SodaLuvr

Someone ran an analysis of virgin samples of Honda MTF and Redline MTL for a comparison of the additive packs. Note: An inexpensive analysis only reveals some makeup of a fluid's additive pack, not all, but is still interesting for comparison purposes.

RL MTL/Genuine Honda MTF

Fe 1/3
Sn 4/0
Al 0/1
Si 18/8
Na 2/3
K 1/1
Mo 1/1
B 33/1
Ba 1/0
Ca 4076/2889
Mg 11/2
Mn 0/1
P 3184/1209
Sb 4/4
Zn 3523/1388

Vis, at 100C: 10.7/11.1

The Redline MTL clearly has the stronger additive package in comparison to the Genuine Honda MTF. At 2x cost, of course. However, given its nearly full(if not full) synthetic composition, the viscosity retention should be much better, and the anti-wear protection should be better as well, given the higher level of additives. Many people have noticed better shifting upon the switch to this fluid from the Genuine Honda MTF.

If someone could run a sample of GMSFM, it'd be interesting to see, simply for basic comparison purposes...

Just my

Brettg

And how would all those extra additives affect the limited slip differential?

Brett

SodaLuvr

The extra additives you see are mainly detergents and anti-wear additives. The Silicon has an anti-foam function, I believe. None of these additives you are seeing will affect the operation of a LSD system nor is it relevant in this case as the MTL has too low of a viscosity to be used in a differential, which is where most LSD systems are used. In addition, most differentials require a GL5 rated fluid for additional EP and AW protection which may not be compatible with manual transmissions, though metal deactivators make it possible to use GL5 in some GL4 applications but the metal deactivators do wear out eventually, thus, possibly causing problems. FYI: The only differential I know of that requires a GL4 rated 75W90 is the Audi TT...

triggle

The TLs LSD must be lub'd by the same MTL as the gearbox. Honda MTL or 10w30 or 10w40 as a substitute are the only fluids mentioned for the 6sp in the TLs handbook.

Legend2TL

The TL's limited slip differential is a "Torsen" type (except Honda designed their own verison as to not infringe on the Torsen patents). This type of differrential does not use friction plates but instead relies on the locking prinicpal of pinion gears to prevent slipage. It's highly effective and most importantly does not use friction plates. This means the MTF requirements for the 6MT is the same as other Honda MT's hence no special fluid is required beyond the MT gear requirements.

My brother has a BMW M6 (1988 not the current V10 monster) and we use the Redline limited slip differential fluid in it's differential since it does use friction plates.