[scottfab]

I guess I'll repeat what has been repeated 5 or so times.
The early ZF6 (so called black label) were noisier. Some gears
were cut differently, it was based on a truck tranny. The early
ZF6s handled more torque than the later "blue label" ones. etc etc.

I noticed discoloration on gears when I rebuilt mine when
replacing the 3rd syncro but then I noticed everything was discolored
as well.

There is "noise" then there is "noise".
As the early ZF6s wear they get much louder.
The initial noise, while noticeable, is not deafening so as
to impede hearing the song of the LT5.
At some point it does.

wow $250 for a ZF6 with whine. score.