I really feel like I am driving a tractor sometimes when I shift my SVT Focus. It is time for some new transmission oil so I am considering the aftermarket options. What do you guys use? Are most of these oils universal if I get the correct weight for my car? What about using an additive to factory transmission oil as opposed to full aftermarket oil?
I've been happy with Red Line, but haven't really compared with the other uber-lubes. I think there can be some important differences in the type of oil for different gearboxes. I was left worrying when there were apparently three differently colored tags, one of which should have been on my E30s transmission, each of which indicated a need for a different oil type to make the internals happy (I'm guessing that in particular different synchros like different stuff?)
I'm using Motul 75W-90 fully-synthetic now in my Mazdaspeed3. WAY better than the factory mystery fill. The shifter is smooth like buttah! Subaru owners love the stuff as well. It has a low pour point, so it doesn't get overly thick in cold weather.
Ford has a fluid called XT-Q5-MS that I used for a while in the MS3. It was made for the Euro Focus, which has a slightly balky 6-speed like the MS3. However, I did notice a minor grind into 3rd gear when cold and it was reluctant to shift into 2nd gear. Some other MS3 owners reported accelerated synchro wear. The Motul fluid has none of that. Maybe it will work in your Focus, maybe it won't. A more dedicated Focus forum can answer you on that.
Also, if your Focus has an LSD, expect some noise when doing some tight turning at parking-lot speeds from the LSD activating. I would avoid using friction modifier (whether it is separate or mixed with the trans. fluid), because it can accelerate synchro wear. If you really hate the noise, use only enough friction modifier to make it go away, and no more.
RedLine is good stuff too. I used it in my old GC Impreza and my non-turbo FC.
I used Amsoil Synchromesh in ZX2SR for app. 70Kmiles. Worked great winter and summer.. Pennzoil also makes a very good one.
I run Red Line in my non-SVT Focus and I do have a Torsen LSD in it. Been doing that since 2003 and it seems to work very well.
Not quite the same thing, but when I owned a Ranger, I changed the manual trans fluid for a Mobil 1 gear lube that I had laying around and wanted to use(get rid of?). It was the correct weight as far as trans. fluid for a Ranger goes, and in the (shortish) time I still owned the truck it didn't seem to make a difference/do any harm. However, after changing out the fluid/gear oil I just happened to visit RangerPowerSports where they advised a "cocktail" of synthetic fluid and Ford's own gear oil. Something about the additives in Ford's fluid made the difference in performance compared to a "straight" gear oil. As has been suggested, a Focus specific forus will be able to address the pros and cons of some of your alternative gearbox lube choices.
Oil is good.
As long as it meets the specs, use what you want.
AMsoil baby...
I've just bought Red Line MTL for the Saab, on the advice of GRM and some local Saab guys. Had no idea it was so expensive, though. I'm sure it's cheaper in its home land...but $160 to me (for a little over 3 L.)
I use Acura Synchromesh fluid.... It's pretty awesome.
Yeah in theory the Focus forums would be a source, but I have gotten some crummy info from those guys in the past. I find if helpful to get info from different car owners like here in GRM. I will look more into the Motul option.
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