Make your S2000 Transmission Shift better

After trying a lot of fluids, I found the Royal Purple Syncromax to improve it.
We included a quick how to change your trans fluid.
Check out the LHT Store
Shifter rebuild kit
www.lhtperformance.com/produc...
Royal Purple :
www.lhtperformance.com/produc...

[@I.LikeCars]

5 years later and it still holds true. I just changed the transmission fluid in my S2000 and it’s very silky smooth shifting now. Thanks!

[@Neomr2]

Just put this in my AP1 and wow! Immediately felt an improvement, so much slicker, thanks!!

[@imsoohoo]

Thank you for sharing your experience using royal purple. I’ve been motivated to change mtf to RP

[@Second.Nature.Lawn.Michigan]

Used it in my nv5600 and it made a huge difference. Awesome stuff.

[@keithprice6581]

John I just did this and the shifter regrease you mentioned.... I have found shifting nirvana thanks to you! Thanks so much! I ordered a clutch kit from you a couple months back too. Your shop is awesome, and when it's time to go Supercharger ... I know where I'm taking it.

[@tonyvang7717]

You guys deserve so much more subscribers and views!!! Love all your videos. Keep the contents coming and keep up the awesome job!

[@LHTPerformance]

Tony Vang Thanks buddy.

[@PPGDaveIllinois]

This stuff makes a very noticeable difference with low RPM shifting in the S2000. I changed mine out yesterday and was pleasantly supprised at how smooth it shifts now. Butter smooth! Great stuff!

[@renardthefox3176]

Finally received the Royal Purple SYNCHROMAX and had the time today to change the oil. The oil was very dark gold and after driving it with Royal Purple, I couldn't believe how smooth everything worked immediately in my S2000. That was an excellent recommendation. My other car will also get it soon! Keep up that excellent content. Greetings from Germany.

[@tspectuning]

As always your the best with best info, thanks John!!

[@s2k799]

You guys are amazing! Changing my Differential and Transmission fluid today. Thank you for all the tips!!

[@LHTPerformance]

Karim Ansari Awesome, glad you find it helpful. Good luck.

[@itsjussjerry]

I don't have an S2000, but I always find something useful from your videos such as opening the fill FIRST then the drain. And also, i recently changed the transmission fluid on my manual crv using the pennzoil synchromesh and I was worried that I either over filled or underfilled as it didn't feel quite right at first(worse). But after driving it for a few days, it's actually gotten alot smoother, just like you said toward the end of your video. Definitely giving me some peace of mind.

[@LHTPerformance]

itsjussjerry Great, I’m glad you find something you can use. That’s the idea, it’s not all about the dollar

[@chrisrose9960]

I put royal purple in my 95 mustang gt and it made a world of a difference in shifting. It used to be a pain in the ass to get it into first, but now it slides in no problem.

[@msalazar89]

Just put sychromax in my 8th gen si with 88k on it and man what a world of a difference instantly. Shifts are buttery smooth. I was really surprised. Thanks to you guys. Keep up the good content

[@LHTPerformance]

M Sal89 Glad you like it. I’ve had good response from many people trying it.

[@santosmartinez503]

Thank you!!!!!!! Just changed out my fluid !!! And cuz of u guys it was super EZ!!!!! Thanks a mill!!!!!! Love from Los Angels Cali 😊

[@LHTPerformance]

SANTOS MARTINEZ Thanks. I’m so glad it was helpful

[@nickloughrey9841]

Greetings from Northern Ireland . Took you at your word and managed to get hold of Royal Purple on Amazon here and put it in my 2009 29K S2000 . Vast improvement ............nearly as slick as my old vti B16A2 gear train. . Thanks for that ............. Its the one thing that bugged me on the S2000

[@LHTPerformance]

Great, glad it helped ! I feel the folks that praise the S2000 haven’t driven anything else.

[@krayzielilsmoki]

Can't wait for the next video!

[@StormerDeidara]

Thanks for your videos, as always!

