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TR2/3/3A tr3a transmission oil preferences?

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ekamm

ekamm

Jedi Warrior
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What transmission oil does everyone use? don't know what's in my car and want to change it.
 
I have used Valvoline 20W50 R (for Racing) engine oil in gearbox + overdrive in my 1958 TR3A for 19 years (102,000 miles).
 
I agree with Don on the Valvoline 20W50 Racing oil. Note that there are now several flavors of it on the shelves, you want the one that says "Not street legal" on the bottle.

It's also recommended by Herman van den Akker and Ken at British Frame and Engine. Ken even did a tear-down test on his racing TR2, and pronounced no visible wear after 5 years (don't recall how many races/miles).

I have been experimenting with Redline MT-90; but so far I cannot tell that it is any better than the VR. Even though it's about 5 times the price.
 
I use Redline 75W90NS in the non-OD gearbox and Valvoline non-detergent straight 30 in the OD gearbox.

You'll get a wide variety of answers on this and similar topics (dashpot oil, brake fluid, oil filters, etc). Good Luck.
 
You're right, George, as many different answers as there are members on the forum. Herman rebuilt my OD in 2000 & at that time he suggested Valvoline non detergent 30wt. 15K non racing miles later & no problems, but after a hard run, the tranny feels like it's filled with WD40 !
Frank
 
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