At 08:46 PM 05/11/2000 -0700, you wrote:

>
>Another thing that bugs me: if GL-5 is so bad for most
>transmissions,

It is only a problem for the Porsche patented design used in 60's and later
trannys with the specially surfaced syncro rings.

then why is GL-4 nearly impossible to find?

The special design was only the best available for some 20 years. The GL-4
is only required for these older machines.

I've
>been to nearly a dozen auto parts stores, and not one carries a GL-
>4 gear oil in stock.

That's because they serve 95% of CURRENT demand. Some stock and most can
order the StaLube GL-4 in quarts. I get the Valvoline GL-3/4 in 5 gallon
buckets at NAPA.

Don't waste you money on wizbang. Use what the owner's manual specifies,
unless the factory has issued an update to a higher spec for the earlier
vehicles. Risk is involved in using anything that has not been tested and
approved by the factory. Sometimes small risk, sometimes a long steep
downside.

Some Porsche owners burned up their motors when Mobil 1 was first released.
Factory said, not approved, no warrenty, and they were right. What they say
today is right for today. What they said in 85 was right for 85. Listen to
what they said when your car was built and listen to what they say today,
but LISTEN. They have more REAL DATA than you and me and Redline and
Wizbang all together.

T.P. Stephens
San Juan Island, WA