethink it - don't want to pull the tranny down a second time. And yes, I'm planning on Nederland on Sunday. Would be good to see what you've been up to over the winter as well as your shifter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevilZX Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I'm using Amsoil Manual Transmission 75w-90 in mine. Works fantastic! The main thing I found out about the T5 is to NOT use a GL-5 rated fluid as it has properties that are bad for "yellow metals" (brass synchros). GL-4 is what you are looking for. I found this out the hard way once... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleeperZ Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Yes, your description is causing me to rethink it - don't want to pull the tranny down a second time. And yes, I'm planning on Nederland on Sunday. Would be good to see what you've been up to over the winter as well as your shifter. I took a photo of my shifter and how it sits in the tunnel. As you can see, the front shifter mounting bolts are under the sheet metal, and they have about 1" of clearance to the top of the tunnel. I was able to remove the crossmember and drop the transmission at the rear, pivoting on the engine mounts, to get enough access to install the shifter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmanco Posted April 23, 2012 Author Share Posted April 23, 2012 Thanks Nathan, the picture helps. I decided to order the MGW shifter and just do it while the tranny is out of the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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