Transmission fluid
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Transmission fluid
With a newly rebuilt trans for my '96 I was curious as to what fluid to use. I have not asked the rebuilder as there was a middleman involved.
I'm considering Mobile 1, dino fluid or Redline (D4, can someone confirm)
Not sure of the dino stuff as I wanted to go with synthetic (unless someone has a good reason to use it)
Mobil 1...probably can't go wrong
Redline...pricey (about $17 a quart)...although a case of 12 is around $125....so probably the same cost of Mobil 1
The cost really shouldn't be an issue as I probably won't put enough miles to have to change it.
Also is a case (12qts.) enough to fill?
Thanks for the recommendations
I'm considering Mobile 1, dino fluid or Redline (D4, can someone confirm)
Not sure of the dino stuff as I wanted to go with synthetic (unless someone has a good reason to use it)
Mobil 1...probably can't go wrong
Redline...pricey (about $17 a quart)...although a case of 12 is around $125....so probably the same cost of Mobil 1
The cost really shouldn't be an issue as I probably won't put enough miles to have to change it.
Also is a case (12qts.) enough to fill?
Thanks for the recommendations
#2
Melting Slicks
Did the rebuilder not already fill it for you?
#4
Melting Slicks
For the 1996 Corvette with auto trans, the owner’s manual recommends Dextron III transmission fluid for fluid change. I would not use any synthetic auto trans fluid.
#5
Le Mans Master
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I would recommend AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Automatic Transmission fluid which is backwards compatible to DEXRON III applications, with all the benefits of a full synthetic.
https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...-EA?zo=1934717
https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...-EA?zo=1934717
#6
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I would recommend AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Automatic Transmission fluid which is backwards compatible to DEXRON III applications, with all the benefits of a full synthetic.
https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...-EA?zo=1934717
https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...-EA?zo=1934717
one say Amsoil synthetic another poster says no to synthetic and to go with Dextron III
why not synthetic?
#7
Instructor
Dextron VI
I use Dextron VI (6) it is backward compatable meaning it can be used in applications that called for Dextron 3 or 4. It is what GM uses in the newest Automatic Transmissions. I use this and I'm happy....less heat from less friction. That's my take on it.
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#8
Le Mans Master
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One application I can think of where a synthetic didn't work out is a Torsen differential in 4th gen F-bodies. It requires a certain amount of friction in order to lock the gears and a synthetic is just to slippery to do so.
Last edited by Kubs; 02-07-2018 at 12:24 PM.
#10
Le Mans Master
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I had a '97 Z28 that I installed a '99+ rear end with a torsen. I used AMSOIL at first thinking it would be better but the Torsen acted as an open diff. I put dino oil in and it was able to lock up again.
#11
Team Owner
Why is that so? Isn't the latest Dextron backwards compatible with the first Dextron? Regardless of synthetic or not, isn't the standard the most important thing?
#13
Team Owner
Hence the question Why do we still bother to think that we should adhere to the old scribblings and not see if it's backward compatible ?
#14
Instructor
#15
Melting Slicks
TRANSYND 295.... Is used in Allison transmissions. I used it in my 83 Monte Carlo SS 350 auto, in my 2010 Challenger Tremec 6 speed and probably use it my 08 Corvette. I have touched base with the engineer that wrote the spec and tested it. It is direct replacement for Dex III & other Dex xx versions. It's not cheap, $40 a gal.
#17
Melting Slicks
I’m sure all the latest Dextron is backwards compatible with the original Dextron III but I’m not a fan of using any synthetic based trans fluid in an older 4L60E trans. Just my opinion.
#18
Melting Slicks
It is when you have to use 3 gals plus in a Allison transmission used in a RV. Also, if you have say Dex III you have do a double drain/fill.
#20
Team Owner
When I have those issues, my time also factors into the game. So if I paid someone to do that double fill/drain and it costs double with time and materials vs less with the better stuff, that is what I gravitate towards. This is no different than my Powerstroke that takes 15 quarts of oil. If you come to me with an oil that costs twice as much as regular BUT lasts twice as long, it is still a bargain since I figure time into the equation. After all, whether the shop does it or I do it, time is still involved and time IS money.