Holy hot sauce! Great thread. [thumb]

 

Thanks! I think it's a good start, but I will need everyone's help to make it better.

 

Such a huge help. Just bought my svt last week and even with that transmission thread already stickied I was still unsure of what to use.

 

Excellent!!! Don't see it getting better, but we can try.

Should be a sticky!

 

What is the spline count on the trasmission side of it?

 

Thank you for this, but Synchromax should be removed and RP 75w90 Maxx gear & RP 10w40 Motor oil should be added to fluids as this is what RP Officially recommends in the Getrag285 NOT Synchromax.

I need to check back with that Mini guy on internal parts if I get a hold of him ill post back here

 

Before I make the correction, could you provide me with an official quote/link from Royal Purple?

I would remove the oil recommendation all together. Too many opinions on what to use.

I think it's relevant for us to list the recommended oil types in this thread. I would rather owners be able to find all of the recommend oils in once place, and give them the ability to research my sources to make up their own minds on the oil types.

So far I have not found an analytical scientific explanation of which oil type we should really be using. I think the safest bet is to use the Motorcraft XT-M5-QS which is why I placed it at the top of the list.


-------------------------------------

Post out to everyone.

I would love to have a longer final gear in the transmission for lower RPMs on the highway. I would need to hookup a wide-band O2 sensor and perform data logging to build a fuel map in order to calculate the optimal final gearing for higher speed/better MPG driving. I think having a longer final gear we could achieve better MPG and keep the RPMs lower on the highway - 3,000 RPMs at 70MPG is retarded for 6th gear...

 

I would remove the oil recommendation all together. Too many opinions on what to use.

 

You will have to call royal purple yourself like I did.

 

I thought Ford Recommended ATF, just sayin not trying to start another debate ,but great info all the same

 

I have a few more adds for the trans fluid. Had to replace the clutch and stuff in my in laws so I did a lot of searching and stuff. I did find out that the Mini trans takes a GL-4 type fluid which is hard to find. Most fluids are a GL-5 which say they are backwards compatible but is still harsher on the soft parts than a strait GL-4 fluid. Just something to keep in mind when searching for trans fluid. As for our trans I can only find the Ford fluid as recommended, besides all of our opinions.

 

^Good call... all brass synchro transmissions need GL-4 fluids. GL-5 (or GL-4/GL-5) rated fluids will corrode/strip yellow metals (brass) and thus destroy synchros.

Also, some of the lube recommendations on page one are not completely consistent with the makers recommendations (i.e. Redline lists their MTL 75W80 GL-4 Gear Oil for our cars, not the MT-90 75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil).

 

Which is weird cause the mini guys recommend the MT-90 75W90 GL-4 fluid which is what I ended up putting in the Mini cooper S. I just run the Ford Honey in my SVT.

 

Hello Focus Community,

This thread is intended to consolidate our combined knowledge about the SVT Getrag MT285 transmission information, parts suppliers, and locations for acquiring replacements units into a singular thread. Please provide your feedback and sources and I will update the first post to make this thread better!

Thank you,
RevLimit

--------------------------------------------------------

Getrag MT285 Information Thread

Content:
-Getrag SVT/Mini Cooper S Gear Ration Comparison
-Getrag Transmission Oil
- Parts Sources

CV Axles​

Getrag Internals​

Getrag Transmission Shops​

- MISC



--------------------------------------------------------



Getrag SVT/Mini Cooper S Comparison

SVT Focus gear ratios:

(Image Source)

...Gear......Lay......Lay:diff....Overall
...Ratio.....Shaft....Ratio.......Ratio
1 4.44:1.....1.......2.88:1.....12.7:1
2 2.67:1.....1.......2.88:1......7.7:1
3 1.33:1.....2.......4.25:1......5.7:1
4 1.08:1.....2.......4.25:1......4.6:1
5 1.33:1.....1.......2.88:1......3.8:1
6 1.08:1.....1.......2.88:1......3.1:1
R 2.82:1.....2.......4.25:1.....12.0:1

Mini Cooper S gear ratios:

...Gear......Lay......Lay:diff....Overall
...Ratio.....Shaft....Ratio.......Ratio
1 4.167:1.....1.......2.74:1.....11.43:1
2 2.619:1.....1.......2.74:1......7.18:1
3 1.333:1.....2.......4.05:1......5.40:1
4 1.089:1.....2.......4.05:1......4.41:1
5 1.333:1.....1.......2.74:1......3.66:1
6 1.089:1.....1.......2.74:1......2.97:1
R 2.748:1.....2.......4.05:1.....11.13:1

Sources:
FocalJet Thread - "SVT/Mini Cooper S Tranny" (Link)


--------------------------------------------------------



Getrag Transmission Oil

NOTICE: There is a lot of debate about which fluid should be used inside the SVT Getrag transmission. Since I've not seen a scientific explanation in favor of using a specific type, I'm going to list the most commonly recommended fluids below.

