Changing Brands

[Feffman]

Hi All:

Just got done with a minor tune up on my V8. New plugs, cleaned my K&N air filters and changed the tranny fluid.

I've found a new tranny fluid after some research. I was running Red Line MT-90 (Dave Simkin at LCU strongly suggested I stop using it) and previously Lotus recommeded Castrol TAF-X (from previous owner) but decided to try Mobil-1 Sythetic 75W-90. Really smooth engagement with the new fluid. Let's see how it holds up at Raod America in two weeks.

Mike Fridmann (www.MichaelsMotorsports.com) sent me a set of NGK Iridium spark plugs about 6 months ago to try out. I was a little reluctant as my experience with the Denso Iridium plugs was terrible, so much so I swithced them out of my S4 after only a few days. The NGK's are just the opposite. Very quick throttle response and most notably when I roll to a stop the throttle slowly comes back to idel, not the abrupt drop off I was having with the standard NGK plugs. Car is running like a scalded dog.

Now all this may be from the fact I cleaned the air filters and new plugs are ususlly better then old, but I feel pretty good about this.

Just an FYI!

Feff

[bimmabimma]

Hi All:

Just got done with a minor tune up on my V8.  New plugs, cleaned my K&N air filters and changed the tranny fluid.

I've found a new tranny fluid after some research.  I was running Red Line MT-90 (Dave Simkin at LCU strongly suggested I stop using it) and previously Lotus recommeded Castrol TAF-X (from previous owner) but decided to try Mobil-1 Sythetic 75W-90.  Really smooth engagement with the new fluid.  Let's see how it holds up at Raod America in two weeks. 

Feff

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I too had Redline oils in my car but I quickly changed to a different oil. The thing about Redline oils is they start out great but get worse over time. Royal purple products start out even better than redline but the best part is they keep getting better and better. Royal purple "MAX-GEAR" is 75w-90 synthetic, you might wanna try that first before u go back to regular castrol. just a suggestion.

[lotus4s]

Mark,

Just curious as to why you aren't running the Castrol. Did Dave give you any kind of recommendation for anything else?

Cheers,

Jim

[Feffman]

Jim:

I can't seem to find the Castrol TAF-X for the Esprit. Stuff is like dinosaur blood!Really ddin't plan this ahead too much, other then looking at 75W-90 that's availaible at local parts stores. Thus the Mobil-1.

Dave didn't recommend a particular brand just said to drop the Red Line MT-90.

Feff

[Feffman]

OK I stand corrected. The sulfur-phosphorus additive in the Mobil-1 is NOT ok on the synchros. It's draining out as we speak. I have to tell you it shifts nice though.

My thanks to Larry Marsasla and Les Twiggs for pointing out the error of my ways! Les splitting hairs is a LOT less expensive and eaiser then replacing synchros. Thanks again both of you!

Is there anyone making a GL-5 spec fluid without the nasty additives?

Mark (Not Tranny Boy) Pfeffer