Just thought I would let you folks know-

Pennzoil Synchromesh fluid contains paraffinic base stocks in it's formulation. If what I hear on this forum is correct, that means the GM Synchromesh is also the same formulation, as I've heard here that Pennzoil manufactures it for GM. What this means to you is: you are essentially adding wax to your transmission, with fluidity modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, foam suppressors, and performance(?) additives included. This stuff may work as great as some of you claim, but I for one am not too keen on adding wax to my transmission gear oil. Let the flames begin! (Wearing asbestos suit).

G

 

wax isnt flamable is it?

 

Nic-

Nope. The paraffinic base stocks as modified to manufacture this fluid are not to my knowledge flammable. I don't think that I need explain what the meaning of 'let the flames begin' is, but rest assured, it's not in the transmission.

G

 

so it has wax in it so what it works well doesnt it

i mean they dont tell you what they put in hotdogs but if sure you still eat them because they taste good

 

all i knwo is that i had the wrong stuff in i had anti shock in my tranny and i should have had the NS or NF no friction adders or non slip

 

i'm so unconcerned.

seriously.

got any source for this info, btw?

 

Synchromesh is hands down one of the best tranny fluids out there. It does no wreak hoavoc on the synchros at all, and its the preferred overall fluid on the Mitsubishis (which are among the worst shifting trannies you'll ever experience!)

 

The source for this information comes from the Pennzoil website. For those too lazy to look for themselves, here it is.

http://www.pennzoil.com/products/gea...cro_fluid.html

As I said before, for those of you who love the stuff, great. For those who want to do more detailed imvestigation of what's best for their ride, and want to know what they are putting in their car, the info is available. I have never used it, so I have no opinion. I'm just not putting any paraffinic base stock oils in my engine or drivetrain. There are more synthetic oils on the market that have paraffinic base stocks than most people would believe. It pays to do your research.

G

 

so what's the base formulation of the oem tranny fluid?

i'm too lazy to look. i'm also too lazy to care.

 

that's just it - people use what they have shown works. For all the "scientific" info I read on various boards about "xx" filter being crap, and "YY" oil being best, I still know in my own mind what has worked for me (and customers) and what hasn't. Truth be told, I think alot of people get way to **** over this stuff sometimes. and think that somehow they are dosing something special by being on the "cutting edge" of fluid technology. My own feelings have always been this: I am not a scientist, nor and engineer, nor do I profess to have knowledge on either front. However, I am an enthusiast, and I've owned a ton of different cars, some stock, many modded, several highly modded, and I know what I have used and been pleased with, and what I have not been pleased with.

On the Subaru's, I have found most regularly available, popular of the proper viscosity have worked reasonably well - Mobil 1, GM Synchromesh, Castrol, Redline have all worked very well for us...so that's what we stick with. The Subaru tranny, like many Japanese cars, is blessed with small synchro's and it does not take much to make them act up....that's why I have never been one to try one fluid after another in search of the holy grail, simply because these boxes don't have the margin for error, that say, the T5 in my old Z car has.

I also happen to know that paraffinic bases are NOT the "candle wax" many think of. In fact, I would venture to say the vast majority of oils out there contain parffins because of the beneficial properties they have towards viscosity changes at high temperatures.

 

Hey to all,
'
I just changed the oil in my tranny and I inclued a qt of the Synchromesh to the mix and I am amazed at the difference that it has made!! If you are on the edge about doing this just do it!!

Later Super

 

if your worried about fluids. stick with the stock oem fluids. with that, you wont have to worry about your powertrain warranty going out because you put in the wrong fluid. something dealers can pin on you since one of the first steps is to check the fluid and for metal/ foreign debris.
subaru has put a lot of thought into their setups with what types of fluid to give it a long term powertrain warranty. Like Z said. match the viscosity. anything too heavy or light will usually hurt the trans in the long run.

 

The rest of the fluid that was put in the tranny was the OEM wt and viscosity.

 

the fact that you think you have a powertrain warranty is cute.

 

I just had my clutch, 1st-gear syncro and rear differential repaired, under warranty, at 34,568 miles. At Camelback Subaru, Phoenix, Arizona. Didn't cost me a cent.