Thread: Redline Shockproof Heavy: Thoughts

I've seen this in three trannies now, where the owner used Redline Shockproof Heavyweight, and it didn't save their trannies.

I'm kinda curious if this syrup of a lubricant is actually aiding in the destruction of transmissions? What are your thoughts?

For instance: Alex's brother's car is running an 18g, decent power, not overbearing. He had a B13 LSD tranny, and sheared 3rd gear off. I would think that the purpose of running heavier gear oil would be to assist with preventing these types of problems... I know that there are issues with the B13 tranny, but I just don't see as many go, while using a lighter gear oil.

I guess I started thinking heavily about this because Honda transmissions only run 10w30 motor oil, and they hold plenty of power/torque. Guys here are eating up axles, and the trannies seem bulletproof.

Honda designed much better transmissions. That's that.

The Shockproof gear oil provides a better cushion between the metals. This will (should) help, but only a small amount. Nothing can save a B13/14 transmission if you're determined to break one. They are just weak. All the efforts to make them handle more power are band-aids and not solutions.

I would caution you in assuming the transmissions you've seen breaking with lighter fluids versus heavier fluids are a good statistical sample. It's likely the situations with transmissions holding together under similar conditions with light fluids have something about them that is causing this independent of fluid thickness. Perhaps their bearings were less worn, or the torque output of the engines behind them is less, or the traction on that car is less, etc. etc.

Edit: Personally I like a mix of shockproof and the lighter stuff but I have no delusions that my transmission will hold together for ever.

Edit 2: I've changed my mind on the half and half mix. It sucks for daily driving in cold climates (not as bad as 100% heavy shockproof though). I'm sticking with MT-90 all the way in the future.

I was expecting you to have the first reply

I agree that Honda transmissions were designed better, no contest.

I also like your idea of a mix of shockproof, and the lighter stuff. That's a great idea, something I never thought about.

Good points on the varying conditions of transmissions, too. I'm just thinking that with cooler tranny temps when the vehicle is first in operation have something to do with it. That's a THICK gear oil to be using, and I imagine that it's going to take more than 10 minutes of driving in order for it to do better to lubricate the tranny.

B15 ftw.............

Well I haven't had any problems with my 99 non-LSD tranny, and make great power. That's another story though.

In my experience I only use Redline. The light stuff will allow the tranny to scratch on hard upshifts and the heavy stuff I'm running now is overkill for a dd as its protection is best when its running hard. The regular weight stuff is probably best for most.

Its not news though that a guy wasted 3rd gear on an 18g. People have lunched 3rd pulling hard na.

I use heavy shockproof in my P11. You can never be too safe I guess. I'm hoping it holds 500whp on the track.

i say its time someone makes a adapter plate for honda transmissions to sr20de block wink wink wouldnt mind a type r transmission

maybe for a k series, b series will never work it spins the opposite way.

I'm the tranny replacer master if anybody wants one done hit me up haha. Honestly I'm using the heavy mixed with other trans fluid and its good stuff so that's what I'm using from now. I know I'm going to bow the trans but anything to make it last longer is good for me.