Gearbox/Rear Dif oil changes

[The_Lord]

So you're saying Fuchs or Comma are better.

So why everybody says never use anything else other than Nissan's original?

[mikejbry]

So you're saying Fuchs or Comma are better.

So why everybody says never use anything else other than Nissan's original?

 

Maybe because it's the "safe" bet?

[GT4 Zed]

Let me put it this way, Nissan oil is not special or some kind of snake oil. So far as you get the same specs it willbe ok. As for molyslip or any friction modifier, it the biggest BS that has been going on for ages in the aftermarket circles! In the same lines as octane boosters etc. they may appear to work but really oils have all the additives and specs required to perform the job as R&D by the manufacturer and if it required molyslip they would have recommended it. To out it another way do you know what molyslip is and what the longterm effect is on your gb?

I have used either Motul, redline and gulf oils for everything without additives and my zed has seen more track action that most, has been supercharged to 16psi for almost >6k miles and and just hit over 100k miles on the std engine and is still sweet as a nut.

Don't follow the trend. Put the right stuff in your car and if you are in doubt speak to oilman or do some research before you leap. I certainly did and must be doing something right.

Ok let the flaming begin but I've always want to speak against molyslip and the like.

[The_Lord]

So what do you use for gearbox and rear diff GT4 Zed?

[Level 7 Boss]

I've read that Molyslip is actually counterproductive and can cause damage. Personally, I'm steering clear.

[J4CKO]

I just used gear oil to the correct spec from my normal supplier, not a fun job but doesnt take too long, dotn forget those axle stands, dont want any car sat on you but definitely not a 350Z, the gearbox looks like it weighs more than some cars, I am used to Golfs and stuff where you can unbolt it onto your chest, do that with a 350Z box and it wouldtn be much fun, what are they 150 kilos or something ?

[HARMLU]

Second what everyone has said really. Only use genuine nissan fluids and a drop of molyslip works a treat. I got mine from Clark Motorsport.

 

Edit: when I say 'drop' of molyslip, I mean tube.

Edited October 15, 2014 by HARMLU

[The_Lord]

Second what everyone has said really. Only use genuine nissan fluids and a drop of molyslip works a treat. I got mine from Clark Motorsport.

 

Edit: when I say 'drop' of molyslip, I mean tube.

Everybody is saying this but the question is why?

[HARMLU]

Mixed views on moly slip being counter-productive. However, it does smooth the gearbox slightly, especially from cold. I'm not really clued up enough to comment on how exactly it works, so can't really comment on that. As for the gearbox oil, I'm not sure. Yes, the Nissan oil is only a specifically graded oil with a Nissan label on, however I would appreciate if the people who are saying this could advise on what branded oils are exactly the same oil as the Nissan oil. And maybe a trader like opie oils could explain this?

 

But being that Clark Motorsport, Zmanalex, and CS recommend only Nissan fluids when the could flog something else with (probably) a higher margin, says it all really. And people may disagree with my logic, but it's my logic, it works and is risk free. If someone provides a bit more that 'it is only a label', perhaps I would re-evaluate. Not wanting a big debate here, but this is my trail of thought.

[GT4 Zed]

So what do you use for gearbox and rear diff GT4 Zed?

 

Nissan stuff is good enough! But I have used motul, gulf competition and redline MT90( recommended by oilman; and I concur is the best of the three in terms of smooth operation of the gb)

Diff: motul or gulf.

Engine: any fully synthetic 5w30 or 5w40 will do. I now use gulf as motul is bloody pricey now!

 

The key is regular changes and mechanical sympathy.( good warm up and cool down)

I change every fluid including brakes and clutch yearly and engine oil between 4-6k. It maybe excessive for a std spec/ driven car but it's gives you the freshest lubricant every time.

[Jeff E]

I repeat what I said earlier. Nissan do not produce motor oils. Clarke Motor Sport, Z manalex, Cs etc may " only" recommend Nissan fluids, fair enough, you won't go wrong but frankly they probably know diddly squat about motor oil production. The Nissan oils are the equivalent of a supermarkets own brand Weetabix and they are produced down to a price. The major oil companies, Shell, ExxonMobil etc spend millions developing engine, gearbox oils etc and having them tested/proven. Nissan , Ford, JCB just have their labels put on the package at the oil companies blending plant.

And whilst I'm at it not all petrol comes out of the same pipe as someone, on this forum suggested, with just different levels of additive. A few years ago drivers filled up at Tesco and their cars conked out. I know the supplier was a trader. Bought cheap fuels, put them in a tank in Rotterdam. Blend them to comply with a spec . and ship to Immingham. Put in minimum additive and delivery it to Tesco. My local suppliers are Tesco and Shell. Shell usually 1 p/l dearer. No brainer

[HARMLU]

I would say "Clark Motorsport, Zmanalex, CS etc", probably know more than most about the products they sell. So maybe Jeff, you can shed some light on what brands are better, and specifically the production process differences between the premier brands and the Nissan brand of gearbox and diff oils?

 

Not trying to stir up an argument, just interested in the reasons as you have implied you know about motor oil production (which I believe have different fundamentals than petrol).

[Jeff E]

I should not have posted, just made myself seem like a know it all wally. However, I had 30 years working for the worlds 3rd largest oil company and for 4 of those years, as a manager, supplying own brand lubricants. I stick by what I said and would recommend using majors that are dedicated to lubricants such as Shell, Mobil ( ExxonMobil) , Texaco etc and quality specialists such as Castrol(BP), Fuchs and similar.

Todays lubricants are very complex so too difficult to cover here but HARMLU if you want to know more details PM me

[The_Lord]

I just came back from Horsham Dev. Jez and the guys did a marvellous job. I really can't thank them enough. The car now feels completely different!

[Bodyboarder81]

I just came back from Horsham Dev. Jez and the guys did a marvellous job. I really can't thank them enough. The car now feels completely different!

 

What did you end up getting done ?

[The_Lord]

Both gearbox and rear diff oils. No molyslip as after reading extensively it is more of an urban myth. They also did a full car check. The car feels really different now. The gear is much smoother, no more grind and the diff is much quieter.

[Bodyboarder81]

Cool , good to know. Will get all mine done at its next service I think

[Toon Chris]

I put mbotul oil in my gearbox and although on paper it was the same my gearbox sqealed when cold. I gave lived with it for 10k at least thinking it was the box and not much I could do about it. I even contacted Alex for a decent replacement. He told me to use Nissan oil so I changed it and no more problems. My gearbox was mint up until I sold at 186k.

So why bother trying with guesswork? You know Nissan oil does the job and anything else is no more than a punt in the dark. Its not like Nissan oil is that expensive.

Just my 2p