Amsoil torque drive
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,561
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From: Communist Colorado
Amsoil torque drive
First, I want to thank you Brad (Subdriver) for answering my questions and for quick PM replies as well as getting the package to me in such a timely manner.
For anyone tuned in here, I wanted to give my results after changing to Amsoil torque Drive for my transmission. I was running Royal Syncromax. The RP had about 9000 milrs on it. I noticed my shifting was getting a more notchy feel to it. I also noticed when the car was cold, it was getting really hard to get into 1st gear or reverse.
With the Amsoil Torqe Drive shifting is much smoother. I went on a hundred plus mile drive on Saturday and realized I had forgotten about shifting because it was pretty much effortless even with my short MGW stick. When cold, I can get it into 1st or reverse with no trouble.
Im a bit surprized that just a fluid change could net such great results. If youre needing a transmission fluid change and youre on the fence about Amsoil Torque Drive, order it now!
Thanks again Brad!!
For anyone tuned in here, I wanted to give my results after changing to Amsoil torque Drive for my transmission. I was running Royal Syncromax. The RP had about 9000 milrs on it. I noticed my shifting was getting a more notchy feel to it. I also noticed when the car was cold, it was getting really hard to get into 1st gear or reverse.
With the Amsoil Torqe Drive shifting is much smoother. I went on a hundred plus mile drive on Saturday and realized I had forgotten about shifting because it was pretty much effortless even with my short MGW stick. When cold, I can get it into 1st or reverse with no trouble.
Im a bit surprized that just a fluid change could net such great results. If youre needing a transmission fluid change and youre on the fence about Amsoil Torque Drive, order it now!
Thanks again Brad!!
Last edited by 81c3; Mar 18, 2012 at 06:28 PM.
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From: King George VA
My pleasure and thanks for the writeup! 
Fluid mentioned above:
AMSOIL Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (Product Code ATD1G)
Drop me a PM if interested in trying it.
Fluid mentioned above:
AMSOIL Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (Product Code ATD1G)
Drop me a PM if interested in trying it.
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C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
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AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I believe Torque Drive is Amsoil's synthetic ATF.
Taken from the Amsoil website:
"Torque-Drive® Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)
Recommended for use in applications specifying Allison® TES-295 or C4, DEXRON® III, MERCON®, Voith G-1363, ZF® TE-ML 14C"
Taken from the Amsoil website:
"Torque-Drive® Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)
Recommended for use in applications specifying Allison® TES-295 or C4, DEXRON® III, MERCON®, Voith G-1363, ZF® TE-ML 14C"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 264
From: Near Charlotte NC
Amsoil has a couple ATF's.One is a mulit-vehicle automatic fluid and Torque Drive is the one that is highly recommended for the Z06 man trans.
I've used TD for about 6 years in my 02Z and it's the best shifting fluid I have ever used.
\db2
carolina
I've used TD for about 6 years in my 02Z and it's the best shifting fluid I have ever used.
\db2
carolina
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
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From: Helotes TEXAS
Okay... that's an M12 tranny. What about the rest of us with M6 trannies ??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
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From: Waldorf MD
I ran Mobil 1 ATF for 50,000 miles, then my MN6 transmission started grinding going into 5th and 6th gears. I replaced with Amsoil TD and it immediately stopped. Has been fine for 40,000+ miles.
Mine is a 1998 with paper blocker rings.
Mine is a 1998 with paper blocker rings.
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From: King George VA
AMSOIL Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (Product Code ATD1G)
AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle ATF (Product Code ATFQT)
Both of these are "full" synthetic ATF fluids, use the same basestock and are Dexron III spec fluids. But, the Torque Drive is AMSOIL's primary recommendation and the Multi-Vehicle ATF is the alternate. They are very similar and for those that have the Multi-Vehicle ATF in their trannies, I would not run out and change it, but would suggest the Torque Drive next time around.
Now the history - the Multi-Vehicle ATF used to be called the Universal ATF and it was the primary recommendation. When GM came out with Dexron VI, I asked AMSOIL to evaluate all their tranny fluids. They ended up coming out with a new low viscosity ATF for the Dexron VI ATF market, but in their analysis, they also determined the Torque Drive was the better fluid for the Tremec manual trannies and swapped their recommendation from Multi-Vehicle ATF primary, Torque Drive secondary, to Torque Drive primary, Multi-Vehicle ATF secondary. MN12 or M6 - doesn't matter.
