C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Changing Gear Lube on C3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 10, 2010 | 03:05 PM
  #1  
riski's Avatar
riski
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington DE
Default Changing Gear Lube on C3

Have a 1970 and think it is time to change the gear lube.

Does anyone know the right gear lube to use?


Use Mobil 1 75W90 synthetic only.

or

Use one bottle of GM positraction additive and two bottles of GM rear axle lube.



Regards,
Rich
Reply
Old May 10, 2010 | 04:41 PM
  #2  
Tom1701's Avatar
Tom1701
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Southgate MI
Default

This is what you need. i don't know about the price.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...8&dept_id=1872

Tom1701
Reply
Old May 10, 2010 | 04:52 PM
  #3  
73, Dark Blue 454's Avatar
73, Dark Blue 454
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
Default

Instead of removing the cover (pain), pump out the old stuff.

Use something like this:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WMR-W1145/

Agree with Tom,..use the recommended conventional 80w-90 lube and 4 oz. bottle of GM friction modifier.

Last edited by 73, Dark Blue 454; May 10, 2010 at 05:02 PM.
Reply
Old May 10, 2010 | 05:38 PM
  #4  
wcsinx's Avatar
wcsinx
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Default

If you do go with the M1 synthetic, look for the bottles with the "LS" suffix as that indicates they already have the limited slip additive mixed in.
Reply
Old May 10, 2010 | 05:47 PM
  #5  
69small block's Avatar
69small block
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 5
From: punta gorda florida
Default lube

I used lucas gear lube and Trans-x posi additive no problems at all still smokin the tires like it used too.
Reply
Old May 10, 2010 | 08:32 PM
  #6  
jordan89's Avatar
jordan89
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Default

I'm about to drop in some AMSOIL Severe Gear fluid, right after I get done painting the underside of the car.
Reply
Old May 10, 2010 | 09:07 PM
  #7  
enkeivette's Avatar
enkeivette
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
Default

Redline 75w90. I didn't need the friction modifier, Redline mixes it in and they used enough where there was no locking.
Reply
Old May 11, 2010 | 09:41 AM
  #8  
riski's Avatar
riski
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington DE
Default

I am leaning toward using Mobil 1 synthetic 75W90 and add four ounces of GM Positration additive. Does anyone know if this will create a problem?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 11, 2010 | 10:28 AM
  #9  
wcsinx's Avatar
wcsinx
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Default

Originally Posted by riski
I am leaning toward using Mobil 1 synthetic 75W90 and add four ounces of GM Positration additive. Does anyone know if this will create a problem?
If you're going with M1 synthetic, why not just get the stuff with the additive already in it?



See the "LS" on that bottle? No additive needed
Reply
Old May 11, 2010 | 10:32 AM
  #10  
73, Dark Blue 454's Avatar
73, Dark Blue 454
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
Default

Pour whatever you want into your differential. Just be aware, that:


Strange Engineering (who builds 1000's of rear ends),
Moser Engineering (who builds 1000's of rear ends),
Tom's Differentials (who builds 1000's of rear ends),
Auburn (who also makes a fine LS carrrier),
Dana (who makes makes a fine LS carrier for newer Vettes for instance),
And Eaton themselves, the company that designed and manufactures the LS carrier installed in your C3,

...ALL recommend against the use of synthetics with their limited slip carriers. They all recommend conventional lube with the GM friction modifier.
Reply
Old May 11, 2010 | 10:39 AM
  #11  
...Roger...'s Avatar
...Roger...
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by wcsinx
If you're going with M1 synthetic, why not just get the stuff with the additive already in it? See the "LS" on that bottle? No additive needed
Dang I just learned something new today. I've never seen the LS before is this new ?
I've used mostly all GM for years (but 2 bottles of additive)with good results and have used other mixtures (GM additive)that were recommended by whoever rebuilt the rearend with good results also.
I'll have to try the Mobile 1 LS on some problem rearends and see how it does.
Reply
Old May 11, 2010 | 11:34 AM
  #12  
riski's Avatar
riski
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington DE
Default

73, Dark Blue 454

Can you give me any specifics on why they do not recommend synthetics?


Thanks,
Rich
Reply
Old May 11, 2010 | 12:15 PM
  #13  
73, Dark Blue 454's Avatar
73, Dark Blue 454
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
Default

Originally Posted by riski
73, Dark Blue 454

Can you give me any specifics on why they do not recommend synthetics?


Thanks,
Rich
From here:

http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/Produc.../FAQ/CT_128414

...is this:

(scroll down to the Eaton Posi section)

"What kind of oil should I use? Can I use synthetics? Do I need a friction additive/modifier?
Eaton Posi units perform best when using GL4 (or better) mineral/petroleum based gear oil. A four ounce bottle of friction additive/modifier is also necessary for optimum performance."


From here:

http://www2.dana.com/pdf/5323.pdf

...is this:

"Limited slip differentials impose additional requirements on lubricants,.. Some otherwise good lubricants do not preclude "chatter" or "bumping" in turning corners with Limited Slip Differentials. Many vehicle manufacturers find it necessary to specify a special lubricant or lubricant additive for use with Limited Slip Differentials. Check the vehicle manufacturer's lubricant recommendations".

