hey guys,

I have a 2003 Z06 and Recently I been noticing that there is a slight grinding in gears when I shift from 1st to 2nd. It doesnt happen all the time just sometimes. I dont want to jump to conclusions and assume that its a syncro issue (I hope it isnt). I been doing some research on the forum and many have mentioned that a tranny fluid change can solve the problem. There are mixed opinions out there about which fluid to use so I just want a clear answer lol. Some say Pennzoil synchomesh and others say Dexron. Whats best, where can I get it, and how much do I need?

thanks in advance!!!

P.S ....the car only has 7,900 miles on it and is never abused.

Moe

 

Ive used several tranny fluids. Mobile-1 synthetic ATF worked very well. I know AMSOIL Tranny fluid is very good. Contact SUBDRIVER for details and availability.
Penzoil Syncromesh is next on my list for trial in my 02 Z.

More important is CLEAN FRESH FLUID!!!! See if that resolves the issue. The longer you wait,,,, the more damage is done...

BC

 

thanks! your absolutley right about not waiting this is why I am going to do it ASAP!!

Any other suggestions from other memebers! I have heard many good things about the Pennzoil syncromesh and that is what I am leaning towards. I live in North jersey and it can get pretty cold here in the winter so is that oil good in the cold?

thanks

 

Also is anyone familiar with acdelco synchromesh tranny fluid? is it the same as pennzoil synchromesh or is it not as good?

thanks

 

The ACDelco stuff is a semi-synthetic I believe. I use it in both my C5 and F-body, it works great.

Dope

 

Moe, a 7900-mile Z06 that has never had its gearbox brutalized by improper or clumsy shifting certainly should not be grinding at all. Are you the original owner? If the car has had a previous owner and you don't know/thoroughly trust him, maybe he messed it up.

If the car absolutely has been well-treated, make sure the fill in the trans is at the proper level first. A factory fill at the proper level should still be good at 7900 miles despite some age. If level is good, is your clutch releasing all the way? You might try putting fresh fluid in the clutch master, and then repeat as the fluid darkens (it probably will, and quickly). Fresh fluid has helped others with slight grinding--even with less than 8000 miles if the car carries the original fluid it is probably pretty dark by now and needs to be changed(you can't do a complete, proper change without major surgery so try the repeated changes in the master first). Hydraulic fluid--DOT 3 or 4 anyway--should be changed in clutch and brake systems every two years if not sooner, 'tho VERY few people do.

I bought a 4000-mile Coupe a couple of years back and 'tho the car was exactly like new and never run hard, I changed the trans fluid to Royal Purple Synchromax and it shifted some better. But I did that because the shifting was so miserably hard and balky, not because I noticed any grinding. Good luck and please report back if you have any information later. Regards, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina.

 

I would try in this order if it only grind going into 2nd.

1) Do the shifter alignment. Click here.
2) Replace the trans fluid with GM # 88861800.

If you still have 2nd gear grinding, it's an internal issue.