I've actually used both over the years and found they are very hard to tell apart. I've been using the Torque Drive since about 2007.
Last edited by C66 Racing; Mar 21, 2012 at 08:24 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,892
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From: Helotes TEXAS
AMSOIL recommends both of these for the manuals in our Corvettes:
AMSOIL Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (Product Code ATD1G)
AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle ATF (Product Code ATFQT)
Both of these are "full" synthetic ATF fluids, use the same basestock and are Dexron III spec fluids. But, the Torque Drive is AMSOIL's primary recommendation and the Multi-Vehicle ATF is the alternate. They are very similar and for those that have the Multi-Vehicle ATF in their trannies, I would not run out and change it, but would suggest the Torque Drive next time around.
Now the history - the Multi-Vehicle ATF used to be called the Universal ATF and it was the primary recommendation. When GM came out with Dexron IV, I asked AMSOIL to evaluate all their tranny fluids. They ended up coming out with a new low viscosity ATF for the Dexron IV ATF market, but in their analysis, they also determined the Torque Drive was the better fluid for the Tremec manual trannies and swapped their recommendation from Multi-Vehicle ATF primary, Torque Drive secondary, to Torque Drive primary, Multi-Vehicle ATF secondary. MN12 or M6 - doesn't matter.
I've actually used both over the years and found they are very hard to tell apart. I've been using the Torque Drive since about 2007.
AMSOIL Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (Product Code ATD1G)
AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle ATF (Product Code ATFQT)
Both of these are "full" synthetic ATF fluids, use the same basestock and are Dexron III spec fluids. But, the Torque Drive is AMSOIL's primary recommendation and the Multi-Vehicle ATF is the alternate. They are very similar and for those that have the Multi-Vehicle ATF in their trannies, I would not run out and change it, but would suggest the Torque Drive next time around.
Now the history - the Multi-Vehicle ATF used to be called the Universal ATF and it was the primary recommendation. When GM came out with Dexron IV, I asked AMSOIL to evaluate all their tranny fluids. They ended up coming out with a new low viscosity ATF for the Dexron IV ATF market, but in their analysis, they also determined the Torque Drive was the better fluid for the Tremec manual trannies and swapped their recommendation from Multi-Vehicle ATF primary, Torque Drive secondary, to Torque Drive primary, Multi-Vehicle ATF secondary. MN12 or M6 - doesn't matter.
I've actually used both over the years and found they are very hard to tell apart. I've been using the Torque Drive since about 2007.
Tech Contributor
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
GM's original licensing has since expired, and other manufacturers can now use the Dexron VI designation for their ATF's. The VI stands for "Viscosity Improved".
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From: King George VA
GM never came out with Dexron IV ATF. I believe what you are referring to is Dexron VI ATF, which GM held the original licensing for.
GM's original licensing has since expired, and other manufacturers can now use the Dexron VI designation for their ATF's. The VI stands for "Viscosity Improved".
GM's original licensing has since expired, and other manufacturers can now use the Dexron VI designation for their ATF's. The VI stands for "Viscosity Improved".
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
When Dexron VI first came out, GM recommended it's use for all GM cars and trucks, with automatic transmissions, built from 1949 to date.
I suspect Amsoil's new Torque Drive ATF also has a very similar wide range usage application. I'm curious why Amsoil doesn't specify it as a replacement for Dexron VI or Mercon V ATF, which are both semi-synthetics.
I suspect Amsoil's new Torque Drive ATF also has a very similar wide range usage application. I'm curious why Amsoil doesn't specify it as a replacement for Dexron VI or Mercon V ATF, which are both semi-synthetics.
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
When Dexron VI first came out, GM recommended it's use for all GM cars and trucks, with automatic transmissions, built from 1949 to date.
I suspect Amsoil's new Torque Drive ATF also has a very similar wide range usage application. I'm curious why Amsoil doesn't specify it as a replacement for Dexron VI or Mercon V ATF, which are both semi-synthetics.
