David,

the old story about the reason to use GL-4 rather than GL-5 in the trans is
due to the additives in the GL-5 oil that corrode the brass (or whatever
alloy) in the synchro rings.

I don't know if this story is still true when it comes to synthetic oils.

You can buy Redline here in Victoria (and I'm sure in vancouver too). I
bought some a few years ago, will try and remamber the name of the store
(was not Bow-Wow although they may carry it now...there are a couple or so
similar shops here in town).

Alistair

>I've been going all through the parts stores here in town asking for GL-4
>transmission fluid for my 88 Syncro.  I can get a 80-90 weight 60L bucket
>(Synthetic) by Castrol for about $225 Canadian - it is a bit much is
>quantity and price for me.  All the parts places are telling me that I am
>crazy and that GL-5 will work just fine in a VW - somewhere I remember
>reading that GL-5 is not good for a transmission and this is what is in
>there now - GL-5 Castrol Synthetic installed by the Volkswagen Dealer this
>time last year.  I understand that RedLine makes GL-4 but I really don't
>want to send away to the USA for it as shipping will kill me is there an
>Alberta or British Columbia source for RedLine?  The last time I bought 25L
>of GL-5 it cost me $32 (Penzoil) and this is a pretty fair price IMHO.  If
>someone can tell me the hows and whys of GL-4 and GL-5 and tell me the
>advantages and disadvantages of different weights it would be highly
>appreciated!