MINI2

Drakken · Sep 19th, 2002, 10:50 AM

A lot of car enthusiasts swear by Red Line MTF to improve shifting in their cars. I was curious if anyone has tried it in their MINI and what their experience has been.

If you are not familiar with Red Line MTF click here

olddad · Sep 19th, 2002, 08:22 PM

I will be changing to Redline motor oil and MTF AFTER everything is broken in. Their lubricants will not allow proper breakin because they're just too slippery.

With a broken in engine (1293 cc full race Aseries Cooper S) I gained 4 hp at the front wheels just changing oil. On that unit the same oil ran in the engine and gearbox. Test was done with 15 minute delay to change oil and filter.

The best part was the cooler engine temps under racing conditions and a virtual elimination of bottom end problems. Ran the same Gordon Allen crank for three more years.

gdmini · Sep 19th, 2002, 08:23 PM

I think you mean MTL. Although I have not put it in my MCS as of yet, I have run MTL in several racecars and let me tell you...it works. Not only have the gears seemed smoother, but the temperature in the gearboxes has decreased by as much as 20 deg. F. All of my racecars have been run on Red-Line products, and until I see otherwise, its the best lubricant out there!
gdmini

ezrally · Sep 19th, 2002, 09:33 PM

May take MT 90 also. Anyone know what the manual calls for?

Bibendum · Sep 19th, 2002, 10:06 PM

Spot on. I've used all brands of lubricants and Redline MTL is tops for gearboxes. The 'trick' is has the viscosity of 30 WT or ATF, but the shear strength of a 90 WT. Plan on switching after a few thousand miles.

Bibendum

Drakken · Sep 20th, 2002, 10:10 AM

Opps, it is MTL, sorry.

Which do you think is best for the Cooper 5 speed?

Thanks for the replies.

gdmini · Sep 20th, 2002, 12:44 PM

You would use MTL in your manual transmission. For an automatic you would use ATF.
gdmini

Drakken · Sep 20th, 2002, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gdmini
You would use MTL in your manual transmission. For an automatic you would use ATF.
gdmini

Yes,I know that.

My question is should I use the MTL or the MT-90?

BruceK · Sep 20th, 2002, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Drakken

Yes,I know that.

My question is should I use the MTL or the MT-90?

It's been several years since I sold my Miata in which I used Redline products, but I seem to remember that MTL was similar to 30W oil and used for transmission gearbox applications, and MT-90 was similar to 90W hypoid gear oil and used for the differential. But right now I'm too lazy to visit the Redline site and see if I'm right.....

DITCH · Sep 21st, 2002, 05:52 PM

I used MTL in my Miata and it caused notchy shifting. Mazda suggested a 75W90 weight oil, though. (I thought I knew better than Mazda.

) Changed to MT90 and shifting became smooth as butter.

What is the weight of oil required for the MC? MTL is a 70W80 whereas MT90 is a 75W90.

HTH,
Ditch

ezrally · Sep 21st, 2002, 06:16 PM

I don't think the owners manual says what to use weight wise. In my VR4 we use 1 MTL and rest MT90 in the g'box.
Would be nice to have a service manual again- need car first.

sbuppert · Oct 2nd, 2002, 11:48 AM

Does anyone know the capacity in quarts of the Cooper S six speed transaxle?.....I plan to switch to redline MTL and don't want to purchase any more than necessary to fill the transaxle......

Garfield · Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:05 PM

I was told by my dealer mechanic that they've already got a special synthetic specifically made for that transaxle (as well as the M3's) that wouldn't require changing for awhile. With that being the case, I figured I wouldn't mess with it.
I have been, however, running Redline motor oil for 7000 miles now.

Brian

Garfield · Oct 2nd, 2002, 11:50 PM

Got mine from Stanoparts, a racing buddy:
Sam Strano Jr.
Strano Performance Parts
www.stranoparts.com
800-729-1831 orders/price info.
814-849-3450 technical info.

Works out to $7/quart for a case.

How's that gallon priced?

GordonD · Oct 3rd, 2002, 09:50 AM

I emailed Red Line a couple of days ago and they didn't know what to recomend for the trany on a 6 speed - as someone mentioned elsewhere it is not specified in the owners' manual - I guess we are not to be trusted with this kind of info.

Sep 19th, 2002, 10:50 AM	#1
Drakken MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New Jersey Local Time: 05:06 PM Posts: 283 Offline	Has anyone used Red Line MTF in there MINI yet? A lot of car enthusiasts swear by Red Line MTF to improve shifting in their cars. I was curious if anyone has tried it in their MINI and what their experience has been. If you are not familiar with Red Line MTF click here

Sep 19th, 2002, 08:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
olddad MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Yreka, CA Local Time: 02:06 PM Posts: 432 Offline	I will be changing to Redline motor oil and MTF AFTER everything is broken in. Their lubricants will not allow proper breakin because they're just too slippery. With a broken in engine (1293 cc full race Aseries Cooper S) I gained 4 hp at the front wheels just changing oil. On that unit the same oil ran in the engine and gearbox. Test was done with 15 minute delay to change oil and filter. The best part was the cooler engine temps under racing conditions and a virtual elimination of bottom end problems. Ran the same Gordon Allen crank for three more years. Cooper S Red/White/White, Air, Computer, Cloth, DSC, Cold Weather. August build.

