Engine/Tranny fluids? - LotusTalk

gregte · 05-07-2009, 07:47 PM

What do you guys run for engine oil and tranny oil? I have always run 15/50 Mobile 1 and full sythetic Valvoline in the gearbox. Any different opinions out there? BTW I have an 02 Esprit.

gmendoza · 05-07-2009, 07:51 PM

I have no fav engine oil but for the gearbox, I prefer Redline MT-90.

E5PR1T · 05-07-2009, 08:07 PM

I use Redline 15W50 for engine oil. On the tranny fluid, I was told to use ONLY Castrol TAF-X or Redline MT90.

s4s · 05-07-2009, 08:16 PM

Redline 15/50 engine, Redline MT90 tranny

Bibs · 05-08-2009, 05:53 AM

Lotus advise that you use nothing but Castrol TAF-X in your gearbox.

MT-90 seems a popular choice but it has never been tested or failed the tests Lotus put it through which is why isn't not the recommended lubricant. The gearbox is very specific in it's requirements when mounted in an Esprit. The low temperature performance of the lubricant is very important and it also has to withstand the extreme high pressures that the cwp contact areas will put it through. TAF-X was the only lubricant that fulfilled the criteria.

Don't argue with me, argue with Lotus!

E5PR1T · 05-08-2009, 09:03 AM

Bibs,

I completely agree with you. But the TAF-X is not available in the US...We all tried to find it

Alan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bibs

Lotus advise that you use nothing but Castrol TAF-X in your gearbox.

MT-90 seems a popular choice but it has never been tested or failed the tests Lotus put it through which is why isn't not the recommended lubricant. The gearbox is very specific in it's requirements when mounted in an Esprit. The low temperature performance of the lubricant is very important and it also has to withstand the extreme high pressures that the cwp contact areas will put it through. TAF-X was the only lubricant that fulfilled the criteria.

Don't argue with me, argue with Lotus!

lotus4s · 05-08-2009, 10:55 AM

Taf-x is not easy to get but it is available in the US. I have a 20 liter jug in my shop now that was purchased recently for around $450. You may have to get 3 or 4 other guys together to do a group buy to make it feasible. You can also order it from Marcus at PUK in Germany if JAE doesn't have it here.

Whatever you do I'd get the Valvoline changed out to MT90 at least. A lot of guys have used it for several years with no issues. I know of a couple of owners who have had crown wheel/pinion issues after experimenting with other gear oils.

kestrel74 · 05-08-2009, 11:42 AM

Glad you brought this up....it has never been discussed before !

Bibs · 05-09-2009, 12:47 AM

If you wish to have someone in the UK buy it directly from the Lotus factory let me know and I'll be happy to help guys. There will be no mark up from me as long as you cover the price and P&P

05-07-2009, 07:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
gregte Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 47	Engine/Tranny fluids? What do you guys run for engine oil and tranny oil? I have always run 15/50 Mobile 1 and full sythetic Valvoline in the gearbox. Any different opinions out there? BTW I have an 02 Esprit.

05-07-2009, 07:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
gmendoza My car sneezes Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Alta Loma, CA Posts: 222	I have no fav engine oil but for the gearbox, I prefer Redline MT-90. __________________ '03.5 Final Edition Esprit ~ 5.7lbs/hp mildly modded - 430rwhp, 353rwtq www.fquick.com/gmendoza

05-08-2009, 10:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
lotus4s Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 82	Taf-x is not easy to get but it is available in the US. I have a 20 liter jug in my shop now that was purchased recently for around $450. You may have to get 3 or 4 other guys together to do a group buy to make it feasible. You can also order it from Marcus at PUK in Germany if JAE doesn't have it here. Whatever you do I'd get the Valvoline changed out to MT90 at least. A lot of guys have used it for several years with no issues. I know of a couple of owners who have had crown wheel/pinion issues after experimenting with other gear oils. __________________ 1995 S4s 1994 S4 brg Visit my website: http://sites.google.com/site/jkesprit/

05-08-2009, 11:42 AM	#8 (permalink)
kestrel74 G-200 Driver Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: North of Detroit; Watkins Glen, NY Posts: 9,311	Glad you brought this up....it has never been discussed before ! __________________ 74 Europa Zetec TC Special 3614R Elise #2292 / Chrome Orange !! / Starshield / Nitron Sport SA / RTDbrace / Uprights machined / Down Low rails / ChaseCam / V1 / SS lines w/ R4-S "My daily driver does .85 Mach" " I started flying when Sex was safe and Hang Gliding was dangerous " BUY My Europa ! http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/...pa-sale-43829/

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05-07-2009, 08:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
E5PR1T 98 Esprit V8 Calypso Red Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 138	I use Redline 15W50 for engine oil. On the tranny fluid, I was told to use ONLY Castrol TAF-X or Redline MT90.

05-07-2009, 08:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
s4s Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 12	Redline 15/50 engine, Redline MT90 tranny

05-08-2009, 05:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
Bibs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 77	Lotus advise that you use nothing but Castrol TAF-X in your gearbox. MT-90 seems a popular choice but it has never been tested or failed the tests Lotus put it through which is why isn't not the recommended lubricant. The gearbox is very specific in it's requirements when mounted in an Esprit. The low temperature performance of the lubricant is very important and it also has to withstand the extreme high pressures that the cwp contact areas will put it through. TAF-X was the only lubricant that fulfilled the criteria. Don't argue with me, argue with Lotus!

05-09-2009, 12:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
Bibs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 77	If you wish to have someone in the UK buy it directly from the Lotus factory let me know and I'll be happy to help guys. There will be no mark up from me as long as you cover the price and P&P

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