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Best oil and manual transmission fluid?

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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tina
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Joined: 13 March 2005
Year and Model: 1998 S70, 2001 S40
Location: California
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Best oil and manual transmission fluid?

Post by tina »

I was thinking of going with Mobil 1 synthetic oil for the engine, but I have never changed the transmission fluid on a manual so I don't know what type is best. Does the oil filter brand matter - I usually use Fram.

Does the 1998 S70 manual trans. have a filter?

White850Turbo
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Joined: 11 April 2004
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Location: Plano, TX

Post by White850Turbo »

Mobil 1 Synthetic is a pretty good oil. I personally use Motul 8100 or 300V, but many people think it's too expensive and hard to get a hold of in the US. As far as tranny fluid goes, I've heard good things about the Redline manual transmission fluid. Oil filter brand definitely matters. Fram SUCKS. I've heard on several occasions of the filter media coming apart in the Fram and ending up in the engine causing BIG problems. They are the worst as far as filters go. I would never use a Fram on my car. The best filter for these cars is the OEM Volvo one. They're made by Mann filter co. of Germany. They have been proven superior in both filtration and overall construction/design. If you're not close to a dealer or don't like paying their prices, you can find Mann Oil filters on eBay in boxes of 5 or 10 for about the same price you'd pay for a filter at the store. If you don't want to do that, the best over the counter oil filters are the NAPA Gold filter and the Purolator PureONE filter.

For a great site on oil, check out www.bobistheoilguy.com

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dosbricks
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Post by dosbricks »

I agree with whiteturbo. Definately don't use Fram.

The important thing about OEM Volvo or Mann filters is they have a check valve built into them that prevents the oil in the top of the engine from draining down into the crankcase overnight. So when you start up in the morning the upper engine is almost fully lubed. Bosch filters have the valve also, but they seem cheap and tinny compared to the aforementioned.

It is those first 3 or 4 seconds before the oil pressure builds up that puts 80% of the wear on engines without this feature (american cars) and your Volvo if you don't use a filter with the valve in it.

Mann filters are the same as OEM Volvo. A 10 pack of Mann filters from fcpgroton ends up costing less than $4 each, shipping included. They sell them on ebay too.
'98 S70, 230k, purchased new in '98
'96 855 GLT, 163k, purchased lightly used in '99
Onceuponatime RIP '69 Shelby GT500 w/7.0 liter

tina
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Joined: 13 March 2005
Year and Model: 1998 S70, 2001 S40
Location: California
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Post by tina »

I had no idea the filter had other functions than just filtering... wow that is good to know! I'll get the Mann/Volvo filters.

So, do you reccommend 10W30 or 10W40 for summer in California?

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dosbricks
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Post by dosbricks »

I use 10W30 synthetic year round.
'98 S70, 230k, purchased new in '98
'96 855 GLT, 163k, purchased lightly used in '99
Onceuponatime RIP '69 Shelby GT500 w/7.0 liter

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matthew1
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Post by matthew1 »

I also
Help keep MVS on the web -> click sponsors' links here on MVS when you buy from them.

Also -> Amazon link
. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!

1998 V70, no dash lights on

1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace

2004 V70 R [gone]

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Post by Guest »

No filter on a manual transmission.

Best manual transmission gear oil is likely
http://www.specialtyformulations.com/index.htm
or Red Line.


Ken

ShahinS
Posts: 50
Joined: 10 January 2006
Year and Model: 850 GLT Wagon 1996
Location: West Coast

Post by ShahinS »

Hello there dosbrick,

About this
96 850 GLT Wagon

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Tsquared
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Year and Model: 11 C30
Location: Atlanta GA
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Post by Tsquared »

Many manufacturers have been using the
'11 C30 T5

'96 854 - died an early death with 184K miles. Killed by the front end of an LTD on a suicide mission (T-boned and both cars totaled).

robert213
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Post by robert213 »

Volvo OEM
Mann
Wix/NAPA Gold/Carquest Premium

Currently, I am using oil and air filters made by...
http://www.hastingsfilter.com

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