striper

I just replaced my Mobil 1 trans fluid with the new Dexron VI and did the Anti-venom shifting mod. The difference in shifting smoothness is remarkable. I also have tried Red-Line ATF and after 34,000 miles the trans has never shifted this smooth, it's like a different car. The difference was noticeable immediately.

Cobra4B

What is Dexron VI? link?

RoHo

I did the same thing but used Royal Purple and will highly agree that it shifts like a different trans, real smooooth

algZO6

whats the anti venom shift mod?

PhatZO6

chiefDave

Same here I went with RP Syncro Mesh and loved it. TTT
Dave

dwjz06

Dave,

It is a new bolt to replace the original one that has a spring and ball type plug that is at the top of the tranny. This is the part that makes the notchy feeling in the trans. I bought one but have not installed as yet. There are those that have also tried to shim out the original bolt as well with copper washers. There is a thread on this on the other forum if you do a search on Antivenom shift mod it should get you in the right place. PM me if you want more info. Take care, Don

zeevette

FWIW, the antivenom plug made no difference in my '02 Z. Save your money. Changing the fluid will be my next attempt. Just missed a 3-4 shift the other day, when I really could have used it, if you know what I mean...

RoHo

I didn't do the bolt thing, I went to the local auto parts and got a copper oil drain plug washer that was used as a shim behind the tran indent bolt, if I remember it was close to 0.072 thick and cost whopping$3.00 bucks for two washers. This is by far the best mod I have done for shifting. I have a Hurst and you can bang gears like no tomorrow and I have never missed a shift, It act's as though the Hurst has a mind of it's own and using Ranger's suggested shifting method this set up is Golden. I highly recommend it.

If you go back 4 or 5 months and look through the CF archives there are plenty of details with pic's regarding this mod. Look for the Antivenom mod, there is more than one post

My2Dogs

I have a Hurst Shifter in my 03 Z. Went to Autozone and picked up a two pack of the 13/16th copper drain plug washers for $1.88.
Took longer to jack car up and put jack stands under it then to remove detent bolt and install washers.
Changed fluid to the Royal Purple Syncromesh and what a difference !!

Smooth shifts and little effort needed, still have positve feel for each gear because of the Hurst, downshifts are effortless.

26,000 miles on original trans fluid and it was ugly to say the least.
I would recommend changing your fluid at 15,000 miles on first change.

TEXHAWK0

I knew they were up to Dextron IV, but have not heard of Dextron VI.

striper

First item-Dexron VI is the newest version just barely on the market yet, but all the new 6-spd auto trans are coming with it and GM will be phasing it into all other transmissions effective now. You can buy it at dealers now by the quart. Only a few bucks a quart. More slippery with greater shear strength.

Second-I didn't buy the Anti-venom part. I also got a big copper washer for 70 cents and made my own. The Anti-venom part is $60 and eliminates the spring loaded ball.

Third-Anyone who is still having shift problems after these fixes, probably still has the stocker shifter, not the most precise shifter I've ever driven. Any brand will be much better. I have a Hurst with a beautiful Vetteessentials two-tone shift boot.

Gonzo

Very cool, this has been added to my list

toolluster

So, the fix is to add a copper washer to shim the bolt & change the fluid. But where is the bolt that you need to shim? How thick of a shim is needed?

My2Dogs

The bolt is on the passenger side of transmission. You cannot see it but if you reach up toward top of trans on passenger side about mid ways of transmission you will feel a bolt going in side of trans. It is a 15/16 or 24mm, either size works, bolt and you just take it out. No fluid will come out and no spring to fly around either.
I used two of the 13/16th copper drain plug washers on mine. About 1/16th total thickness with both washers. Just place them on bolt and tighten bolt back up again.

Here is a picture of where the bolt is from where someone wasseeling a bolt for $60.00 that did not have the detent ball in it at all.

lockz

My2Dogs, Good job, Thank You! Took me a lot longer to find and buy the 15/16 socket, and the 1/8 washer than the 10 min under the car. Next will be Mobil 1 change to make it even better, thanks for the info!

SnowyATX

Spent this morning playing around with the antivenom shift mod (washer method). I realize everyone is different (and I respect that), but these changes made my 2000 FRC feel like my old 65 Beetle.....

For what its worth, Redline D4ATF seems to work better for me (to reduce notchy shifting) than the Mobil-1 or Amsoil options. That being said, like with many mods, there is not really a good way to perform a valid comparison/experiment.

jwenger

While we are on this subject of "anti-venom" mods let me ask--- I went under the car 03 Z and located the tranny drain (on bottom) and fill plug (on drivers side) the fill plug had wires on it which could detach easily. OK I did the drain and fill with RP syncromax THEN I went to do the washer deal on the detent bolt (passenger side) but could not because it had wire on it too that I couldn't get off so I couldn't back the bolt off. What is up with that?? Is my car "different"?? Thanks for any help you can offer.

elemon

It's possible (emphasis on 'possible') that if it appears a small guage bare twisted set of wires going from a bolt head or nut and fastening to another location, it's 'safety wire'. (Racers will do this to keep fasteners from either loosening or being lost alltogether during events). Just so you know though, if you're not the orig owner it's nothing to be overly concerned with, your car is just fine. Could look at it like this: someone before you was just conciencious enough to have done this. Wish my car came that way (sounds like you have a cool ride). Best of luck.

B Taylor

How many quartz of transmission fluid are used? I'm just at 20K miles and from what I'm reading its time to change.