I suspect Amsoil's new Torque Drive ATF also has a very similar wide range usage application. I'm curious why Amsoil doesn't specify it as a replacement for Dexron VI or Mercon V ATF, which are both semi-synthetics.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: King George VA
When Dexron VI first came out, GM recommended it's use for all GM cars and trucks, with automatic transmissions, built from 1949 to date.
I suspect Amsoil's new Torque Drive ATF also has a very similar wide range usage application. I'm curious why Amsoil doesn't specify it as a replacement for Dexron VI or Mercon V ATF, which are both semi-synthetics.
I suspect Amsoil's new Torque Drive ATF also has a very similar wide range usage application. I'm curious why Amsoil doesn't specify it as a replacement for Dexron VI or Mercon V ATF, which are both semi-synthetics.
AMSOIL Low Viscosity Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL) (Product Code ATLQT)
The ATL is usable where GM says the Dexron VI is usable, thus backwards compatable with older automatic transmissions that required Dexron III. That said, the viscosity of Dexron VI is about 25% below that of Dexron III. I personally use the Multi-vehicle ATF in my 03 Chevy Trailblazer which specs Dexron III.
They did not change the Torque Drive formulation and make it any more or less broad when Dexron VI came out. The Torque Drive was specifically designed for Allison Transmissions that require Allison TES-295 transmission fluid specification. Happens to meet Dexron III as well and they evaluate it to be the best option for the tough application of our manual trannies. I do use the Torque Drive in my GMC RV which has an Allison tranny which is handy for me.
Team Owner
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
AMSOIL did consider using their AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle ATF (Product Code ATFQT) as a dual spec oil, but ultimately came out with a fluid specifically designed for the Dexron VI application:
AMSOIL Low Viscosity Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL) (Product Code ATLQT)
The ATL is usable where GM says the Dexron VI is usable, thus backwards compatable with older automatic transmissions that required Dexron III. That said, the viscosity of Dexron VI is about 25% below that of Dexron III. I personally use the Multi-vehicle ATF in my 03 Chevy Trailblazer which specs Dexron III.
They did not change the Torque Drive formulation and make it any more or less broad when Dexron VI came out. The Torque Drive was specifically designed for Allison Transmissions that require Allison TES-295 transmission fluid specification. Happens to meet Dexron III as well and they evaluate it to be the best option for the tough application of our manual trannies. I do use the Torque Drive in my GMC RV which has an Allison tranny which is handy for me.
AMSOIL Low Viscosity Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL) (Product Code ATLQT)
The ATL is usable where GM says the Dexron VI is usable, thus backwards compatable with older automatic transmissions that required Dexron III. That said, the viscosity of Dexron VI is about 25% below that of Dexron III. I personally use the Multi-vehicle ATF in my 03 Chevy Trailblazer which specs Dexron III.
They did not change the Torque Drive formulation and make it any more or less broad when Dexron VI came out. The Torque Drive was specifically designed for Allison Transmissions that require Allison TES-295 transmission fluid specification. Happens to meet Dexron III as well and they evaluate it to be the best option for the tough application of our manual trannies. I do use the Torque Drive in my GMC RV which has an Allison tranny which is handy for me.
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I also use the TD in my 97' A4 tranny............runs cool and takes the abuse way better than the other type fluids would
Instructor
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I'm about to place an order for this stuff, but this part of the product description about the recommended applications threw me off...
Pardon my ignorance, but a z06 and a dump truck use the same transmission fluid?
municipal or transit buses, motor coaches, garbage haulers, motor homes, delivery vans, emergency vehicles, school buses, dump trucks,utility vehicles, cement trucks, line haul trucks and tow trucks.
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From: Granby, MA
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I switched too
I recently switched both my transmission and differential fluids from Royal Purple to Amsoil. The RP was in the car for just about 3 years / maybe 6,000 miles. I felt the shifting might be improved upon plus it had been 3 years so figured, why not. Let me just say this...I was not impressed at all with what poured out of my transmission and my differential! MUD! I mean the RP that went in was purple in color. What came out was more a light greyish/milky/dirty looking sludge in both the transmission and in the differential. How my car was shifting ok, I'll never know.
I'll take a peak when I get to about 5000 miles on it to see how the Amsoil is doing.
Big props to Brad on here for hooking me up.
I'll take a peak when I get to about 5000 miles on it to see how the Amsoil is doing.
Big props to Brad on here for hooking me up.