What Tranny lube for '97 Civic 5-speed? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

brucepick · 10-06-2008, 01:01 PM

What Tranny lube for a '97 Civic 5-speed?

I asked on the Honda-Tech forum, they said "Honda Fluid". Probably a good suggestion.
I searched here and found very positive notes re. GM SynchroMesh fluid. BUt then it was recommended here for the GM Metro-Suzuki clones here and I saw no notes re. other cars.

Suggestions? Comments?

By the way, the car is doing great. Got 53.5 mpg on a 135-mile trip to NY yesterday!

Daox · 10-06-2008, 01:04 PM

I'd find out what weight you can use in the tranny first. Then, I'd go find a nice synthetic from Amoil, Royal Purple, or Redline and use it.

some_other_dave · 10-06-2008, 06:48 PM

Older Honda transmissions (up through the early 90s at least) don't like the synthetics so much. The owner's manual for my CRX calls for 10W40 motor oil in the transmission, believe it or not. I haven't checked the later ones, but I wouldn't be too surprised to find them spec'ed for the same thing.

Check on some of the Honda forums for posts by "Mister Bone" (or "Mista Bone"??); he's a D-series transmission guru, and IIRC he does not recommend synthetic lubricants for the Honda manual transmissions.

-soD

Red · 10-06-2008, 09:32 PM

Redline MTL or GM Friction Modified Syncromesh if you can find it.

BlackDeuceCoupe · 10-06-2008, 10:07 PM

I've been running Red Line MTL and/or Red Line MT-90 for 8 years ('98-'00 CiViCs).

I prefer MT-90! Some ppl mix the two - same chemistry - but its' s a waste of time, IMHO!

MT-90 takes a little longer to 'warm up' - that's all. MTL is kinda watery, but some ppl prefer that.

I have NEVER had a tranny failure, and I drive my cars pretty hard!

My trannys shift slick as snot, and you can see my FE below.

Um...

I recommend Red Line MT-90.

BTW, you might find this top post interesting...

GM Synchromesh in ITR tranny review - Team Integra

Quote:

(H)ere is the most precise , coherent opinionated explanation from someone with the "correct" experience...

I have NO connection with that site...

flydude1221 · 10-06-2008, 11:06 PM

I ran Quaker State GM Synchromesh in my Honda Civic tranny and noticed an improvement in shift quality and smoothness, I also ran it in my Escort GT and noticed a huge improvement IMO
The link in BlackDeuceCoupe's reply is VERY good reading.
I am going to change my VX fluid very soon and am not sure whether I will put Honda Fluid in or if I will run Synchromesh. I am most likely going to go with Synchromesh as I really doubt that I will hurt my transmission.

Honda transaxles according to many transmission mechanics are the most durable, which I think is partially due to the fact Honda has many years experience in designing High Performance Motorcycle transmissions which many people shift with out the clutch after first gear

flydude1221 · 10-06-2008, 11:10 PM

I should add that I do not believe the Quaker State version of the Synchromesh fluid was the friction modified version, which I believe is only available from the dealer

BlackDeuceCoupe · 10-06-2008, 11:52 PM

Heh!

I've been involved with dozens of these gear oil threads over the years...

I've already given my recommendation, e.g. what I run in my Honda transaxles.

Whatever you guys decide to run, MAKE SURE IT'S GL-4 RATED GEAR OIL!!!

Specifically, DO NOT USE GL-5 OIL (the easiest one to find). It'll eat your synchros...

If it isn't GL-4, you're rolling the dice!

Ryland · 10-07-2008, 12:58 AM

Amsoil MTF is labeled as being safe for Hondas, but it looks thin to me, I've also used it for 10,000's of miles without a problem in my vx, 10W40 is what is recommended in the manual and that you change it every other year (like that happens more then once in the cars life) I think next time I change tranny fluid I'll go with a quality synthetic motor oil, maybe 0W30.