SNAKE OIL
           
                          by Ben Prince
           
       
    I installed a freshly overhauled gearbox in our TF about two
years ago.  After bolting things together and making the car
road-worthy, the required amount of transmission oil was added.  
I used Valvoline synthetic gear oil, figuring that a high
quality lubricant would ensure the longest life and smoothest
shifting.
           
    The first trip around the block with the like-new
transmission was most disappointing.  Unless I shifted at a
snails pace (with double-clutching), the gears would tend to
clash and grate.  It appeared that I was "beating the synchros".  
Admittedly, stiff shifting might be expected with a fresh
overhaul, but this was way beyond normal.
           
    Out of desperation, the Valvoline synthetic was drained and
replaced with regular ninety weight gear oil.  Somewhat
surprisingly shifting improved, although it was still not great.

    I next talked to Andy Bradley.  (Andy is the expert in Mount
Vernon who uses a Chevy oil seal to cure rear crankshaft leaks
on XPAG/XPEG engines.)  Andy suggested that I try Red Line MT-90
gear oil.

    I purchased the Red Line, poured it in the gearbox, and much
to my amazement it worked!  Shifting gears was now smooth and I
was no longer getting ahead of the synchros.  
            
    It turns out that the problem with the Valvoline synthetic
is that it is too slick.  A certain amount of friction is
necessary in the oil to get the synchros to engage.  Red Line
MT-90 is a synthetic with a special additive designed for our
old cars.

    Since I stumbled on using Red Line, I have mentioned it to a
couple of others who have also had good luck in making their
transmissions shift more smoothly.  Also, Red Line products are
quite popular with the racing community.  I can see why.

    The Red Line gear oil is not cheap -- about $10 a quart with
tax.  Since only three quarters of a quart are needed, however,
the cost is relatively insignificant.
           
    The Model Garage in Fall City carries Red Line MT 90.  Also,
Skip Kelsey at Shadetree Motors is a source.  NAPA stores and
B&B Auto can order it, but they want to handle a full case at a
time which is not particularly practical.
           
    I normally am skeptical of anecdotal claims regarding the
benefits of "snake oil".  But in this case the Red Line snake
oil really worked!  You might give it a try.