FOR MX5 USERS REDLINE PROVIDES THE PREMIUM LUBRICANTS
KEEP YOUR PRIZED CAR IN PRISTINE CONDITION
Recommended Oils for Mazda MX-5
Engine Oil Recommendations
Red Line Options
- Red Line VR1™ 5W-30 Motor Oil or 10w-30
- Ideal for SkyActiv-G 2.0 in ND (2015–present)
- Exceptional shear stability, high zinc/boron protection
- Red Line 10W-30
- Suits NA (1989–1997), NB (1998–2005), NC (2006–2015) 1.6–2.0L engines
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Feature |
Red Line VR1™ 0W-20 |
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Base Oil |
Full synthetic PAO/esters |
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Zinc/Boron Additives |
High |
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Shear Stability |
Excellent |
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Wet-clutch Safe |
Yes |
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OEM Approvals |
API SN, ILSAC GF-5 |
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Manual Transmission & Differential Fluids
Red Line Driveline Products
- Manual Transmission Red Line MT90 GL-4
- Optimized friction for direct, positive shifts
- Safe on brass synchros—no “sticky” cold shifts
- Differential (LSD & Open) Red Line 75W-90 GL-5
- High pressure protection under load
- Suitable for limited-slip and open diffs
- Engineered for crisp shifts
- Exceptional load carrying
- Excellent cold shift ease.
Fluid Capacities & Change Intervals
|
Generation |
Engine Oil |
Manual Gearbox |
Diff (rear) |
Change Interval (Engine) |
Change Interval (Driveline) |
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NA (’89–’97) |
3.8 L (10W-30) |
2.0 L (MT-90) |
0.7 L (GL-5) |
7,500 km / 6 months |
15,000 km |
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NB (’98–’05) |
3.8 L (10W-30) |
2.1 L (MT-90) |
0.7 L (GL-5) |
10,000 km / 12 months |
20,000 km |
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NC (’06–’15) |
3.8 L (10W-30) |
2.1 L (MT-90) |
0.8 L (GL-5) |
10,000 km / 12 months |
20,000 km |
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ND (’15– ) |
4.1 L (0W-20) |
2.1 L (MT-90) |
1.0 L (GL-5) |
12,000 km / 12 months |
20,000 km |
How Viscosity Numbers Work
Viscosity grades use two numbers separated by “W”:
- The first number (0W, 5W, 10W) indicates how easily oil flows at low temperatures.
- The second number (20, 30, 40) indicates oil thickness at operating temperature.
Lower “W” means easier cold starts. Higher second numbers mean stronger film under heat.
Transmission & Differential Oils
Gear and diff oils are less climate-sensitive but pay attention to cold-shift feel:
|
Component |
Standard Oil |
Extreme Cold Option |
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Manual Transmission |
MT-90™ 75W-90 GL-4 |
Same (excellent cold flow) |
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Rear Differential (LSD) |
75W-90 GL-5 |
Same |
Same |
· MT-90’s 75W-90 formula handles sub-zero starts better than most GL-4 fluids.
Why Red Line Over OEM and Other Synthetics?
- Ester Chemistry – Polar esters bond strongly to metal, creating a tenacious film even under momentary boundary-lubrication regimes seen in synchro and spur-gear teeth.
- Thermal & Oxidative Stability – Red Line’s Group V-based oils resist viscosity breakdown, permitting longer service intervals and more consistent protection.
- Friction & Wear Control – Proprietary additive package (detergents, anti-wear agents, friction modifiers) balances shift feel, reduces gear and bearing wear, and keeps internal parts cleaner.
- Race-Proven Performance – Nearly every grassroots and pro-level Mitsubishi Evo team relies on Red Line’s gearbox and motor oils to extract maximum horsepower while safeguarding components.
- Seals and Gasket Compatibility – Formulated to be seal-friendly, minimizing leaks and eliminating harsh chemical interactions common with some aftermarket synthetics.
Switching yourMX5 to the table above not only meets or exceeds Mazda factory specs but leverages Red Line’s advanced ester-based lubricants for maximum performance, longevity, and driving enjoyment.
Independent Endorsements of Red Line Oils for the MX-5
Enthusiast forums and third-party tech sites consistently cite Red Line’s gear and differential oils as top picks for the MX-5’s driveline. Below are key independent findings:
2. MX-5 Owners Club
In a Routine Servicing thread, owners swapped to:
- Red Line MT-90 75W-90 GL-4 for the 6-speed gearbox
- Red Line Red Line 75W-90 GL-5 for the LSD diff
- He reported quieter shifts and reduced notchiness afterward.
4. MX5Life Technical Forum
When debating diff and gearbox oil grades, members recommended:
- Red Line Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 GL-5 for the differential
- Red Line Synthetic Manual Transmission MT-90 75W-90 GL-4 for the gearbox as a reliable, enthusiast-approved pairing.
Protect Your Engine
Keep the fuel flowing at optimum levels by making sure the injectors remain unclogged.
Red Line SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner
Cleans injectors, carburetors, valve and combustion chamber deposits with a concentrated blend of the most powerful high-temp and low-temp detergents available
- Cleans all forms of fuel injectors, including GDI
- Enhances fuel stability; reduces gum and varnish formation
- Use one bottle per tank for most effective treatment, cleans to nearly 100% efficiency in one treatment
- On a GM 3.8 litre V6 engine the 0 to 70 KPH was increased by 21% after unequally plugged injectors were cleaned with SI-1 injector cleaner.
Keep Your Cool.
Use Red Line Water Wetter in the Radiator
One bottle of Red Line Water Wetter in the radiator will decrease the cylinder head temperature by 10 degrees C.
This reduction in temperature may allow more spark advance to increase torque.
All this while reducing rust and corrosion and cleaning and protecting water pump seals.
If your vehicle is air conditioned the cooling system requires anti-freeze use Red Line Supercool fortified with Water Wetter.