[@khangu262]

Thank you John. I was very skeptical about RP as many s2k owner stated that it was trashed. But i trusted you since you are the only person I know that actually work on s2000 and to say something like that probably mean you are sure about it. Fair enough, I didnt have the infamous ap1 2nd gear grind like before when quick shift from 1st to 2nd. The shifter now feel much much lighter, still just a littleeee bit of notchyness but because my car is supper old and god know what happened to the transmission prior to my ownership. But this stuff works... i didnt believe it. Not always pop a comment but this man... thank you John for encourage me to try this amazing product. I hate the notchy trans and 2nd gear grind.

[@LHTPerformance]

Glad it helped. I would possibly to another change to help Flush the old fluid out.

[@odoroussmegma2191]

I just changed to this today. Wow what a difference.

[@BoostedPastime]

Thank you for showing that nifty pump I need one of those babies!

[@2pood]

Will need to do this. Thanks for the tutorial:)

[@fiddleOli]

Just did mine today. He is right. Feels slicker than honda MTF! 😊

[@LHTPerformance]

Oliver Sayson Great, glad you tried it.

[@BigPackets]

Agreed royal purple is amazing

[@juniornavarro3570]

I’m glad my seals weren’t blown out😮 glad I got my s2000 but last owner tool horrible care. Had to replace my engine. And as I was watching this video I was draining my trans just to find out it was VERY over filled

[@LHTPerformance]

Oh no. The seal that would usually let go leads to the bell housing. It floods right into the clutch and wipes it out.

[@dapure1718]

Thank you

[@kenshintakahashi]

Hey man good content and great videos !

[@BigPaco213]

RP is the best brand ever! I always use there oils and filters on all my cars.

[@gallardo20000]

hot garbage lol

[@Nizheadgaming]

Ams oil is better

[@Suerte_Pepe]

They sell the hand pump at advance auto parts, I went looking for one after seeing your vid. I always attach a hose to the end of the bottle and squeeze like hell! Thanks for the tip.

[@LHTPerformance]

Abner Rosado I used to do that, then I once had a The too fly off 😐

[@alonzowitt5931]

Super lube PTEF Teflon sure does slicken the manual transmission up, you can shift it with your finger tips

[@mrjdmzombiegarcia5633]

Love ❤️

[@mrsemifixit]

Think this would improve a notchy d16y8 manual transmission? Recently replaced with OEM fluid which helped but still feels bit notchy

[@camlobesvtec]

Can the wrong type of fluid in the transmission effect the torque? My torque on the dyno sheet, the graph was kinda wavy.

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

- I will try this. Thanks. Anything to make my old trans shift better. And the two yard transmissions I will refirb. Please comment if I am off base.

[@Nizheadgaming]

Best oil my trans shifts way better now. Thank you

[@LHTPerformance]

One of the first things we did to our low mileage 2008. It makes a big difference right away.

[@alycestapleton]

Made in Australia indeed a great brand but I only use the engine oil because it has lots of zinc

[@graemefisher7014]

Thanks for this video going to try this in my ep3

[@LHTPerformance]

Graeme Fisher Cool, let us know how it’s feels

[@graemefisher7014]

Hi I changed my ep3 gearbox oil for this today made a big difference, thanks for the video and the heads up!!

[@jdmbosss]

I wonder as far as longevity on the royal purple syncromesh?

[@jalalalap-akalala]

your videos are sick

[@shaynehuber3426]

Wil it help keep the transmission cooler

[@MustangGuru]

My MT-82 got noisier and more notchy with this stuff. Gonna take it out this weekend. And go with AMSOIL synchromesh II

[@LHTPerformance]

Mustang Guru I’ve only ever recommended it for the S2000 trans. I’ve not tried it in the MT82.

[@BW-kv9wj]

You said you have tried many other oils in your transmission. Have you tried Redline or BG??? I’m trying to pick which one to try first. The stock oil is notchy.

[@S2KBo]

We didn't use new sealing rings for Diff and Transmission Oil changes?

[@kennypop2535]

I’m having the same problem! I’m thinking it’s the redline fluid.. I have to shift at a higher rpm for a smooth shifting transition.

[@arielatom03]

So any ATF based fluid would work?

