Swepco Transmission Fluid Question

[1976 TN Porsche]

What do you all think about Swepco Transmission fluid. How much fluid does a 915 transmission hold . Thanks.

[w21055]

Don't recall the exact amount but the stuff is great.

[Mark Henry]

It's a pretty blue, still smells the same.

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by 1976 TN Porsche

What do you all think about Swepco Transmission fluid. How much fluid does a 915 transmission hold . Thanks.

Best (only) stuff for a 915. Buy one gallon, but you won't need it all. Will take just a bit over 3 quarts to fill. Some recommend exactly 3 Quarts for less friction than a full load.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Definitely NOT the only option, and it might not be the best. I have a 35+ year history of using Kendall Three Star 80W/90 Dino gear oil - in all Porsche transmissions built through 1986. I would not even entertain a thought to switch from Kendall to Swepco in my own car ('82 SC). To learn about 915s, click on this link and find my almost-completed Repair Tutorial...

Porsche Wiki

[Mark Henry]

I was all for it, my tranny's will get some because I still have a couple of jugs, but I now think just changing the oil every couple of years, with the cheap stuff, is better for the trans.

[KNS]

Peter,

I remember you mentioning the Kendall fluid before and I tried to lacate some at the time. I couldn't find anybody who has it. Who sells the stuff retail?

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by KNS

Peter,

I remember you mentioning the Kendall fluid before and I tried to locate some at the time. I couldn't find anybody who has it. Who sells the stuff retail?

Red Line Service in Long Beach (562) 901-2900 has it in stock. Give Marc a call and see if he can ship some to you, or if his wholesale supplier has a contract with someone in your area.

[KNS]

Thank you Peter.

[GrantG]

Peter - What about the Kendall makes you prefer it over the Swepco?

Thanks!

[mack6820]

is this it?

Glocker Oil 33256 Kendall Axle Gear Lube

[john walker's workshop]

i also recommend using what the trans was designed for, standard vw/porsche 80/90 GL-5. kendall is my brand of choice. i see no improvement with swepco. stiffer cold shifting for sure.

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by mack6820

is this it?

Glocker Oil 33256 Kendall Axle Gear Lube

Looks like it from what JW said, 1/2 the price of Swepco.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by GrantG

Peter - What about the Kendall makes you prefer it over the Swepco?

Thanks!

John's comment in post #12 is one reason. I've also been wondering for some time now why I'm seeing an alarming number of gear failures, all in transmissions that have not used Kendall gear oil. I sold my shop to Marc in '99, and up until that time I had done a large number of 915s, with 150K + miles, and rarely had to replace a gear set. The large majority of those transmissions were part of our customer base, and 98% of them used Kendall for many thousands of miles.

Originally Posted by mack6820

is this it?

Glocker Oil 33256 Kendall Axle Gear Lube

This oil would be wonderful for 915s with LSD, but I've talked with a rep at "JEGS," and he didn't have a spec sheet that authorized its use in non-LSD units. I will attempt to find out more info regarding this from the manufacturer. When I still had my shop we used to use a 4-ounce bottle of Kendall LSD additive in addition to the dino oil - for 915s w/LSD. They might have simplified this process by combining the two items, but I'll try to find out more.

[mack6820]

Im getting ready for a rebuild. I think I might try the Kendall.

[lvporschepilot]

Try something that the 21st century has to offer. Red Line makes good products

[love911]

I just changed the tranny lube in my G-50, with swepco 3week's ago(stupid move) and for a fact I can tell you that my cold shifting has been dramatically changed toward stiffer side and since then I was wondering if swepco had anything to do with it ,cause I never had that problem before.When it's warmed up it starts shifting normal.I don't know what name brand was the the oil inside but I know that the previous owner used to service my car over there in Red Line.I guess ,I have to redo the whole thing with Kendall and see what happens.
Thanks Guys for info.



1988 Porsche 911 Targa(licious)

[GaryR]

AFAIK SW 201 not recommended for a G50...

[love911]

Now I know and experienced why.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by love911

I just changed the tranny lube in my G-50, with swepco 3week's ago(stupid move) and for a fact I can tell you that my cold shifting has been dramatically changed toward stiffer side and since then I was wondering if swepco had anything to do with it ,cause I never had that problem before.When it's warmed up it starts shifting normal.I don't know what name brand was the the oil inside but I know that the previous owner used to service my car over there in Red Line.I guess ,I have to redo the whole thing with Kendall and see what happens.
Thanks Guys for info.1988 Porsche 911 Targa(licious)

Your car requires synthetic trans oil, and Red Line uses Kendall "Super" Three Star 75W/90 oil in '87> transmissions, NOT to be confused with the Three Star 80W/90 dino oil.