[Alfaboutvegas]

I am wondering, have any Alfisti used Amsoil synthetic for engine, transmission and rear end? Or should I stay with the ol' reliable?
I have well into $1500 of new parts in the refurbishing so far and want keep all in good working order as best I can.
What's the educated & experienced say?
Thank you for your input.
Greg

 

[triz]

I'm a dealer and I use it in my Alfa. I use the 75w90 in my diff. The transmission and just started using the 20w50 for my engine oil.

 

[Alfaboutvegas]

Thanks triz, I used it as well for my Harley and see no reason why it would be a disadvantage in the Alfa.

 

[Gubi]

Thanks triz, I used it as well for my Harley and see no reason why it would be a disadvantage in the Alfa.

The synchros in the Alfa transmission are a finicky older design and are very sensitive to friction coefficient of the gear oil. Things that would in general be very good in a gear oil (e.g., being really slippery) tend to be bad for shifting in the Alfa transmission.

The oils that I've tried and personally know work okay are the original Spirax HD90 (which I don't think is available any more), Swepco 201, or Redline 75W90NS. Of the three, I've had the best experience with Swepco and that's what I put in all my later Alfas. I didn't think the Redline was that great but I only tried it once and a lot of folks here swear by it so it might just be me.

Anything else in the transmission you're probably taking your chances with: maybe it'll work well, maybe it won't. My guess is it won't, but no direct experience with Amsoil. If you do try it be sure to report back one way or the other.

In the differential, as long as it's GL5 rated, go to town.

 

[Alfaboutvegas]

Thanks Tom,
I appreciate your input. I have some Redline on the shelf but have a discount w/Amsoil so I was pondering.
I'll also look up info on Swepco 201
As far a report back,, haven't poured anything into the cavities yet (did that "hurried decision" once & paid dearly). Definitely I'll let all know as to what goes but at my speed now, may be a while

 

[triz]

I have used the Redline in other cars and it's finicky when cold and finicky under spirited runs. Had a friend switch me to Amsoil and was sold. I've been a dealer now for quite a few years.

 

[Gubi]

I have used the Redline in other cars and it's finicky when cold and finicky under spirited runs.

It's funny you mention that: cold performance was the main thing I didn't like when I used it in my Cayman transaxle. And I'm not talking really cold, around 40 degrees F I noticed poorer shifting. I ended up going back to the stock Porsche fluid which is some Mobil GL5 and that was much better.

On the Alfa side I tried it in my Milano. It was okay but I felt the Swepco worked better and ended up switching back relatively quickly.

 

[goats]

greg, i just dont see the need for the extra $$ that Amsoil gets for these nord motors. LOts of people use Rotella for motor oil (higher zinc) ; the trans a diff I use redline -- kinds pricey but really I doubt I will ever change it -- should last 50K miles at least on a clean rebuild

 

[Alfaboutvegas]

Thanks for the input Bob. Yeah, 50k is probably longer than I care to live so why spend the extra? That's a good question but I'm sure I have plenty more ?'s even when I reach that 50k,, hopefully

BTW, Doc is cleaning that gear box & parts. A big thanks to you!