Swepco ( or some other racing style oil )  is needed for the SVX's amount of
available torque making its way thru the poor tranny.
Lubrication Engineers is Paul Guards favorite and I like Swepco after seeing
many 944 and 911 Porsche's get beat on the track and surviving nicely. Its
all somewhat of a personal choice given whatever info you can glean...
Remember that changing the oil is a must do for max life of the trans. I say
yearly...
Daryl of AA Transaxle
(425) 788-4070
aatransaxle.com
86 Syncro Westy
Zetec in the trunk
----- Original Message -----
From: "Al Knoll" <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 11:06 AM
Subject: Winter Gear Lube ?

> Hi Volks,  I recently had the opportunity to replace my gear lubricant and
> with the break-in time just about over, I will have the opportunity to put
> in some new lubricant for the upcoming winter and following year.  My
> operating ambients range from zero (not often) to 115 (not often) with the
> full range in between.  Swepco 205 has been mentioned in the past along
> with
> MT-90.  I have had a failure using Redline (pinion bearing) and had the
> transaxle rebuilt and re-geared.  The SVX can deliver 200+ lb-ft of torque
> so that is a consideration.
>
> What say ye on what has worked for you under high torque situations.  The
> standard 2.1 solution is perhaps slightly below the application
> specifications.
>
> Cane Rattler
>
> 1989 Syncro Westfalia SVX