Specs:
Getrag MT285 Fluid Capacity: 2.2 quarts.

List:
Motorcraft Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid (Link)
Part Number: XT-M5-QS

Royal Purple Synchromax (Link)
Part Number: 12512

Redline MTL 75w90 (Link)
Part Number: 50304

AMSOIL Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid 5W-30 (Link)
Part Number: AMSOIL-MTFQT

Valvoline Synchromesh MTF (Link - Page 5)
UPC: 74130030947

Sources:
FocalJet Thread - "opinions on transmission fluid for Getrag" (Link)
FocusFanatics Thread - "Getrag gear oil (hopefully the final thread on it)" (Link)
BobIsTheOilGuy Thread - "What Trans fluid? MINI Cooper S - Getrag 6-speed" (Link)
YouTube - Ed Peters, Chrysler/Dodge SRT Engineer, discussing transmission fluid types and manual trans breakdown. (Link)



--------------------------------------------------------



Parts Sources

New CV Axles

EBay Axle Store
New SVT CV Axle Set - $166.00 (Link)


Ford Direct Parts
(Link)
$363.50
Left
Part Number: 3B437(TX-395)


$441.06
(Link)
Right
Part Number: 3B436(TX-394)





Replacement Transmission Sources

Speedway Recyclers
www.speedwayrecyclers.com
Location: Maribel, WI
Note: Speedway Recyclers is an SVT only scrapyard. They have a decent number of SVT only parts.


Car-Parts.com
www.car-part.com
Note: You will need to search for replacement transmission for 2002 or 2004. Their database is missing the SVT (6-speed) option for 2003. Be sure to verify the transmission model when you call.




Getrag Replacement Internals

Cobra Transmissions
(Link)
SVT (6 Speed) (Fwd), Synchro & Bearing, Gasket and Seal Kit, Focus SVT DOHC 00-Up (2.0L) (Getrag) (Ford)
Part#: CT-BK336WS
Note: Contact For Availability




Shops With Getrag Transmission Experience

AutoTech
www.autotech.com
Location:Aliso Viejo, CA



Cobra Transmission
www.cobratransmission.com
Location: Decatur, GA



--------------------------------------------------------


Miscellaneous Information

Google Spreadsheet showing top speed limits based on wheel/tire size (Link)
Getrag Tear-down and Differential Install (Link)

I am looking for the cadmium coated shift linkage tower selector assembly. (has counter weight and where the trans side shifter cable attaches) bushings honestly the whole assembly. Please let me know

 

75/90 is WAY to heavy an oil for the Getreg in my opinion, if you ask the RP engineer ( not the idiot on the phone trying to sell you something ) its a "recommendation" and they have never tested it on a Getreg

I use Mobile Synthetic 5/50 in hundreds of Foci Trans and never one issues and there making from 150hp to 600 hp , and some been running like this over 200,000

Tom

 

Gear oil and engine oil weights are measured differently. A 50wt engine oil is thicker than a 90wt gear oil. Your selection will probably result in very very good cold weather performance though, before the trans warms up, and as you have found will continue to perform just fine. As many have learned, transmission gears aren't terribly picky about fluid thickness. They just don't care. Generally a thinner fluid is run in a transmission, but because it's a transaxle, it has a differential in it. Diffs generally run slightly thicker fluid. They went for the thicker to protect the diff, since they knew the trans gears wouldn't give a crap. The syncros and sleeves however, care a little more. Stick with a GL4 fluid to prevent eating the syncros over time, and play with viscosity if you so choose. However, the ford spec'd fluid is apparently rated as a 75w-90. So there you go.

 

Do you know of any other vehicles that share this transmission? Mazda's maybe? looking to extend my parts search

 

Not this exact transmission. One of the mini cooper models uses it with different gear ratios and possibly a slightly different casing to fit the different ratio.

 

i just need the linkage.. if it is the same that would open up my searching options. definatly something to look into. It has been a near impossible task to find these parts with out buying the whole transmission. I have traveled the whole state of Washington now..

