So I have been doing some reading and everyone is saying for the trans fluid, use the ATF from Acura, and 80w90 for the differential and 5w30 for the engine..

Here are my questions:

1. Is there a different Automatic Transmission Fluid I can use besides the Honda ATF.. say, Amsoil?
2. If so, what would I need to look for specifically?
3. Differential Oil is being replaced with Amsoil as well, is 75w90 acceptable or just stick to 80w90 no matter what?
4. Is there a different oil filter we can use on the 2.5 Motor, such as the NSX filter etc?

I am trying to do all maintenance on this car, as I want it to last quite a while.. it's by far my favorite car I have had.

Thanks in Advance!

Ian

 

Welcome to the board. Answer to 1st? Amsoil ATF is a fine product and yes you can use a different fluid other than Honda DW-1. I use Val Maxlife ATF in my Acura's/Honda's. It is on close out at Autozone for $13.50 a gallon jug. Answer to 2nd ? As long as it meets Honda Z-1 or the newer DW-1 specs. There are many out there that do Valvoline,Castrol,Amsoil are a few that come to mind. Answer to 3rd ? I dont see a problem W/ using 75w90.
I have been using Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube
LS 75W-90 for 6 months in my 98 3.2 Tl.Answer to 4th? No the tread sizes are different on the NSX filter it uses a M22x1.5 thread and your 2.5 Tl uses a M20x1.5 thread. the only way you could use the NSX filter is to change the oil filter holder on the block. These are my opinions and i am sure others will disagree w/ them. Good luck w/ your maintenance. Keep us posted on your progress.
joe

 

Joe,
thanks ALOT! I went and bought a gallon of Amsoil transmission fluid, as well as 2 quarts of Amsoil 75W90 gear oil. I am in the process of tracing an oil leak on the drivers side of my motor, I am thinking the P.O of the car was extremely cheap when it came to oil, as he was using the cheapest FRAM filter you can get. So that will be changed with a NEW Honda filter and crush washer, as well as Amsoil 5W30 synthetic oil.

I have polished up my tail light and need to bake apart the headlight to reseal it, then polish that and find myself a new green fender, then I should be all set!

Appreciate the warm welcome!

 

if its leaking oil from the driver side its most likely from the oil filter base. you just need to replace a gasket that look like an 8. its a known problem on the 2.5

 

FRAM and Honda filters are both made by Honeywell, so they are basically the same. I have nothing against either, but I use WIX whenever I can.

This reminds me that I have all the fixings to change my oil, ATF, and gear oil in my trunk.

 

Purolator and Wix are good filters.

 

i use mobil 1 for oil and oil filter.

 

I believe the Napa brand filter is made by wix

 

I prefer the Honda ATF and Power Steering fluid. I used to work at Acura...too many issues seen in the late 80s/early 90s with people using the wrong alternatives. Never Champion plugs in a Honda product either.

I had a couple of leaks on my 98 2.5. Oil filter housing, distributor shaft seal, and the rocker cover gasket. All fairly easy to change.

 

God I HATE changing that gasket. Did it in my 89 legend.

 

So is it just called a filter base gasket?

 

Oil filter base gasket part number: 15205-PV1-003

 

Ahhh thank you!!!