[@s7v7nfiv5]

i use royal purple on my ufo shifts smooth af

[@TheMick26]

s7v7n Nice... and don't forget to use the Space Grease John is always raving about.👍😆

[@urignorance2922]

Is this applicable in the d16y8 from the 94 del sol I love royal purple but can't find anyone to answer if this is ok for mine

[@11164kloc]

ROYAL PURPLE ✨✨👑💜💯

[@VinnyS2K]

Is this Royal Purple ROYO1512? Since there was no link?

[@frankynunez1680]

I have a 2004 Honda Accord Ex (manual trans) and it’s super notchy and stiff.. would you recommend ??!!

[@socalpilot1816]

I just got a 2015 honda civic si 113k miles on it. The car fax showed it had 5 oil changes but nothing about the transmission. I just changed my fluid to this stuff and it feels like the transmission has been rebuilt. From sandy to butter. What a difference just taking it around the block

[@andysgaragetherapy]

Hi John, and George too!! Love this video guys! Question time: will this work with the LSD in the 9th Gen Civic Si? Did you add this to Russell’s car during his build? Thanks so much. Looking forward to all the new content! Cheers.

[@LHTPerformance]

Andrew Stewart We typically run Honda MTF in everything, I only find the S2000 trans to feel notchy after owning a few.

[@hellraisingvtec]

Thanks

[@NGAAutoTV]

Putting this in my BMW Z4M now that you recommend it 😀.

[@LHTPerformance]

NGA AutoTV I’m sure it’s compatible for your transmission. We don’t work on BMWs so I couldn’t be sure.

[@NGAAutoTV]

LHTPerformance - Thanks! The forums seem to have mixed reviews - some people go 20-30k miles with no issues. I changed with a German brand fluid and I don’t like the shift feel. Will be giving RP a try to see if it shifts better. Seeing your video helped my decision process.

[@ec7945]

what weight is the fluid

[@TheCTM124]

intersting i always use honda oem but ill definitely try this next

[@LHTPerformance]

Clive Mckenzie We buy cases of Honda MTF. I’ve just found in S2000s this makes a big difference

[@monsteronedge]

Love your videos, if I didn't live 2,000 kms away you would be my mechanic of choice. Picked up a '07 S2000 in spring. Pretty sure that only fluid ever changed was Oil, so replacing all fluids prior to winter storage. Quick question - do you have torque spec reference available for various fill/ drain plugs. I tend to be a torque monster - would like to avoid a stripped/ sheared bolt on my S2K. Many Thanks for your helpful on-line tutorials.

[@LHTPerformance]

After years of wrenching I only torque the essential bolts. I do the drain plug by feel. The S2000 drain plug is 32lbs tq

[@Club-Version]

Part 3 should be DIY slave cylinder polish and regrease! Great video 👍🏻

[@LHTPerformance]

Jose A. I prefer to replace, as a shop we need to make sure what do and install is the best it can be. A new OEM part the right way to do, if they were discontinued, that would be another story

[@Club-Version]

Got it no problem thanks for the Reply

[@les536]

Will this work in a Mercedes e500

[@dragger168]

Hi John, Do you use the same pump between transmission fluids and differential fluids? If so, how do you clean the pump in between changing the trans and diff fluid so that you don't get unwanted fluid? i.e. After changing the trans fluid, how do you ensure that the pump won't have trans fluid in it when you use it to pump diff fluid into the diff? Any help or suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

[@LHTPerformance]

dragger168 We have a few pumps. The easiest way if you only have one, when you change fluids, pump 3-4 through it before putting in you trans or diff 👍🏻

[@inspyral02]

Would you recommend this in B series transmissions too? I've always used the Honda MTF.

[@LHTPerformance]

Honda MTF is fine and no real to change from it. The S2000 is just notchy

[@johnash826]

Tried this. Onotially seem to be an improvement slight improvement. Maybe because my gearbox had a change 2000 miles earlier but after some miles and in hot weather, the change now is not significantly less notchy.

[@LHTPerformance]

Sometimes and second changes helps also. I changed the fluid on our red one, what s big difference it made. I do plan a second change.

[@gamerdan2310]

Will this work on a 4x4 5speed 1986 Bronco II? Would prefer it to shift smoother than it is currently.

[@LHTPerformance]

GamerDan23 I couldn’t say, I’m not familiar with that transmission. Sorry.