 

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm169/RickJames71/shifter tower_zps3ndnwov3.png

 

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm169/RickJames71/shifter tower_zps3ndnwov3.png

Were you ever able to find one? I have a lot of play in my vertical arm and no bushing left in the groove which means likely pin wear.

 

"Stickied" for easier reference.

 

Hello Focus Community,

(DO NOT USE) Royal Purple Synchromax (Link)
Part Number: 12512
Note: Thanks to FF user spikedbat for verifying that Royal Purple does NOT recommend using Synchromax in our transmission. They recommend using Royal Purple 31140 HPS 10W-40 instead. Anyone currently using Sychromax in their transmission should drain and replace ASAP.

Royal Purple HPS 10W-40 (Link)
Part Number: 31140

I want to update this. I actually called Royal Purple and spoke to a tech. I was lucky that I got a tech who actually has owned an SVT for the last while and says that Synchromax is fine to use and he has used it in his Getrag SVT for years now. I believe he said both would work, however it's easier to find Synchromax on the shelf of the store and HPS is hard to find.. So no worries on using the Synchromax!

 

Thanks Spike, I tweaked the notes and added a link to your posts.

I also added a link to Jerry AkA gsfent Getrag gearing ratio discussion thread. Check it out http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/svt-performance-2002-2004/590001-getrag-285-gearing.html he has already acquired a mini cooper S Getrag and is working on the gear swaps.

We're rooting for you Jerry! [headbang]

 

Hey guys not sure if i am even in the right place although it seems to be. I am having trouble getting my 03 FSVT into reverse. It is hard to push it always goes in first unless i use two hands and i don't want to force it and break something.
Any advice on how to resolve this issue.....

Thanks

 

I think that's normal, there is sort of a lump you have to push through before you're able to shift into reverse. You might need to adjust (at the transmission) the shifter cables. Otherwise, while in neutral, try moving the shifter to the far right, then slap it over to the far left to clear the lump and push it into reverse.

 

Ok thanks, it just seems harder than it did a month ago. One more stupid question. Adjustment of the cables at the trans, do i shorten them or.... I have never looked at it but wont be able to until the weekend at it is my DD

 

Hey, guys, I am about to order new CV axles. So are the ones posted from the eBay store a good example or bad example? Let me know because I need to order them ASAP.

 

I have had horrific luck with all of the 'new' and rebuilt Ford SVT axles. I eventually found a nice junk yard axle that I used. The other alternative would have been to order a Ford OEM unit but those are very pricey. Looking back through all of the hassle and time I wasted I would have just thrown down the money and purchased a new one from Ford.

If you don't want to spend the money for a Ford OEM unit then here is what I recommend you do. Go to NAPA or another auto parts store of your choice and order or pull all as many CV axles as they can. Heck order 5 of them and return the ones you don't want.

Once you have all of the axles in from of you on a table, check and compare each of them. Pick them up and twist them to feel the tolerances in the hub, count the threads, look them over carefully. A lot of them have the wrong spline thread count, or the fluid profile is wrong, or the hubs are 'rebuilt' but horribly warn and have a lot of play.

Get as many axles in front of you at one time and pick the best one if you can find it.

Pro tip: I recently discovered that NAPA will sometimes place brand new CV Axles in rebuilt boxes. This is another reason why it's always go to go through the lot and pick out the best units you can find.

 

Excessive axle play

Hello,
I have a 2004 Focus SVT and have noticed that there is excessive axle play.
As in rotational back and forth. Very noticeable when in 1st. gear and letting off the gas pedal.
I have lifted the car and have checked the play. There is no play in the CV joints.
Just seems like something is worn inside the transmission but I am not sure what it could be. Maybe the differential?
Any suggestions would greatly help.

Also, if the transmission needs work, does anybody know of a shop in Michigan that has a lot of experience with the Focus SVT transmission?

Thanks,

Tony

 

Play felt in first gear is primarily from motor/trans mounts, the roll restrictor (dogbone mount) at the bottom rear is the main one.

You can have more than you'd think in the trans., much less when axles work together than when you try to feel it by rotating a single wheel.

Won't be excessive without a broken transmission, and there are virtually no parts avail. for rebuild (never were).

 

I was reinstalling my transmission and broke this white sensor. Does anyone know what it's for? What's it called? I need to replace it. Would probably be easier to replace while the tranny is out.

 

Wonder if that is the reverse gear sensor for tail lights. Not positive but that is my closest guess at a glance.