Castrol TAF-X

[Paul93Lotus]

Not sure why the previous thread on TAF-X was locked, but thought I would add something I found while looking for an equivalent....as we all know stuff you read on the internet is sometimes hear say, but when you find multiple posts with the same conclusion there may be truth to it....

Just possibly an option for Esprit owners in the U.S......

______________________________________________

Oct 1, 2002 - 23:46 - From: Doug

Title: Castrol TAF-X in the USA

Message: Here is the response to the inquiry I sent to Castrol USA about where to get Castrol TAF-X in the USA: "Castrol TAF-X 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil is made in the U.K. and sold only in Europe. However, the equivalent in the U.S. is Syntorq LT. Having said that, Syntorq LT SAE 75W-85, API GL -4 is a premium high performance, synthetic gear lubricant for synchronized manual transmissions. The all new "clean slate" approach enables Syntorq LT to provide consistent performance and durability under the most severe operating conditions due to its unique polymer free formula. It has been designed primarily as a problem solving gear lubricant for manual transmissions to provide reduced gearshift effort at low temperatures. Syntorq LT is available through General Motors (Part #12346190) and Chrysler (Part #4637579) dealerships. Please contact your local dealership."

also this....(found on PistonHeads)

Hi,

According to Castrol US [call Cynthia at 1-800-462-0835], in the USA,

Syntorq LT handles the Castrol TAF-X and distributes it exclusively

under the Syntorq name to GM and Chrysler dealers for Corvettes and

heavy duty truck trannys. She confirmed it is the identical stuff (I

like to find several verifications... that's one!)

Syntorq LT 75W85 GL4 Hi Performance Synthetic

GM Part Number: 12346190

Chrysler Part Number: 4637579

After 3 calls I found it ranging from $20 to $26 per quart.

- Mark (91SE) Wiens

(From a Suburu Owners Forum)

Castrol TAF-X. Only sold in Europe, has a US equivalent, and cross-references to a GM p/n. So I ordered some from a GM parts supplier.

______________________________________________

So possibly there is some truth in these rumors that there is an equivalent in the US. I know the price charged by various GM dealers varies a lot.

[kyliesmith.com]

Hi Paul, yeah not sure what happened to that other post, it was bugged or something as one of my replies towards the end of the thread ended up at the top !

Anyway, I have still been looking around here in NZ in the hope that someones imported it. Not just for me but for others too. Our Auckland Lotus service agent just uses the Castrol Syntrac. And hes not going to import the TAF-X. Mmmm.

As with the Syntorq stuff, so its been rebadged then, or perhaps its just to shut people up? A check on the technical data sheets should identify any areas not matching up. Off to search for some data sheets.

[Artie]

Hi Paul, yeah not sure what happened to that other post, it was bugged or something as one of my replies towards the end of the thread ended up at the top !

Anyway, I have still been looking around here in NZ in the hope that someones imported it. Not just for me but for others too. Our Auckland Lotus service agent just uses the Castrol Syntrac. And hes not going to import the TAF-X. Mmmm.

As with the Syntorq stuff, so its been rebadged then, or perhaps its just to shut people up? A check on the technical data sheets should identify any areas not matching up. Off to search for some data sheets.

I think it was locked out because I replied about using Royal Purple GL4/5 gear oil in my trans and then I went back later to follow the progress of the thread and my post was deleted and the thread was locked. I intended no ill to any party, just posting on my experience. I do have 6 pints of the TAF-X sitting in my cupboard that I ordered from JAE just put the Royal Purple in instead. Shifts like butter, now that I got my translator refurbed!

Artie

[Kato]

So Syntorq isn't Syntrax then?

Here's info from Lotus regarding transmission oil.

-------------------------------------------------------------

This issue raised it's head 1-2 years ago in Australia, Lotus contacted Castrol UK and the Castrol Syntrax 75W-90 is not the same as Castrol TAF-X 75W-90.

TAF-X is the only oil Lotus have tested that will stand the extreme crown wheel and pinion pressure and smooth synchro mesh operation, there are better oils available for individual components but for a transaxle operation when one oil has to withstand both operations TAF-X was the solution, tested and approved by Renault/Lotus.

