Redline MT90 transmission oil

[silverbrabus]

Just changed out the trans oil at 1k miles. Regardless what the factory says I like to change it early to get the break-in metals out. There's usually a magnet in there to capture anything ferrous, but the soft metals remain in suspension. Trust me if you saw what came out of my trans and haven't changed yours yet, you will want to do it ASAP.

From the Evilution site and a post on here of factory approved fluids by member Old smart, correct fluid for the 451 is GL4 75w90 gear oil: Transmission Fluid for Smart

Just happens to be the spec of my favorite manual trans lubricant -- Redline MT90: Red Line Oil: Gear Lubricants

I've used this or the MTL in just about all my MT cars for ~25 years -- almost without exception improved the feel and performance over factory fill or any other lubes tried.

How is it in the Smart?

Just a couple short drives so far, but early impressions are positive. Not huge difference, with the electronic disconnect can't really feel the syncros like a manual box, but definitely not worse. If anything shifts are slightly smoother and maybe a bit quicker and gear noise is reduced.

Not the night/day difference I'm used to with a full manual box, but at minimum a readily available over-the-counter alternative to dealer/factory product. Not cheap at ~$12 the quart, but that's about the current market $$ for any full ester base synthetic.

[Kermit]

That's my gear oil of choice too. Used to run it in my Metro - that's right, I had a Geo! (and I'm proud of it!)

Thanks for reminding me, now I need to add that to my forever long list of things to do.

[silverbrabus]

Been driving it now for a couple days and the verdict is in -- much better.

Everything seems improved. Gear noise is reduced both accel and decel. Take-off from stop is quicker. Up and down shifts are quicker/crisper. Almost feels like a full manual box.

[piglith]

What autopart shops carry it? Sounds good I'm up on my break in and need to change fluids again.

[Godfather]

Don't forget to flush out the break-in brake fluid, the break-in A/C refrigerant, and the break-in coolant.......... While you are at it, a gin and tonic flushed thru the owner might help.

[silverbrabus]

Originally Posted by piglith

What autopart shops carry it?

Go to the Redline site and plug in your zip. A lot of independents and shops have it, of the big chains only NAPA. Call first to make sure they have it on the shelf.

[piglith]

Make fun of the changing of fluids. Ha ha funny with AC and break fluid. But Ill bet you $50 my car will last longer and run better with more miles. Wait I plan on blowing up this engine. Doh never mind. Anyways. Have a mini truck with 400K + miles and still runs good and still passes smog. It just started loosing compression on #1 cylinder. Manual trans runs great. Only thing done with it was. Early change from factory oils. Then routine maintance per specs.

[piglith]

Originally Posted by silverbrabus

Go to the Redline site and plug in your zip. A lot of independents and shops have it, of the big chains only NAPA. Call first to make sure they have it on the shelf.

Thanks

[piglith]

Ok you got me researching this. What about Torco?

[Godfather]

Originally Posted by piglith

Make fun of the changing of fluids. Ha ha funny with AC and break fluid. But Ill bet you $50 my car will last longer and run better with more miles. Wait I plan on blowing up this engine. Doh never mind. Anyways. Have a mini truck with 400K + miles and still runs good and still passes smog. It just started loosing compression on #1 cylinder. Manual trans runs great. Only thing done with it was. Early change from factory oils. Then routine maintance per specs.

Can't take a joke eh?