The Consolidated 348 Gear Oil Thread | FerrariChat

The Consolidated 348 Gear Oil Thread

Discussion in '348/355' started by 348SStb, May 2, 2005.

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  1. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Hi guys,

    Well I've been reading old threads on gear oil and I am a bit confused as to what gearbox/differential oil I should put in my 348.

    The factory Technical Manual says Agip 75w-90. What does the Ferrari factory currently recommend?

    I've seen F-Chatters recommend Redline, Castrol Syntec, or Mobil1 75w-90. Is there a real difference in the oil between these three brands?

    Also, some people are saying to use GL5 NS (for "non-slip") oil. Then some people say to add "friction modifier" or something so that you don't get "chatter" in your differential. I am so confused because I can't determine whether I need non-slip oil or oil for a limited-slip differential car, which is what the 348 is. I'm so confused that my previous statement might not have even made sense.

    I AM SO CONFUSED!

    So let's do this:

    1) Tell me what kind of gearbox/differential oil you use in your 348.
    2) Tell me where I can buy it.
    3) Tell me whether you've seen an improvement in the shifting over your previously used oil, and indicate the type of previously used oil if applicable.
    4) Help me to be not confused :)
     
  2. OmegaSteve

    OmegaSteve Formula Junior

    Sep 18, 2004
    572
    Hertfordshire
    Full Name:
    Steve
    You'll still be confused after this thread, but over here i was told by the main dealers to use Shell helix 5w 40.

    Probably cos of the sponsorship tie, but thats what i put in anyway.
     
  3. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
    Owner

    No no, that's engine oil :)
     
  4. BULL RUN

    BULL RUN Formula 3

    Dec 18, 2004
    1,684
    The reason there's so many opinion's is because it really dosen't matter. Now your just going to start it up all over again and get the same responses you've already read.
     
  5. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Well, that's just your opinion now isn't it.
     
  6. BULL RUN

    BULL RUN Formula 3

    Dec 18, 2004
    1,684
    Well YES! :)
     
  7. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
    Owner

    So far this is the UNconsolidated oil thread. :(

    Come on 348 brothers, help me (and others) out.
     
  8. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,574
    The Brickyard
    Full Name:
    The Bad Guy
    I put Mobile1 75w-90 in mine. You can find it at AutoZone for $8 a bottle. After I put it in, I did notice that it felt easier to shift, and warmed up faster.
     
  9. OmegaSteve

    OmegaSteve Formula Junior

    Sep 18, 2004
    572
    Hertfordshire
    Full Name:
    Steve
    I'll read the thread properly next time :)
     
  10. kenyon

    kenyon F1 Rookie

    Oct 7, 2002
    2,837
    East Yorkshire
    Full Name:
    Justin Kenyon
    I use Castrol Synthax 75w-90. Never had a problem with gearbox and diff. The gear change is slick from cold as well. My car has covered 35,000 miles on the original clutch and flywheel.
     
  11. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
    15,291
    FL / GA
    Full Name:
    Bill Tracy
    MY mechanic says the factory recommends the Agip 75-90. This is what I have in currently. The shifting from 1-2 is stiff until the oil reaches around 200 degrees. Then shifting is relatively easy.
    BT
     
  12. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Now is that made for cars with a limited-slip differential, such as our 348s?
     
  13. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
    Owner

  14. kenyon

    kenyon F1 Rookie

    Oct 7, 2002
    2,837
    East Yorkshire
    Full Name:
    Justin Kenyon
    You need to make sure its made up of the same minerals.
    The Castrol Snytrax does not contain any minerals that is corrosive to internal metals of the gearbox and diff.

    I have spoken with Castral regarding this issue approximately 2 years ago.
    They mentioned that some gearbox / diff olis might have the same 75w-90 but mineral contain can be different and cause corrosion to certain internals.

    I cannot remember the full ins and outs but since I spoke with Castrol for their advice I have always used them. Shell, Mobile did not have the same answers as Castrol.

    Best to speak to Castrol. Its the technical depart you want...

    Sorry for being more help....
     
  15. kenyon

    kenyon F1 Rookie

    Oct 7, 2002
    2,837
    East Yorkshire
    Full Name:
    Justin Kenyon
    Just looking at the two wed address you posted. I believe they are different.
    Stick with Castrol Syntrax 75w - 90.
     
  16. kenyon

    kenyon F1 Rookie

    Oct 7, 2002
    2,837
    East Yorkshire
    Full Name:
    Justin Kenyon
  17. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Thanks Justin.

    Now, I wonder how I can get the Castrol Syntrax 75W-90 here in the United States... advice, anyone?
     
  18. kenyon

    kenyon F1 Rookie

    Oct 7, 2002
    2,837
    East Yorkshire
    Full Name:
    Justin Kenyon
    I think you can order from Castrol direct....
     

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