[@Condor1970]

Did you happen to try "BG Synchroshift II" by chance? A lot of guys swear by it for the Mustang MT-82's now, but not sure if I should make the investment in such an expensive fluid.

[@metubey0u]

Which one is correct for the S2000 transmission? Royal Purple-ROY01512 or Royal Purple ROY01301

[@justn577]

Is it better then bg ?

[@dragger168]

Would you recommend that the transmission and diff fluid be warm when draining it? Or can this be done when the car is cold? Thanks!

[@LHTPerformance]

dragger168 I usually recommend it warm

[@jaydeee5961]

What about a ls 4l60 e

[@JDMSMOKEY03]

Is this good for b and k series transmissions? I originally got some for my k20 trans but when I seen that it says for Manuel, that requires auto fluid it made me second guess it. I just went with oem trans fluid. Please let me know. Thanks Josh D.

[@LHTPerformance]

I haven’t tried it in a K transmission. I don’t feel they as notchy as the S.

[@julianperez-robles6921]

So I was looking into Royal Purple Max ATF Synthetic fluid for my 2002 Lincoln LS Manual Tran. that calls for Mercon ATF Fluid. Would I be able to use Royal Purple Synchromax Manual Transmission Fluid for my car? Is this Mercon compatible? Cause I know the Royal Purple Max ATF is Mercon compatible.

[@LHTPerformance]

Julian Perez I don’t know. I would check with the dealer.

[@S2k_GRsti]

Ive had this gear oil in my ap1 since 2013

[@patrickrivard4030]

Hi John, do you normally change both crush washers every time you do a transmission oil change?

[@LHTPerformance]

Patrick Rivard Yes. We buy them in a pack of 100 which makes them pretty cheap. Better to be safe 👍🏻

[@jleex82]

Hi John, I am currently using Honda MTF in my s2000 and notice it shifts mostly fine when warmed up, are you recommending royal purple over Honda MTF and is the extra zinc anything to worry about long term for forced induction or for track duty?

[@LHTPerformance]

one world Zinc will do nothing but improve. Most S2000 owners doesn’t think the trans is notchy until you provide them with something smoother.

[@jleex82]

LHTPerformance thanks for your videos and responses, I'll give it a shot, and I'm subscribed

[@tedwhite5197]

John, I replaced my fluid with Royal Purple. It does feel smoother. It did take a couple of drives before I really noticed a difference. Thanks for all your great videos.

[@momentumbuilders]

I have a 2017 civic type R... can you do a ti exhaust, headers, down pipe, and tune? thanks

[@LHTPerformance]

Linh Dao I wouldn’t recommend the down pipe made from Titanium, but the exhaust for sure.

[@marctiu7109]

Hi John, How do you clean the pump between using it with differential fluid to now using it with transmission fluid? Won’t the lines of the pump have the old fluid and cause cross contamination? Thank you

[@LHTPerformance]

Marc Tiu Just pump a little extra fluid into you drain pan. We have two pumps to make it easier.

[@marctiu7109]

Hi John, thank you!

[@MiguelRuiz-kp3dd]

Hey guys, future s2000 owner here. It would be amazing if you did a video of top 10 maintenance mods to do to a "new" s2000. I'll be doing the transmission fluid change with this and the shifter maintenance you did on your other video. What are some other stuff I should look at when getting my new s2000?

[@LHTPerformance]

Miguel Ruiz George and I just talked about that. It might be something in the future. I think this Friday’s video is a whole bunch of random stuff.

[@MiguelRuiz-kp3dd]

LHTPerformance random but always appreciated I'd love to take my car to you guys, you are the best I've seen, true passion for your work. Do you know anyone as respectable as you in Texas?

[@LHTPerformance]

Miguel Ruiz I don’t anyone in Texas, Sorry.

[@iivv_nn]

can you use this in place of honda mtf? Specifically, I have a d16a6 engine with the si transmission. Thanks.

[@Jaydogg209]

Yes

[@DunDun2212]

Thanks John. Would you recommend the same Royal Purple on a Civic Si Trans?

