C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

What transmission fluid to use for a 1976 stingray?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-13-2023, 03:46 PM
  #1  
Markg#76
Cruising
Thread Starter
 
Markg#76's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default What transmission fluid to use for a 1976 stingray?

I have a 1976 corvette with a L-48 transmission, I need to add transmission fluid but have no idea what kind it takes. I believe it use to be Dextron 3 but a lot of auto stores are telling me I can also use Dextron 6 now which is the same as the old Dextron 3, not sure which one to buy, any suggestions would be appreciated..
Old 11-13-2023, 04:35 PM
  #2  
Eric P
Drifting
 
Eric P's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,273
Received 424 Likes on 294 Posts
Default

Dex/merc or Dexron 3 will be fine, you don't need the Dexron 6
Old 11-13-2023, 05:49 PM
  #3  
Markg#76
Cruising
Thread Starter
 
Markg#76's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

The guy at auto zone told me good luck trying to find Dexron 3 and tried selling me Dexron 6 for $10 a quart. I knew they still made Dexron 3, have no idea why he said that the Dexron 6 replaces the 3.
Old 11-13-2023, 06:08 PM
  #4  
Bikespace
Le Mans Master
 
Bikespace's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2017
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 9,071
Received 3,148 Likes on 2,336 Posts
Default

Uh, L48 is probably your engine. Just to be clear, do you have a TH-350 3-speed automatic transmission, or a 4-speed manual transmission?
Old 11-13-2023, 06:12 PM
  #5  
Motorvation
Racer
 
Motorvation's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2018
Location: Sandusky, OH
Posts: 275
Received 107 Likes on 77 Posts
Default

Red and slippery. Add a bottle of Lubegard red. Or if there’s a leak problem, add some Lucas Extend.
https://www.lucasoil.com/product/aut...d-conditioner/
https://www.lubegard.com/products/platinum/
I’ve used either depending on the situation. Lubegard to smooth the trans operation, enhances shifts. Best additive since Trans-X.
Lucas has the stuff (MEK) to swell seals and slow leaks.

Steve O.

I did assume automatic, too….
Old 11-13-2023, 06:34 PM
  #6  
Mdbirk
Burning Brakes
 
Mdbirk's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2022
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 795
Received 623 Likes on 325 Posts
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default


Walmart, just under $20 for a gallon. Use it in my wife's 66 Pontiac. States dexron III. Dexron-VI is compatible with older vehicles whose automatic transmission uses the earlier versions of Dexron.

​​The main difference between Dexron 3 and 6 is that, the Dexron 3 is a regular ATF and the Dexron 6 is the upgraded and synthetic automatic transmission fluid. 6 has better foam resistance and sheer stability.




Last edited by Mdbirk; 11-13-2023 at 06:41 PM.
Old 11-14-2023, 03:22 PM
  #7  
Jud Chapin
Le Mans Master
Support Corvetteforum!
 
Jud Chapin's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2001
Location: Wellington, FL
Posts: 9,992
Received 417 Likes on 288 Posts
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24


Default

I like Mobil 1 synthetic atf that meets Dexron requirements. Among other benefits, it handles heat much better than the standard atf.

Get notified of new replies

To What transmission fluid to use for a 1976 stingray?




Quick Reply: What transmission fluid to use for a 1976 stingray?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:40 PM.