There has been no further testing of new blend of oils today and no plans in the future. This would only occur if TAF-X was no longer available. The original oil was Mobile 630 M, Mobile discontinued the M version of 630 and it was then we went too Castrol TAF-X which had been specifically developed for another application and proved suitable for the Renault Transmission and our application.

The Lotus Importer at that time was Lotus Cars Australia, Victoria, Melbourne, they stocked the oil.

[Paul93Lotus]

So Syntorq isn't Syntrax then?

Here's info from Lotus regarding transmission oil.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Doesn't seem so...usually different names indicate different formulations of some type...wouldn't seem logical to rename just because it is distributed in a different company. The C5 Corvette has a transaxle type set up...not a typical transmission like all previous vettes.

I guess a call of email to Castrol would put this mystery to rest as to whether the Syntorq is backwards compatible.

Edited November 9, 2006 by Paul93Lotus

[Paul93Lotus]

Doesn't seem so...usually different names indicate different formulations of some type...wouldn't seem logical to rename just because it is distributed in a different company. The C5 Corvette has a transaxle type set up...not a typical transmission like all previous vettes.

I guess a call of email to Castrol would put this mystery to rest as to whether the Syntorq is backwards compatible.

My most recent email back from Castrol was a standard answer type letter with no useful info...

Thank you for contacting Castrol, we regret the delay in our reply.

Due to a technical error, your email did not reach our office until

Wednesday November 8th. Once again, we sincerely regret the delay and

appreciate your patience.

Castrol TAF-XO is part of the Castrol Classic Oil line of products, and

is only available through Burmah Castrol UK.

Unfortunately Castrol North America does not make a product that meets

the same specs as Castrol TAF-XO.

If you wish to purchase this lubricant, you may write or call our

Castrol Classic Oils division at the following address:

Castrol Classic Oils

Wakefield House, Swevesey,

Cambridge, England

CB4 5QZ

Tel#: 011-44-1954-231668

Or you can visit them online at:

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/subsection....07&contentI

d=7002485

Thank you for contacting Castrol, The Technology Leader!

So...I guess I have to be super specific since this guy answering is just taking the lazy road...another email will be sent!

[kyliesmith.com]

Yeah I rang Castrol here in NZ and they said "what oil?", I ordered two lots from P.U.K - Thanks Marcus

Real shame though we dont have it locally.

[kyliesmith.com]

Sorry to bring this thread back up again, but thought I better report back after draining the redline product that was in there for the last two yrs and had done approx 5000miles and two track days. (yeah I know its a weekender )

Ok I took careful consideration to check the drain plug for foreign matter, this was clean. The oil was not clear (not that I expected it to be) and was slightly mirky with a really fine haze of metallic swirl through it. Now to me thats not good but is it typical to find any discolouration or fine metallic haze as mentioned?

In any case she has now got 3L of TAF-X in her.

Thanks to PUK!

[Paul93Lotus]

Ok I took careful consideration to check the drain plug for foreign matter, this was clean. The oil was not clear (not that I expected it to be) and was slightly mirky with a really fine haze of metallic swirl through it. Now to me thats not good but is it typical to find any discolouration or fine metallic haze as mentioned?

In any case she has now got 3L of TAF-X in her.

Thanks to PUK!

That is likely wear....and probably not a good thing. Gear wear or sychronizers?

[Paula&Marcus]

Hi Kylie,

Many thanks for the praise

It was a pleasure for me to serve you and your Esprit with the correct oil.

BTW, the metallic stuff you drained out usually are brass-particles coming from the synchros. With the TAF-X you will notice that these particles will be much less the next time you drain your g/b-fluid.

Cheers

Marcus

Yeah I rang Castrol here in NZ and they said "what oil?", I ordered two lots from P.U.K - Thanks Marcus

Real shame though we dont have it locally.

[esprithk]

oh...will they deliver motor oil to HK by FedEx?? <<===Marcus, please reply to me, Thx

I have tried to order some chemical for wine-making from the USA. and they cancelled my order.

they said because of the "anti-terrorist" act, they are not allowed to export chemical.

luckily, I finally found the chemicals in China.