[@LHTPerformance]

dun dun Sure, report and back and let us know how it feels

[@DunDun2212]

LHTPerformance I definitely will. I only have 43,000miles on a 07 Si but has been sitting for a while. The K tuned stuff so far has been good. This K Series engine is Bullet proof. Thanks for all your vids John and will keep you updated.

[@uzabat]

Good stuff! Have you ever used AmsOil products? I used their Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid on my last change. Both are great products!

[@LHTPerformance]

John F My only issue with Amsoil is you usually have to deal with an old guy in a straw hat driving an old van to buy it. 🤔

[@TheMick26]

LHTPerformance 😂😂😂

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

You can get it direct from Amsoil's website

[@vltruane]

Just curious, have you tried Amzoil MTF? How would you rate it compared to RP?

[@kendalgee5808]

I used to be an Amsoil dealer. I've tried Amsoil 100% synthetic 5W 30 oil in my Integra and it was not that impressive at 8,000 rpm's. When I use the royal purple 5W-30, it felt like there was no friction at 8000 RPMs. Based on that, I'm pretty sure royal purple is better than mobile one or Amsoil tranny fluid.

[@creightonsmith5333]

I changed to Royal Purple a few days ago and for some reason the transmission actually feels rougher? Does it take a while to smooth out?

[@LHTPerformance]

It usually is noticeable after 5-10 miles. Depending how bad the fluid was, it may require to change it again.

[@dethklok21]

what do you recommend for automatic trans ?

[@LHTPerformance]

FunkyMonkey85 I don’t. I don’t mess with auto transmissions.

[@strlRnn]

What fluid u use for the diff?

[@LHTPerformance]

Alex Sandoval We like Mobil 1 90w 140.

[@icasualyt8875]

is there a site where I can buy the Fill bolt again? mine is becoming stripped 😅

[@LHTPerformance]

@@icasualyt8875 I would go to Honda. Your dealership should be able to order it for you

[@pault6533]

I noticed you are in a warmer climate. Up north, at cold temperatures the Honda MTF is like a knife in peanut butter, and can lead to grinding... mainly because the driver needs to adjust the way it's shifted and that's hard to remember to do. MY QUESTION is whether Royal Purple will flow better at cold temperatures and improve this situation? Thanks for your generous informative videos. I'm entertained and you should know you are making a better world.

[@LHTPerformance]

That’s an interesting question, I find the S2000 trans gets better with temperature no matter the fluid. The coldest we get in Florida is in the 40s but usually warms up during the day. I do find the trans feels better all round with the Royal Purple, even our red 08 with 17k miles was noticeably better after the fluid change.

[@ScottishScot]

Paul, I live on the northern prairies of Canada. During the winter here, it’s commonplace for temperatures to be below-30°C (-22°C). I’ve used RoyalPurple Synchromax and it performs well during warm weather months, but its no good in the cold. Over the past several years I’ve used Redline D6 and it’s exceptional in any climate I drive in. Low viscosity ATF and low viscosity brake/clutch fluid is a popular combination that is widely used in (manual transmission) vehicles in Northern Europe. It should be noted that I do not own/drive a S2000

[@kellismith4329]

@@ScottishScot I am in Alberta as well, I couldn’t decide what to use so I used one quart of the gm syncromesh, one quart of the royal purple synchromax, and then added a bit of lucas oil stablizer cause it’s thick and sticky it coats gears well, only like 1/3 quart of the lucas - works very well - mine is a 5 spd nv3500 trans in a silverado

[@luissifuentes8843]

can this ATF be use on automatic transmission?

[@LHTPerformance]

I don’t do many auto transmissions so I couldn’t say.

[@gtc731]

Howdy John! when I google for the royal purple synchromax I think I am seeing several products out there...is there a code or part# I should be looking at? thanks!

[@LHTPerformance]

Gary Chalifoux I did do a close up of the part number. I know it off my head

[@gtc731]

yup saw that john and thank you for that....but I see G1107351, 01512, 06512, now some of these numbers may represent a case of 6 quarts, and the G1107351 is described as for manual transmissions that specify and automatic transmission fluid (kind of odd..) anyway just wanted to be sure I don't put the wrong stuff in....I've looked at that close up multiple times. Maybe I'm over complicating this, and sorry if I am....thanks again John for all your vids.....!!!as a DIY'r this is EXTREMELY helpful!!!!!

