MN6 Fulid Change Amount
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Morganton, NC, USA
MN6 Fulid Change Amount
Well, I just drained the expensive RedLine D4 ATF from my 2k because the conventional wisdom here is that it will destroy the blocker rings. Put in some Valvoline dino Dextron III, but could only get in 3 1/2 quarts with the left side lifted a couple inches higher. The owners manual says "4.1 qts overhaul", so maybe a refill should be around 3 3/8 to 3 1/2 quarts. The amount drained was 3 3/8 quart, and I have approximately 1/2 quart of D4 left over from the previous change. Does 3qt.s 12 ounces to 3 quarts 16 ounces agree with the experience of others? 
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From: King George VA
Refilling the MN6/12 will typically take about 3.5-3.75 quarts, so you are fine.
However, I question the "conventional wisdom" you mentioned. There are many synthetic oils that meet GM Dexron III standards. Redline gets tough reviews from many and there may be some validity to that, I really don't know for sure. Redline uses an ester synthetic base, whereas AMSOIL and Mobil 1 use a PAO synthetic base, so I wouldn't necessarily expect them to perform the same. Petroleum based transmission fluids do not hold up to the heat generated in our transmissions as well as synthetics do, and I personally would be hesitant to use a non-synthetic anywhere in my car (and don't).
In my experience, I shifted to Redline D4 ATF at the 800 mile point and used it for 15k of daily driving, something like 6 Driver's Education days and one full race season on 2003. I then switched to AMSOIL ATF for my last season and a half. My tranny is still the original stock unit with no rebuilds.
However, I question the "conventional wisdom" you mentioned. There are many synthetic oils that meet GM Dexron III standards. Redline gets tough reviews from many and there may be some validity to that, I really don't know for sure. Redline uses an ester synthetic base, whereas AMSOIL and Mobil 1 use a PAO synthetic base, so I wouldn't necessarily expect them to perform the same. Petroleum based transmission fluids do not hold up to the heat generated in our transmissions as well as synthetics do, and I personally would be hesitant to use a non-synthetic anywhere in my car (and don't).
In my experience, I shifted to Redline D4 ATF at the 800 mile point and used it for 15k of daily driving, something like 6 Driver's Education days and one full race season on 2003. I then switched to AMSOIL ATF for my last season and a half. My tranny is still the original stock unit with no rebuilds.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
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From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
Agree with subdriver. Have had D4ATF in my Y2K MN6 for about 5 years and 12K miles. If it is going to affect the blocker rings, how many miles does it take? Will continue to use it until a prob.
Fred
Fred
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
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Here's a good thread for those saying it's good, and those saying it's bad :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1171030
I just went through this myself, and actually ended up putting Redline D4 ATF in mine. From what I understand, it's not the lube itself that destroys the paper blocker rings, but the moisture (water) synthetic attracts.
My gut tells me it's fine, so long as you drain it at regular intervals. The factory fill is fine also. I think bluestreak is probably doing the 'safest' thing.
Then again, I've had synthetic (Mobil 1 ATF) in my C5 for 2 years prior to recently putting Redline in, and I had Mobil 1 ATF also in my 1994 Z28 for 5 years without any problems.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1171030
I just went through this myself, and actually ended up putting Redline D4 ATF in mine. From what I understand, it's not the lube itself that destroys the paper blocker rings, but the moisture (water) synthetic attracts.
My gut tells me it's fine, so long as you drain it at regular intervals. The factory fill is fine also. I think bluestreak is probably doing the 'safest' thing.
Then again, I've had synthetic (Mobil 1 ATF) in my C5 for 2 years prior to recently putting Redline in, and I had Mobil 1 ATF also in my 1994 Z28 for 5 years without any problems.
Last edited by JR_VETTE; Sep 14, 2005 at 07:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
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From: Morganton, NC, USA
Thanks for responses guys. Subdrivers information shows a distinct difference in base stock between Redline D4 and Mobil 1 ATF. There have been some very positive recommendations on Mobil 1 ATF that stipulated it only applied to Mobil 1 ATF, not any other synthetics.