Sep 19th, 2002, 08:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
gdmini MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Jose, CA Local Time: 01:06 PM Posts: 27 Offline	I think you mean MTL. Although I have not put it in my MCS as of yet, I have run MTL in several racecars and let me tell you...it works. Not only have the gears seemed smoother, but the temperature in the gearboxes has decreased by as much as 20 deg. F. All of my racecars have been run on Red-Line products, and until I see otherwise, its the best lubricant out there! gdmini Electric Blue MCS body colored roof Sport Package Premium Package Lapis Blue Leather "Scooter" was born on 7/25 Picked up on 9/13...WooHoo!

Sep 19th, 2002, 09:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
ezrally MINI2 Senior Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Delavan, WI Local Time: 03:06 PM Posts: 663 Offline	May take MT 90 also. Anyone know what the manual calls for? Jet Black MCS Lapis leather 17s or 15s (winter) no DSC

Sep 20th, 2002, 12:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
gdmini MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Jose, CA Local Time: 01:06 PM Posts: 27 Offline	You would use MTL in your manual transmission. For an automatic you would use ATF. gdmini Electric Blue MCS body colored roof Sport Package Premium Package Lapis Blue Leather "Scooter" was born on 7/25 Picked up on 9/13...WooHoo!

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Sep 19th, 2002, 10:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
Bibendum MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Newport News Virgini Local Time: 04:06 PM Posts: 26 Offline	Spot on. I've used all brands of lubricants and Redline MTL is tops for gearboxes. The 'trick' is has the viscosity of 30 WT or ATF, but the shear strength of a 90 WT. Plan on switching after a few thousand miles. Bibendum

Sep 20th, 2002, 10:10 AM	#6 (permalink)
Drakken MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New Jersey Local Time: 05:06 PM Posts: 283 Offline	Opps, it is MTL, sorry. Which do you think is best for the Cooper 5 speed? Thanks for the replies.

Sep 20th, 2002, 02:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
Drakken MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New Jersey Local Time: 05:06 PM Posts: 283 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by gdmini You would use MTL in your manual transmission. For an automatic you would use ATF. gdmini Yes,I know that. My question is should I use the MTL or the MT-90?

Sep 20th, 2002, 02:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 03:06 PM Posts: 3,758 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Drakken Yes,I know that. My question is should I use the MTL or the MT-90? It's been several years since I sold my Miata in which I used Redline products, but I seem to remember that MTL was similar to 30W oil and used for transmission gearbox applications, and MT-90 was similar to 90W hypoid gear oil and used for the differential. But right now I'm too lazy to visit the Redline site and see if I'm right..... + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Sep 21st, 2002, 05:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
DITCH MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Titusville, FL<br>'99 Mazda Miata<br>'03 MC Chili Red/White Local Time: 05:06 PM Posts: 187 Offline	I used MTL in my Miata and it caused notchy shifting. Mazda suggested a 75W90 weight oil, though. (I thought I knew better than Mazda. ) Changed to MT90 and shifting became smooth as butter. What is the weight of oil required for the MC? MTL is a 70W80 whereas MT90 is a 75W90. HTH, Ditch

Sep 21st, 2002, 06:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
ezrally MINI2 Senior Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Delavan, WI Local Time: 03:06 PM Posts: 663 Offline	I don't think the owners manual says what to use weight wise. In my VR4 we use 1 MTL and rest MT90 in the g'box. Would be nice to have a service manual again- need car first. Jet Black MCS Lapis leather 17s or 15s (winter) no DSC

Oct 2nd, 2002, 11:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
sbuppert MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: annapolis, md Local Time: 04:06 PM Posts: 9 Offline	transaxle capacity Does anyone know the capacity in quarts of the Cooper S six speed transaxle?.....I plan to switch to redline MTL and don't want to purchase any more than necessary to fill the transaxle......

Oct 2nd, 2002, 12:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
Garfield MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Mt. Airy, MD USA Local Time: 04:06 PM Posts: 785 Offline	I was told by my dealer mechanic that they've already got a special synthetic specifically made for that transaxle (as well as the M3's) that wouldn't require changing for awhile. With that being the case, I figured I wouldn't mess with it. I have been, however, running Redline motor oil for 7000 miles now. Brian - 2005 G Stock '05 MINI or it's back to a Miata in C Stock - 2004 G Stock 2nd place Pro Solo, 9th Place Solo II - 2003 STX 5th place Pro Solo, 6th Place Solo II - 2002 H Stock Pro Solo National Champion

Oct 2nd, 2002, 11:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
Garfield MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Mt. Airy, MD USA Local Time: 04:06 PM Posts: 785 Offline	Got mine from Stanoparts, a racing buddy: Sam Strano Jr. Strano Performance Parts www.stranoparts.com 800-729-1831 orders/price info. 814-849-3450 technical info. Works out to $7/quart for a case. How's that gallon priced? - 2005 G Stock '05 MINI or it's back to a Miata in C Stock - 2004 G Stock 2nd place Pro Solo, 9th Place Solo II - 2003 STX 5th place Pro Solo, 6th Place Solo II - 2002 H Stock Pro Solo National Champion

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Oct 3rd, 2002, 09:50 AM	#15 (permalink)
GordonD MINI2 Master Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mississauga, Ont, Ca Local Time: 05:06 PM Posts: 781 Offline	I emailed Red Line a couple of days ago and they didn't know what to recomend for the trany on a 6 speed - as someone mentioned elsewhere it is not specified in the owners' manual - I guess we are not to be trusted with this kind of info.

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