mickatbp

Hi all,

I contacted Keisler the other day to get some recommendations on what trans fluid to fill the g-box with and they said Mercon (don't believe it exists in Aus) and Dexron III. I thought Dexron III was an auto trans fluid and mine is a RS400 - 5 spd manual?? I do remember the box being soaked in some red lite oil which could have been Dexron III but can you run an auto trans oil in a manual box? I've heard some cases of mild to severe oil leaks in these RS boxes .... not surprised Auto trans fluid is thinner than water as apposed to what I remember manual trans fluid to be.

What oils did you guys use? Have you had any major leaks?

6T5RUSH

mickatbp,

Here ya' go, right from the man himself...



Jim
In God We Trust!

(Right at 2:55)...whoops, just realized (s/learn to read) yours is an RS...hopefully RS guys will chime in here. Anyhoo, here's the SS:

DUGKOTA

I put the RS-500 in last year and used the Dexron/Mercon ATF like the manual says with no leaks at all. I thought a little strange also but seems to work OK as I probably have 2,000 miles on now. You will love this tranny!! Good Luck!

wmf62

yep, ATF is what is used in most new manual transmissions; i use ATF (Walmart brand...) in my MY6 and it works beautifully (and is what was speced OEM..). i tried 80w95 at first and it didn't work to good... synchro clash on downshift...
Bill

1COOL60

I am also using ATF in my RS600, just as stated in the instructions. Have about 2,000 miles on it now and have not had any leaks. I have been real pleased with it.
160

65tripleblack

Manual trans have been using ATF for many years now. Makes shifting a breeze!

Keisler specifies Dexron III. They specifically say NOT to use synthetic ATF.

mickatbp

Okay, I'm convinced ..................just seemed odd.

For those of you that said you love the 'box', what ratio are you running? I've got a 327ci and 3.36 rear end (3.37 first gear)! What do you love the most about it?

6T5RUSH

mickatbp,

The "box" I'm using is the SS700 with a 2.66:1 1st gear and a .68 5th. This is mated to a 3.73:1 posi. I'm running a 327, solid lifter which visually looks like a 365 HP. Have never lost the jump in 1st gear (was the factory M20, wide ratio with a 2.56:1 1st gear) when I swapped her. Have under 500 miles on this new tranny and, frankly, with my setup 45 mph and up she's right at 1,400 r's and just drives out fine. At 70 mph she's right at 2,100 r's. That's the sweet spot when you're freeway'g.



Regards,

Jim
In God We Trust!

1COOL60

The RS600, which I have, uses a 2.80 first gear ratio, with a 0.67 5th. I run a 3.36 rear end; engine is a 350 with Tuned Port Injection. Engine has plenty of torque using a ZZ-4 camshaft.

I like the close gear spacing. I was running an MY-6 trans, which worked well, but the gear spacing was a little wider than I liked. Guess there's still a little race blood left in me!
160

Keisler Automotive

RS & SS Transmissions use Dexron 3. After break-in, you can change to Dex 6 or Mobil 1 ATF Synthetic.

Generally speaking, using the natural oil for break-in is better to allow the moving parts to hone in. Otherwise, it will take longer to complete the break in. You can run Dex 3 long term as well. The Dex 6 is still controlled under patent by GM, so the formulators must use their formulation. Dex 3 is uncontrolled now, so the quality can vary.

mickatbp

Thanks very much - will use the Dex 3

frankgv

For the RS trans. DO NOT use any synth. ATF stay WITH DEX 3 or equivalent. After break in 500+ miles drain and refill with same. Contact Keisler for update on this.

EDinPA

There has been an update from four days ago? Post 10 from Keisler appears to contradict what you are saying.

Keisler Automotive

There is no change to my post. Dex 3 is fine. Dex 6 is not on our instructions nor is Mobil 1, but they are both fine. Mobil 1 was tested and confirmed good in the SS. Dex 6 was also tested, but not on the track. However, from the manufacturer of the synchro friction material, we know Dex 6 is fine.

So, break in with Dex 3. Then, continue with Dex 3 or switch to Dex 6 or Mobile 1 synthetic.

mickatbp

Shame I just filled it with Dex 6, will drain and get some Dex 3

frankgv

But why do the instructions for the rs say : DO NOT use synth. atf. All warrenty will be void.???