ralper

Both of my sons will be home this weekend to help and it's been 10,000 miles since I last changed the transmission fluid and diff oil so this coming Friday we're going to do some maintenance. Here are my choices for fluids:

Rear diff:
Either:
Amsoil 75-110 Synthetic gear lube
or
Mobil1 75-90 Synthetic gear lube


Transmission:
Either:
Amsoil Manual Transmission (Used it once before and was rather neutral about it)
or
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid.

Motor Oil (last changed 1,000 miles ago, 9 months ago)
Mobil1 10W-30

We're also installing:
Russell Braided Brake Hoses
Stoptech Street/Performance brake pads
Castrol GT-LMA synthetic brake fluid.
If we have the time, I'll drain the clutch and use the Castrol GT-LMA

What do you think of my choices for Diff and Brake Fluids? Any suggestions?

S1997

I like the choices, Rob! I have always used Lubrication Engineers LE 607 or its replacement LE 1605 for the differential. But the Amsoil is great, too. And also I use Motul 660 brake fluid, because it works so well with higher temps.

Themikewoo

Differential fluid - from my personal understanding you only need 110 if you do any type of racing. If not then 90 will be find. I like the brand Amsoil.

Engine oil - you don't experience burning running Mobil 1? I use Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30.

Clutch fluid - the car will already be on jack stands so you should do the clutch as well. It will be take a lot less time since the clutch reservoir and lines are so short.

windhund116

I've had good luck with ATE Typ 200 (yellow) for brake/clutch fluid. You can't get the Super Blue, in the US anymore.

http://www.amazon.com/ATE-706202-Ori...te+brake+fluid

Been running Royal Purple Synchromax in the tranny. Smoother shifting than OEM Honda MTF. A little less gear noise. Though, Honda MTF is good stuff.

Mobil One 5W-30 Extended Performance in engine. Mobil One 75W-90 in diff.


BTW... OEM Honda S2000 oil filters are prolly the best choice (PCX-004). They can be torqued to proper specs (without a torque wrench) --- to prevent spin-off at high R's. Just use the stamped numbers on the filter to tighten correctly. Very well made compared to many aftermarket cans.

http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda-...000+oil+filter

Emil St-Hilaire

Good choices,Rob.
Wanted to use LE,in my diff.but they don't ship to Canada,because,hazardous material.

fltsfshr

I'm in total agreement sith S1997. My diff runs thermocycled 457's LE wins from all standpoints. I went to Honda's new tranny fluid and love it. I'm running a hardened ap2 tranny and shaft in an ap1 with an 8 puck centerforce.

fltsfshr

PS Sometime this week I'm going to replace my slave cylinder again. Only weak spot in the drivetrain.

skunkworks

I’ve always been confused over one modern brake fluid over another. I’ve read that Honda’s recommendation for brake fluid is a DOT 3, yet some put in DOT 4 because of a higher boiling point.

So, if I were to track my S2000 and put in a DOT 4 for the experience would I need to drain and replace it with DOT 3 afterwards? Will DOT 4 have an adverse effect the synthetic rubber or metallic components? And if I elect to use an exotic brake fluid are there any credible statistics regarding their effectiveness and brake system durability available?

gary

dlq04

Personally, I am not a fan of switching fluids based on the latest recommendations from XYZ. I try to do all the research I can at the front end, make my selection, and then stick with it. For example, I used nothing but Castrol oil for 30 years in the MG engine till I did the last engine rebuild. Then I switched to Valvoline VR1 and will using nothing but that, till whenever.....

I’ve never used Amsoil or LE but they certainly have a following. I’m no fan of switching, so I like lubricates that I can get at most any auto store in any state at any time. Is it readily available? I’ve no idea.

When I was taking my S2000 to the track, my requirements were different. For example, I used ATE brake fluid and high performance pads. But, for normal street driving I wouldn’t necessarily recommend either due to their limited availability and the issues that can come from performance pads that have completely different characteristics than street pads.

Any of the choices you’ve listed will certainly get the job done. That's my 2 cents worth.

Emil St-Hilaire

Rob,for brake pads,I would use Carbotech 1521.

windhund116

ATE Typ 200 is miscible with DOT 3. I changed both S2000 and Element to this brake and clutch fluid. Seems to stay cleaner longer. Esp in the clutch reservoir. Very good brake feel. Can be used in daily driving or track. Kinda $$$, but worth it, IME.