[@LHTPerformance]

The part number is 01512. Type it on Summit Racing and you’ll be able to find it.

[@vuifong8008]

The transmission oil it like new lol, common that pump look like shampoo pump. l think l use the shampoo pump still work.

[@kyleh5356]

does it work for automatic transmission s?

[@LHTPerformance]

Kyle Heslip No. don’t use it in an automatic

[@tannerdns9048]

any idea why this didn't change my shifting at all after changing super old fluid? mine's still pretty hard to shift into gear when cold and gets kinda stuck sometimes

[@LHTPerformance]

If it was dirty fluid, I would do a second change after 200-300 miles and help Flush it out

[@tannerdns9048]

@@LHTPerformance it was pretty bad. I'll change it again. Thanks!

[@LHTPerformance]

@@tannerdns9048 give it 200-300 miles to help it to help flush the old stuff out.

[@Corbinworks]

Will this work in a K trans?

[@LHTPerformance]

Paul Corbin Yes, but a K trans doesn’t usually feel notchy like an S2000

[@Makyang09]

So what’s the verdict as of today? RP still doing its job? Jw, changing mines soon. TIA!

[@LHTPerformance]

Mak Yang I have seen it make a noticeable difference in many S2000s. I will be changing the fluid on my S2000 to it too.

[@soochanee]

Is RP synchromax better than RP gearmax 75w-90 ?

[@LHTPerformance]

That’s two different fluids. 75w 90 is gear oil ( differential fluid). Don’t use that in your Honda transmission.

[@deucevang8980]

What’s the part # on this? There are several part # RP sells, I’m gonna change the trans oil but would like to try this over honda mtf. Thanks

[@LHTPerformance]

The part #01512

[@deucevang8980]

Thank you

[@81quiroz]

I have a AT 2014 Honda Accord sport can I use this

[@LHTPerformance]

emmanuel quiroz No! don’t run this in an Auto

[@dirtydelta7]

Any reccomendations on rear diff fluid?

[@LHTPerformance]

dirtydelta7 S2000 we use Mobil 1 90w 140.

[@dirtydelta7]

@@LHTPerformance Thanks !

[@hondamancl450]

Could I use this in my 1965 muncie corvette transmission

[@LHTPerformance]

I don’t know. I would check around first

[@rlhull231]

Can i use this in my 2.7 liter tacoma 5speed

[@LHTPerformance]

I would check to see what your factory recommended fluid is.

[@MrChando1975]

Hi, can I use this oil instead of the 75W-90 in my gearbox?

[@LHTPerformance]

Rotary Religion 75w 90 is differential fluid. Do not put this in your S2000 transmission

[@MrChando1975]

@@LHTPerformance I have an old Mazda RX-7 1990 Turbo II S5 the gearbox oil is 75W-90 oil. The 1 and 2 gear are a bit stiff. That's why I am looking for new gearbox oil. Is it possible to use Synchromax do you think?

[@LHTPerformance]

Rotary Religion I would check the manual what’s recommended. I don’t know those to give you the right answer. Sorry.

[@Just_Wanna_Drive]

Just make sure you change it often. It didn't last for me after a few track days. I skipped my last session at Road Atlanta because the shifts started getting rough.

[@LHTPerformance]

We always recommend changing all fluids after a track day. I would never stretch fluid change intervals , especially after a track day.

[@Just_Wanna_Drive]

@@LHTPerformance thanks for the tip! I didn't know that it needed to be changed that often. Oil, definitely, trans fluid is a surprise, but I'm glad to have learned something today. 🍻

[@LHTPerformance]

@@Just_Wanna_Drive No problem. Do brake fluid too. Very important.

[@Just_Wanna_Drive]

@@LHTPerformance I guess I should start buying fluids by the case 😂. 🍺

[@beethao5578]

Where's the link to the pump

[@LHTPerformance]

www.amazon.com/Slippery-Pete-Transfer-Transmission-Differential/dp/B0853CNLYZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=20FMXSLGEEL6X&keywords=fluid+pump&qid=1660691018&sprefix=fluid+pump%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-4