From here:

http://www.auburngear.com/aftermarke...6pagesize%3d20

...is this:

(click on Limited Slip Differential Install Instructions)

...is this:

"The Auburn Gear limited-slip differential design has been extensively tested with high quality non-synthetic 80W90 hypoid oils treated with GM or Ford friction additives (3 oz. of additive will treat 1 quart of oil). To avoid differential clutch chatter (noise) and for optimum performance, use the oil and additive described above. Use of other additive and oil types may cause differential clutch chatter.

Ford Part Number: C8A219B546A
GM Part Number: 1052358"


To verify lube recommendations from those I cited who build differentials, please call:

Tom's Differentials (an Eaton dealer),..208-265-8111

Strange Engineering (another Eaton dealer)...847-663-1701

Moser Engineering (another Eaton dealer)...260-726-6689

Last edited by 73, Dark Blue 454; May 11, 2010 at 12:18 PM.
Reply
Old May 11, 2010 | 12:37 PM
  #14  
wcsinx's Avatar
wcsinx
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Default

Originally Posted by ...Roger...
Dang I just learned something new today. I've never seen the LS before is this new ?
I've used mostly all GM for years (but 2 bottles of additive)with good results and have used other mixtures (GM additive)that were recommended by whoever rebuilt the rearend with good results also.
I'll have to try the Mobile 1 LS on some problem rearends and see how it does.
Dunno, first time I used it was in my C5 a couple years ago, and there's been plenty of tire smoking and gear banging since then. Seemed to work just fine without issues.
Reply
Old May 11, 2010 | 05:02 PM
  #15  
riski's Avatar
riski
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington DE
Default

I checked the price of the GM gear oil GM #89021671 the price is $16.84 for 23 ounces.
The posi additive is $12.54 for 4 ounces.

I cannot believe what GM charges for gear oil. Also, 23 ounces is not a full quart. I may need to purchase 3 containers of the 23 ounce stuff + posi additive.

$63.00 for gear lube, is it me or is this just a total rip off.?


I appreciate the information about using GM only lubricants, but if this is what it costs, I would really like to know the following: Why are synthetics not good, What is the real problems they cause?
Reply
Old May 11, 2010 | 05:40 PM
  #16  
jordan89's Avatar
jordan89
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Default

Originally Posted by ...Roger...
Dang I just learned something new today. I've never seen the LS before is this new ?
I've used mostly all GM for years (but 2 bottles of additive)with good results and have used other mixtures (GM additive)that were recommended by whoever rebuilt the rearend with good results also.
I'll have to try the Mobile 1 LS on some problem rearends and see how it does.
You're not alone Roger. I too did not know about Mobil 1 LS before. That's why this forum is so great.
Reply
Old May 12, 2010 | 01:37 PM
  #17  
Rally68's Avatar
Rally68
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
Default

Originally Posted by 69small block
I used lucas gear lube and Trans-x posi additive no problems at all still smokin the tires like it used too.


I used the heavier weight Lucas gear oil and Trans-X. The bottle says it meets OEM specs for GM Ford & Chysler. My posi has performed flawlessly and is very quiet.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Changing Gear Lube on C3

Old May 12, 2010 | 08:12 PM
  #18  
C66 Racing's Avatar
C66 Racing
Premium Supporting Vendor
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
Default

Originally Posted by riski
I checked the price of the GM gear oil GM #89021671 the price is $16.84 for 23 ounces.
The posi additive is $12.54 for 4 ounces.

I cannot believe what GM charges for gear oil. Also, 23 ounces is not a full quart. I may need to purchase 3 containers of the 23 ounce stuff + posi additive.

$63.00 for gear lube, is it me or is this just a total rip off.?


I appreciate the information about using GM only lubricants, but if this is what it costs, I would really like to know the following: Why are synthetics not good, What is the real problems they cause?
Much less costly (and in my opinion significantly better) option:
AMSOIL Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 80w90 (Product Code AGLQT)

This gear lube comes with friction modifier already in it and most cars don't need more to prevent diff chatter. But if chatter occurs, this squeeze tube is easy to add a few oz of modifier and quiet the diff down:
AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive (Product Code ADATB)

For the DIYer:
AMSOIL Hand Pump (Product Code G2039)

Other than the Eaton link above, the others really don't come out strongly against or for synthetics, they just indicate that chatter may occur, which I would agree with. But, if it does, the fix is also as easy as adding a little modifier and you then have a better fluid and no chatter.

In answer to your question about what makes synthetics better, this AMSOIL study is a good read on what differentiates one gear lube from another:
AMSOIL Gear Lube “White Paper” (2 MB pdf file)


P.S. If you decide to go with the AMSOIL over the GM (or any other fluid), drop me a PM so I can ensure you get wholesale pricing, abuot 25% below retail, via the AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program.
__________________


C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)





Reply
Old May 12, 2010 | 08:32 PM
  #19  
...Roger...'s Avatar
...Roger...
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by Subdriver
This gear lube comes with friction modifier already in it and most cars don't need more to prevent diff chatter. But if chatter occurs, this squeeze tube is easy to add a few oz of modifier and quiet the diff down:
It sounds like your saying the anti chatter additive is a friction modifier, I was told the additive was an anti-foaming agent.
Reply
Old May 12, 2010 | 10:14 PM
  #20  
72LS1Vette's Avatar
72LS1Vette
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Default

I used Lucas gear oil and 1 bottle of GM posi additive and so far no problems or noise. The diff has ~75,000 miles on it and nothing except side seals and a yoke have been replaced that I know of.



Rick B.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:30 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE