Transaxle gear oil, Anyone using synthetic? Options

[TC 914-8]

I bought some RedLine Synthetic gear oil a while ago and was toying around with the idea of putting it in my transaxle. A little hesitant (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
Any Pros or Cons?

[pcar916]

I've run synthetic in my 914 tranny since 1994. Since Mobil-1 doesn't use an EP package that I trust anymore I like LE (Lubrication Engineers). I use synthetic because I'm pushing a lot of torque into it and I want to save the R&P. 7:31 is very aggressive for a small diameter ring like ours. It makes for highly stressed pinion teeth. My maintenance history in a nutshell...

- I have replaced one synchro (last year) but only because I had one that was a little better, not because it was worn out.
- The R&P teeth were just fine.
- Dogs were pristine as well

That said there are a few things that you MUST do in your shifting style. Technically these are also true with dino oil, but you can wear out your synchros/spiders/sliders if you don't do the following rigorously.

1. At the bare minimum, match engine revs before shifting up or down.
2. NO SPEED-SHIFTING
3. Double-clutching is the the best... period.
4. Always push the clutch all the way in when shifting in either direction.
5. Keep the clutch adjusted properly.
6. Keep your trans fluid-level correct.
7. Save aggressive shifting for when the trans is warmed up. On the street with synthetic fluid mine stays around 150 - 170 F after a few miles. When the temp goes much over 180, like on the track, it's time to turn on the pump and shove it through a cooler/filter system.

If you aren't willing to use discipline with these transaxles then stick with dino oil. In either case, smooth is good... very good.

Good luck