DCT Fluid
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Jun 25, 2024, 06:28 PM
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 873
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From: Little Egypt, USA
ACDelco DTC Fluid is advertised as a synthetic blend, Valvoline DCT as a full synthetic. Delco hires someone to make it for them, Valvoline makes it themself. Delco is $21 to $32 per bottle, Valvoline $7.50 to $9.50. Both have FFL-4 on the bottle.
I maybe a fool taking a real chance but I have never been let down by a Valvoline product in 50 years of wrenching so unless there is proof it's damaging something for my $ I'm using it.
I can change it twice more for the same cost and I'm personally confident it will not grenade anything. If the shifting quality is that bad I'll drain it and put Delco in.
I'll be doing the first engine oil change and DCT canister filter soon at 1500 miles. I'll be sending the oil to Blackstone for a baseline and I'm tempted to send the fluid too.
Yeah, I like to live dangerously
I maybe a fool taking a real chance but I have never been let down by a Valvoline product in 50 years of wrenching so unless there is proof it's damaging something for my $ I'm using it.
I can change it twice more for the same cost and I'm personally confident it will not grenade anything. If the shifting quality is that bad I'll drain it and put Delco in.
I'll be doing the first engine oil change and DCT canister filter soon at 1500 miles. I'll be sending the oil to Blackstone for a baseline and I'm tempted to send the fluid too.
Yeah, I like to live dangerously
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Melting Slicks
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From: Fulshear, TX
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While I wouldn't use the Valvoline fluid while my DCT is within the GM Powertrain warranty or Platinum Protection Plan periods I'd consider using it if other people are using it without adverse effects. Sometimes the effects of using the wrong fluid can be subtle. Strange noises, weird shifting, clunky operation, etc. which can be rectified by switching back to the correct fluid. It will be interesting to see how this fluid works out in the long run.
Melting Slicks
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From: Early 2020 Z51 Coupe, Original Owner, Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ
While I wouldn't use the Valvoline fluid while my DCT is within the GM Powertrain warranty or Platinum Protection Plan periods I'd consider using it if other people are using it without adverse effects. Sometimes the effects of using the wrong fluid can be subtle. Strange noises, weird shifting, clunky operation, etc. which can be rectified by switching back to the correct fluid. It will be interesting to see how this fluid works out in the long run.
At $60qt at a dealer, come on. At that difference I'll probably just only do a full fluid change in a few months.
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While I wouldn't use the Valvoline fluid while my DCT is within the GM Powertrain warranty or Platinum Protection Plan periods I'd consider using it if other people are using it without adverse effects. Sometimes the effects of using the wrong fluid can be subtle. Strange noises, weird shifting, clunky operation, etc. which can be rectified by switching back to the correct fluid. It will be interesting to see how this fluid works out in the long run.
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From: Fulshear, TX
I had a new 1987 honda accord. Eventually, I replaced the automatic transmission with another well recognized and respected brand of the correctly rated transmission fluid. The shifting was funky. I then put the Honda brand fluid it, and it made a difference, the car shifted perfectly. Lesson: there can be important differences in lubricants that are not evident based on published "standards". But, in the case of the C8, is there any actual published standard for the transmission fluid? Some of the GM documentation still lists a Fuchs Titan product doesn't it? But no "standard" I'm not sure one would know how to pick a different fluid. By the way Amsoil also recommends a product for the C8. I did not check further, but I'll bet others do too.
FFL-4 is the specification I've seen referenced, as stated on the ACDelco bottle.
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Does the Valvoline DCT fluid meet a FFL-4 specification? Does it specifically say it can be used in the C8 DCT? Or does it say something like "can be used in DCTs that require FFL-4 fluid"?
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From: Fulshear, TX
"Recommend for use in: FFL-4"
REDLINE DCTF
"OEM Compatibility
Suitable for:
AC Delco 10-4130
FUCHS Titan EG FFL-4
GM 19418016"
Last edited by Kracka; Jun 11, 2024 at 10:25 PM.
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I think the simple answer is, if it's a concern, the OEM ACDelco is the safe choice.
Is there better available? Probably... Which one is it? Who knows! I've personally had great experiences using Redline transmission fluids and gear oils in other applications (including my C7). I've also been impressed with Valvoline's in-house R&D lab facility in Kentucky. Will I try either of their DCT fluids in my C8? Who knows...my car is at the dealer now for the 3-year DCT service so I'll think about it come 2027.
Is there better available? Probably... Which one is it? Who knows! I've personally had great experiences using Redline transmission fluids and gear oils in other applications (including my C7). I've also been impressed with Valvoline's in-house R&D lab facility in Kentucky. Will I try either of their DCT fluids in my C8? Who knows...my car is at the dealer now for the 3-year DCT service so I'll think about it come 2027.
Last edited by Kracka; Jun 11, 2024 at 10:35 PM.
