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Anyone use Xl-18 with Redline MTL fluid in MT-82

3K views 10 replies 3 participants last post by  thebeerbaron83 
#1 ·
I have heard good results with using Motorcraft's XL-18 additive with the dual clutch fluid. I already have redline MTL in my tranny, but I still get a nibble going from 1-2. Wondering if anyone has tried the XL-18 with MTL?
 
#3 ·
I've got that combination, still had an occasionally nibble, especially when turning left. This even with a 1st generation MGW shifter. I will say I think the XL-18 helped smooth out all the shifts a bit though. Since adding a Blow Fish bracket (this was before the MGW race spec came out), the nibble has been 99% eliminated. Still a bit notchy though, which is I think just the nature of the beast.
 
#4 ·
The notchiness I can deal with. It's the gears crunching that bothers me. If the xl18 helps that I will be happy. It's really only 1-2 I have trouble with. I have to be very deliberate with my shifts to keep the gears from nibbling. Thanks for the info!
 
#5 ·
are they grinding or just notch/nibble. I'll say the 2nd is just a lovely quirk while the grind is bad. fwiw I found on mine the notch/nibble/block was helped alot by learning the tight gates (NO OFFENSE!!!) and surprisingly motor mounts helped mine even more than the MGW.
 
#6 · (Edited)
No offense taken. I am completely used to the mt82. I only have trouble when the car is cold. Otherwise it shifts fine. Didn't even notice this until the weather started to get cold. Maybe I'll try motor mounts next.
 
#7 ·
I doubt the mounts will help if it is a temperature related issue. for mine they (Mud thinking) helped compensate for the floppy OEM shifter and by reducing engine movement and made hitting the tight gates more predictable and eliminated the occasional 2nd to 3rd gear blocking. They do add a good bit of NVH on my V6 makes the dual mass flywheel decel issue feel like mild rumble strips but looking at your mod list you ain't scared. For mine they were a big improvement.
 
#8 ·
I might just have to do some headers at the same time. I have been wanting to do it, but after reading some how to's I know it's going to be quite the project. If I had access to a lift I probably would have done it already.
 
#9 ·
I'll give a few hints if you want to try yourself....if you are doing headers combine the jobs.

these are from my V6 but should be similar.

DISCONNECT THE BATTERY!!!!!! the starter terminal is right there.

I had to remove the brackets between the mounts and engine because you can not lift the engine enough to clear the studs on the OEM mounts. This was a big PITA next time I would lift the engine what I could and dremel/cut the OEM mounting studs. Yeah, they'll be ruined but getting those cast aluminum brackets off really took time and getting to the bolts is not easy.

None of it was rocket science just simple wrenching I had never done it B4 and it took semi-slow me about 6hrs. I'm sure someone that knows how to do it could get it in 3hrs..

No headers on mine
 
#10 ·
I put the XL-18 in my trans today. Just a couple notes to those who have not used it. It is about 9 deg here in IL today and when I opened the bottle of additive it was frozen into a slushy consistency. I ran the bottle under hot water and it melted so it could be poured. Do it just before your ready to add it, because it freezes pretty quickly.

Now for the results... This has made a pretty noticeable difference. When the trans was still cold 1-2 was much improved and the rest of the gears were perfect. Once the trans warmed up 1-2 really felt great! Overall this stuff made all shifts pretty effortless compared to how it was before.
 
#11 ·
I installed a new clutch over the weekend. This has really made a difference in the ease in which the MT82 shifts. I don't get anymore nibble and the shifter just slides into gear with just a slight pop as it passes each gate. This is how this thing should shift from the factory!!

BTW, I put in a McLeod RST twin disc. I went with this mainly because it was one of the only after market clutches that boasts a lighter than stock pedal effort. Let me tell you, it is much lighter! I would estimate at least 50%. I do still have the pedal spring installed though. It feels similar to the 5th gen camaro clutch. Very light with a kind of pop at the engagement point.
 
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