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I finally decided to service my 2002 Z06 myself. I changed the engine oil and installed a CAGS unit. The vehicle has 8K miles on it. Is it worth my time to change the fluid in the transmission with synthetic?? If there is not going to be a noticible difference, I might as well leave it alone. Also, I do not see where the fluid is added in the transmission. The owners manual is not very clear. Where is the filler hole.
Thanks in advance
I saw a post here a couple of weeks ago where someone called the transmission manufacturer and they told him they do not recommend synthetic fluid. Do a search and see if you can find it.
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
Express,
Whereas I've no experience with the Z06 tranny, generally changing fluid is a good thing, especially early on to get particles left over from manufacturing and the initial wear particles too.
I know when we changed the tranny fluid in our TransAm at about 8-10k, it substantially improved its shifting.
However, to be safe (given the synthetic concern comment), get the tranny fluid from a dealer, at least this time around -- you can always do your research and make a different choice next time.
I saw a post here a couple of weeks ago where someone called the transmission manufacturer and they told him they do not recommend synthetic fluid. Do a search and see if you can find it.
I agree with Seattle.
What I recall rightly or wrongly about that post is that Tremec said that the synthetic could cause the disintegration of the carbon fibre blocker rings.
I finally decided to service my 2002 Z06 myself. I changed the engine oil and installed a CAGS unit. The vehicle has 8K miles on it. Is it worth my time to change the fluid in the transmission with synthetic?? If there is not going to be a noticible difference, I might as well leave it alone. Also, I do not see where the fluid is added in the transmission. The owners manual is not very clear. Where is the filler hole.
Thanks in advance
I had a tranny flush done at 39000 (Dealer) Regular fluid I lived In Florida at the time last year, hot climate I should have had it done sooner, I think 8000 is a little to soon unless you drive heard. After my flush there was a big shifting improvement, shift firmness was increased durning dino tune 8 months earlyer.
I saw a post here a couple of weeks ago where someone called the transmission manufacturer and they told him they do not recommend synthetic fluid. Do a search and see if you can find it.
I recall that as well...no synthetic ( I was surprised to read that)
As far as filling and draining, do a search, I'm sure you'll find it..or even check the sticky threads at the top of the C5Tech section
I know for us regular C5 owners you have to remove the Temperature Sensor, this acts as the fill plug. The drain in on the lower right hand side of the tranny and uses standard tools to remove it.
The author of my C5 Performance book recommends using synthetic fluid because of heat related issues with the manual. GM went to the trouble of installing a sensor there....so they know heat is an issue. Because of the front air dam and smooth undercar aerodynamics, there is limited cooling air for the tranny and rear diff. You will get a "trans over temp" lite when it gets above 325 degrees.
I know for us regular C5 owners you have to remove the Temperature Sensor, this acts as the fill plug. The drain in on the lower right hand side of the tranny and uses standard tools to remove it.
The author of my C5 Performance book recommends using synthetic fluid because of heat related issues with the manual. GM went to the trouble of installing a sensor there....so they know heat is an issue. Because of the front air dam and smooth undercar aerodynamics, there is limited cooling air for the tranny and rear diff. You will get a "trans over temp" lite when it gets above 325 degrees.
Hope this is helpful.
Have you actually filled the tranny through the sensor hole? I have changed my tranny fluid 2 times already and it is a pain. I have always drained it through the drail plug and filled it through the same. But you have to start the car and run it, then add fluid until it comes back out the drain hole. Then it is filled. What a pain climbing under and out of the car.
Been using Redline D4ATF in my tranny for over 10,000miles.
Upon switching the gear changes sharpened up and trans temps have dropped a few degrees.
All the research I did promoted the use of synthetic fluid, the issue you mention are more relative to the older transmissions that contain 'paper' components!