Transmission fluid change time

[frosty2]

About to change the fluid in my 911/01 transmission, last change was Valvoline high performance 80W90. Just wondering any thoughts between that or the Swepco 201.
Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Thanks
Mike

[thejobrien]

from everything I read and also used myself for my recent fluid change, swepco 201 seems to be the gold standard. I have a 915 transmission though - not sure on the differences between the two.

[frosty2]

Thanks for the reply

[shadowjack1]

Mike: I know that this is not your first time changing the fluid. But for the guys reading this for the first time, remove the fill plug first. It would be a problem if one was to drain the fluid and not be able to remove the fill plug.

[frosty2]

Thanks Jack, yes I have read that before and it makes sense.
Thought I might stick with the Valvoline as spring and fall I start up in cooler temperatures and I’ve read the 201 is not happy in cold climates.
My last change was with Heavy duty 80/90 and when I search the we now all I can find is High Performance 80/90 not sure what the difference is.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
Mike

[mike sampsel]

you can search this forum and find lots and lots of differing opinions on the Swepco versus Kendal etc.

[shoooo32]

The Valvoline you're looking at is a GL5 rated hypoid conventional oil that is suitable for a baulk ring gearbox (901, 915). In normal operating conditions (no HPDE/rally), this is a suitable oil to run, especially if you're in a cold climate. Change it often (10-15k intervals) and you're all set.

Swepco is the gold standard but it can be a little notchy when cold. The biggest secret I've found - change the oil. Even Swepco is a conventional oil that will break down and lead to bearing race damage if ran for a long time.

[frosty2]

Thanks Tony, if the rain ever stops here all warm it up and do the change.
Thanks
Mike

[pmax]

From what I understand, Swepco 201 (or is it 210?) was the "gold standard" oil back in the days when these cars were still being raced.

For street driving, you just have to find the alternatives, truck stop hypoid oil, and choose which ones you prefer.

[frosty2]

Pmax I believe you are right , I think we tend to put to much unnecessary thought into this stuff and I know mine is a weekend off to a winery for lunch vehicle and not as often as I would like to drive it.

[Otter74]

Thanks for the reminder about fluid pumps. I'm changing the trans fluid this weekend and going to HF today, so I'll pick one up.

[Cevan]

For what it’s worth, I used Swepco when I first got my car. After a few years, switched to Kendall LSD and I feel it shifts better.

[Otter74]

I bought Swepco for this change and later found an old email from the PO where he mentioned he had put Kendall in it, so I guess I’m going to find out whether I like it or not! The Swepco was a lot more expensive but also easier to get to my door.

[yelcab1]

Swepco has some fans. Not me. I am not convinced that something introduced in 1933 can be a gold standard in the face of technology advancement.

[Otter74]

When I was at my other garage later this morning, I discovered that I had three quarts of Lucas Oil 80W90 hypoind gear oil in a box - I had it for my Fiat. Tempting to try!

As for Swepco, there is no oil whose formulation has not changed in the last 20 years, let alone the last 90.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by frosty2

Pmax I believe you are right , I think we tend to put to much unnecessary thought into this stuff and I know mine is a weekend off to a winery for lunch vehicle and not as often as I would like to drive it.

Many, not all, of the "forum greats" past and present do concur.

Here's fun 27 page read over Saturday morning coffee ... of the age-old Swepco vs Kendall 915 transmission oil "debate" ...
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/524583-swepco-transmission-fluid-question.html

And another
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/708196-why-im-going-back-swepco-kendall-2.html#post6999005

Enjoy !