So, I was in the parts store yesterday ordering those injector clips when I went ahead asked about the requirements for tranny/diff fluid. They looked it up on the computer and apparently it calls for ATF in the '79 manual transmission. Is this correct and if it is does this mean that I can't use the Redline brand gear fluid? I hear people talk highly about this stuff and it can apparently make an old car feel new again, being that mine surely has the original fluid I would really like to give it a try. Everyone says it's worth the cost, $10 a bottle I think.

 

ATF in a manual? I am sorry but that does not sound right man. I mean Automatic Transmission Fluid. Like you know, goes in an automatic. Where was their computer getting that information from? And the rear end should take 80-90 gear oil, and also the same for your manual tranny. And if you think the Redline gear oil is good. And that people say it is, what harm could it do? But I am by no means an expert. But I know some things here and there.

 

Yes, some manual tranny's use ATF. Just about all Borg Warner T5's use ATF that I know of including 3rd gen Camaros and Mustangs that have a T5 in them. HOWEVER....not all manuals require ATF!! My FSM says to use ATF in the automatic and says to fill the manual tranny with the proper "gear oil" to a capacity of 2 liters (4 1/2 US pints, 3 1/2 Imp pints). I don't see you hurting your tranny by using Redline brand gear oil or Royal Purple brand for that matter as both are very good. I would do some research on different weights of gear oil and pick the one that fits your driving style and climate.

 

Yeah sometimes the information they get is screwed but, so long as I can use this redline stuff Im fine with it. Thanks for the replies guys.

 

yeah, my 94 Ranger uses ATF, and it has a manual transmission. From what I understand, too thick of fluid will cause the transmission to shift poorly.

 

Old sloppy Nissn 5-speeds don't use ATF. I've never heard of that before in an L-series application. Late model cars might have smaller tollerences in the manuals transmissions but the old 280ZX 5-speed is not that kind of technology.

Now, in the 280ZX turbo T5, I have heard arguments back and forth about using ATF or gear oil in it. From my research I came to the conclusion that the early T5 was not made for ATF but the later ones were. The 280ZX T5 is a very early one. I used Amsoil synth gear oil in mine and it shifts great.

I suggest you use that Redline gear oil in your 5-speed and not ATF.

 

Yeah I wasn't planning on using ATF, I just wanted to make sure the factory didn't call for it. My friend Kenn is the local dealer for Amsoil products now so maybe I can get a deal on the fluid.