T5 Gearbox Oil to use - Current thoughts?

[MPO]

I know this has been asked a few times, but what oil is now considered the best to use in a T5 box?

Some of the previous posts regarding this are quite old now and I was hoping for some current thoughts...


I'm looking to get some ordered in the next day or two...


Cheers

MPO

[GR_TVR]

I went for this after reading various threads - seems to do the job...

https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/p/-/-/-/-/?52...

[Belle427]

I don't think you will get an answer as to which is best, its like the great engine oil debate!
I went for a branded Fuchs ATF from Opie Oils but there is nothing wrong with the one posted above.

[Sardonicus]

Dexron 2/3 is all it needs so all the mentioned above are fine

[ChimpOnGas]

I've tried the following:

1. Good old regular ATF - As originally specified by Borg Warner

2. Synthetic AFT - Slipperier than the above and not recommended for this reason

3. Manual Transmission fluid

My advice after running all three... use good old regular ATF as specified by BW and latterly TREMEC

Dave.

[stevesprint]

Here's the spec from the back of Mobil's ATF 220 that TVR originally recommended and that I've used trouble free in T5's for 20 years.


Here's some on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mobil-ATF-220-Premium-A...

If you want another brand you need to look for "GM Dexron II" or any of the other specs on the back.

[Belle427]

https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/power-steering-fluid-au...

Some here too, think it’s the same stuff.
I bought some when ordering MX5 parts and didn’t realise it was the recommended spec.

[Sardonicus]

That Mobil 220/Dexron 2/3 is far more oil than the humble T5 could ever throw at it you could say over spec'd in fact

[ChimpOnGas]

Sardonicus said:

That Mobil 220/Dexron 2/3 is far more oil than the humble T5 could ever throw at it you could say over spec'd in fact

I agree with Simon

A few years ago I tried fully synth ATF for a while and found it too slippery, at this point it's important to remember that lubrication is just one of the oil's jobs in a manual transmission, a synchro ring is just a wet cone clutch so the right level of grip is essential to achieve the slowing and synchronisation effect it's designed to provide.

We all want to put the best oils in our TVRs, but this is one case where you don't need to spend a fortune, indeed you are way better off buying a more basic ATF than spending more on an over specified and potentially too slippery high end blend. After all my experimentation I ended up going back to good old cheap as chips but good quality Comma ATF from Euro Car Parts, it works brilliantly because its the stuff Borg Warner designed the box to run on

[MPO]

Thanks for your very detailed responses guys, it’s appreciated.

Non synthetic ATF it is…

Cheers

MPO