Synthetic MT Fluid Report

[Elmojo]

Hi all,

It's been a looong time since I've been around here, mostly with work keeping me busy and because my V hasn't given any trouble!

However, I have some news that might be of interest...A while back, I posted some info regarding replacing the fluid in the 6MT with a full synthetic produced by Redline Oil, Inc.If you care to read the "history", search this board for "elmojo" + "redline".The gist of the matter is that I had several discussions with the service tech at my dealership, reps from Redline Oil, and even Nissan North America Engineering.I came to the conclusion that synthetic MT fluid would be a possible remedy to the horrible clunkiness that is the Nissan/Renault 6MT used in the Versa.However, I was hesitant to make the switch due to receiving a call-back from Nissan Engineering, informing me that switching to a non-Nissan fluid would "probably" void my warranty.

Since then, I put up with the poor shifting while 4 quarts of Redline MTL sat in my shop. Recently, I decided to rethink this issue.

I contacted Redline and had a detailed conversation with one of their "shop guys" about the product and possible warranty issues.Long story short(er), he said that since the MTL fluid meets all the requirements and certifications required by Nissan, there would really be no way for the warranty to be voided by the use of Redline MTL.Armed with this bit of reassurance, I decided to take the plunge and have the transaxle fluid changed at my last service.My dealer charged me $70 for a "standard transmission service", and I provided the fluid.Nissan says the fluid change requires 4.25 pints. Yes, pints, not quarts!3 quarts of fluid is what you need.

Results:I can't begin to tell you how much better this is!After about 300 miles on the new fluid, I'm estimating about a 30-40% reduction in shifting effort, and about the same increase in smoothness.Oddly, the most drastic change in noted under normal, low-load shifts.Hard driving is still difficult due to the overall lack of refinement in the gearbox, the long throws of the shifter, and the annoying RPM hangs between gears.For everyday driving, though, this has been the best 100-ish bucks I've spent on the car yet.Highly recommended!Keep in mind, Nissan is still claiming possible warranty issues when using this or any non-OEM fluid, so use at your own risk.

[Ever Victorious]

Well shiver me timbers, welcome back!

That's good info. Where did you get the RedLine oil, anyway?

[Versa Madness]

I have switched to full synthetic on all of my transmissions and I can back up the results that you report from my own experiences. I will switch the V over after a break in period. My own daily driver has over 373,000 miles on the 5 speed and still shifts smooth as butter.

[KKaWing]

Oh wow, you came back just as I was thinking about the clunky 1-2 shift doing the same thing as the k20 civic si's 2-3 shift and a possible remedy being syn. fluid, namely royal purple.

I thought Redline only made syn. engine oil ^_^; bought 4L for a friend as a Christmas present heh. I guess its high time I dug through the local discount store catalogs.

Again thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[Elmojo]

Wow, I can't believe you folks even remember me!

I got the fluid from Advance Auto Parts, of all places!I had to special order it, but it did not cost extra.The guy at Redline said he doesn't think Advance can get their stuff anymore, even though they are still listed as dealers via the link below.Try anyway, your mileage may vary.

My suggestion would be to try a local tuner shop, but expect to pay more per quart. I got it for around ~$7/qt, but my local tuner shop wanted $10/qt.Failing that, hit up http://www.redlineoil.com/dealers.aspPut in your zip code (if in the US) and search radius to look for dealers.I'd suggest a large radius, as they don't have a super-wide distribution, so you might have to try a zip code other than your own.

Thanks for the kind comments. Feel free to ask additional questions. I'm glad to offer what little I know so far, and will post updates as I pile on the miles.

[reyes1212]

Wow, I can't believe you folks even remember me!

I got the fluid from Advance Auto Parts, of all places!I had to special order it, but it did not cost extra.The guy at Redline said he doesn't think Advance can get their stuff anymore, even though they are still listed as dealers via the link below.Try anyway, your mileage may vary.

My suggestion would be to try a local tuner shop, but expect to pay more per quart. I got it for around ~$7/qt, but my local tuner shop wanted $10/qt.Failing that, hit up http://www.redlineoil.com/dealers.aspPut in your zip code (if in the US) and search radius to look for dealers.I'd suggest a large radius, as they don't have a super-wide distribution, so you might have to try a zip code other than your own.

Thanks for the kind comments. Feel free to ask additional questions. I'm glad to offer what little I know so far, and will post updates as I pile on the miles.

I think it's great that you posted this up because my RSX friend tells me how much better it feels when he shifts since switching to ful synthetic Redline transmission oil. Just waiting to go get some because last time I tried, they wouldn't sell me it claiming that "I don't need it yet." WTH do they know...I just wanted smoother shifts...grrlol