MT-82 mods and oil swap

[Sub-Moa]

If you wanted to get the most life out of your MT-82 and still keep it in warranty, what transmission oil would you use and what aftermarket parts would you swap in it? Does the MGW shifter kit help save the syncros? Recommend the Steeda or whiteline trans bushing insert?

Let me know what you all think!

These topics have been beaten to death here but I want to see what combination of things you guys are all running that you think will help extend the life of this transmission as well as keep it under warranty.

So far I swapped the fluid in a friends car with RP Syncromax and it seemed to help. Problem is I don't see Ford covering this under warranty. Do any of the Amsoil's meet Ford's standard? I didn't see anything that says they do when specifically looking at the Amsoil synchromesh oil.

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[brandonsmash]

I believe RP does conform to Ford's fluid standards, which is why I chose it over Redline (which is probably just fine but doesn't list a direct application).

 

[Sub-Moa]

I believe RP does conform to Ford's fluid standards, which is why I chose it over Redline (which is probably just fine but doesn't list a direct application).

Can you find a link or a picture that shows this? I haven't seen that and would love to see that as I really liked the RP in my friends car having driven it before and after.

 

[dgc333]

Go to the Royal Purple web page and it has a PDF with fluid recommendations. It recommends the SyncroMax for the MT82 but does not say it meets the Ford spec.

Dave

 

[jpilone]

http://www.royalpurpleconsumer.com/...le_Transmission_Lubricant_Cross_Reference.pdf

 

[Sub-Moa]

I have seen that as well. Problem is when users have asked RP if it will void their warranty, they say it will. I think I will email RP myself so I'm not getting third party information.

 

[ForTehNguyen]

would think thats just a generic CYA statement. If they said it didnt void the warranty and then Ford voids it, then RP is on the hook. People have been using RP in their S197 MT82s and no issues

 

[Horse]

I am thinking MGW. But the thing is my V6 has a grinding (even lock-out sometimes) at 1-2 shift. Not 100% sure whether MGW will cure that, I need to let the dealer look at it first and see what is going on and how to fix it.

Maybe I can drive to MGW and let George look at it and decide whether a MGW shifter should cure it? But then I need to order a shifter first, as i don't want to drive to MGW twice.

 

[daltron]

I went with RP Synchromax. EXTREMELY happy I did. It shifts much smoother and considerably better cold than the stock fill.

 

[paul123]

is the factory gear oil too thick? My MT82 shifts much better when its warmed up, and my car doesn't even get all that cold. Makes me wonder if some people are muscling shifts on a cold transmission and wearing syncs.

 

[kz]

I believe RP does conform to Ford's fluid standards, which is why I chose it over Redline (which is probably just fine but doesn't list a direct application).

It definitely does not. In one of the other threads I posted e-mail from RP customer support clearly saying it does not (did that after Ford Dealer told me it could violate the transmission warranty since it does not meet spec).

I don't believe there is a aftermarket fluid that meets the spec - mostly because manufacturers don't want to spend money on testing.

 

[Sub-Moa]

It definitely does not. In one of the other threads I posted e-mail from RP customer support clearly saying it does not (did that after Ford Dealer told me it could violate the transmission warranty since it does not meet spec).

I don't believe there is a aftermarket fluid that meets the spec - mostly because manufacturers don't want to spend money on testing.

Thanks for chiming in. So I'm thinking the best thing to do to not worry about a warranty claim is to leave the stock tranny oil and just do the mgw shifter. Come to think of it, Ford could probably deny a warranty claim with the mgw shifter installed too! :frusty:

I think I will go the RP and MGW route when my car arrives and not worry about it. I'm not overly hard on gearboxes anyways and the MT-82 isn't as bad as it used to be so I should have nothing to worry about.

 

[bravohankins]

Thanks for chiming in. So I'm thinking the best thing to do to not worry about a warranty claim is to leave the stock tranny oil and just do the mgw shifter. Come to think of it, Ford could probably deny a warranty claim with the mgw shifter installed too! :frusty:

I think I will go the RP and MGW route when my car arrives and not worry about it. I'm not overly hard on gearboxes anyways and the MT-82 isn't as bad as it used to be so I should have nothing to worry about.

If the MT-82 goes out just put a Tremec Magnum XL in it;)

 

[dev1360]

Cold notchiness is due to close tolerances and cold fluid. Once the tolerances open up and the fluid become more viscous, it can get into the blocker rings and allow the synchros to do their job effectively.

That said, the stock fluid hasn't let me down yet. I drive it easy while it's cold and then get with it once it's good and warm. I haven't had any grinding, lockouts, or issues.

The biggest thing to transmission longevity is not missing shifts and being easy on the shifter. The design of the thin shift forks, and plastic shift pads riding out on flimsy studs leave the transmission open to breakage if the shifter is hulk-smashed. Missing shifts will easily strip the dog teeth on the synchros and gears. Many small teeth make for better high-RPM engagement, but leave the transmission susceptible to damage if you grind gears. Everything is a careful give and take for a mfg. We all want a transmission that shifts at 8,000RPM, but get mad when the tooth design to do that breaks down when you're clumsy.

YMMV.

 

[USPSALIMITED]

If you wanted to get the most life out of your MT-82 .

It was suggested to me that you can help yourself out by driving off immediately (but delicately) after starting a cold engine and skipping the 1-2 shift the first time.

I have only heard this from 1 source (a good one though I think) so the thought is just offered up for discussion, how you treat a cold start might make more difference than switching oil ??

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