Transmission fluid you use that IMPROVED shifting over stock

[redstaf426]

So...The majority of you out there are using the friction modified GM synchromesh or the regular??Also,do y'all still pore in half a bottle of the friction modifier along with the friction modified or non friction modified synchromesh??

 

[NOGM4ME]

So...The majority of you out there are using the friction modified GM synchromesh or the regular??Also,do y'all still pore in half a bottle of the friction modifier along with the friction modified or non friction modified synchromesh??

I used the GM non synthetic in mine with the friction modifier. I can only say I wish I had done this along time ago. Hard to believe fluid can make that much of a difference. It does though.
GM synchromesh regular part# 12345349 with Motorcraft XL-3 friction modifier
GM synchromesh synthetic part# 12377916 with Motorcraft XL-7 friction modifier
4qts of synchromesh and half(2oz) of the modifier to do the job. Cost me $34 for everything(I work in a GM dealership). About $45 retail for the non synthetic. about $52 retail for the synthetic stuff. Either combo works fine. hope this helps those contemplating the switch :-D

 

[Wings65288]

or you can get pennzoil synchromesh for manual trannys, i hear it's the same as GM Synchromesh and the price is $22 bucks for 4 quarts at autozone

 

[badcobra]

Use what is recommended for the T-56 and that is ATF.

My trans with CF DF clutch and Amsoil ATF shifts like butter.

 

[BIGV]

I called tremec today and spoke with a tech guy he said that the dexron3 is what they recommend however you can run the gm synchromesh no friction modifier I have also been told this by a ford mechanic stay away from the friction modifier. penzoil is the same as gm http://www.stealth316.com/2-pennzoil-synchromesh.htm

 

[pj_rage]

Any possibility of the GM syncromesh voiding tranny warranty? I may be wrong, and I don't want to start a rumor, but I seem to remember a few guys with GM syncromesh complaining of broken transmissions. Possibly coincidence...

EDIT: This didn't stop me from ordering the GM syncromesh non-synthetic part number 12345349 from http://www.steeda.com/store/-catalog/synchromesh.htm, and the ford motorcraft friction modifier XL-3 from http://www.shopdiesel.com/index.cfm/action/sitemap.htm

Hope these addresses help. I may have paid a slightly more, but it's all about convenience.

 

[RJCobra]

Service Topic

Here's a copy of the service topic that Tremec sent me:

Service Topics Number: 2-03

Date:
March 14, 2003

Subject:
Recommended Fluids

Transmission Models Affected:
All

Due to various synchronizer materials used in TREMEC transmissions, and different climates and applications, no one single fluid will work for all transmissions. For example, fluids that are high in sulfur content may damage the surface of brass blocker rings found in many transmissions, while some oils may damage the bonding material used in carbon fiber papers. Heavy weight oils generally provide better lubrication to bearing surfaces; however they may cause harder shifts, particularly in cold weather.

Recommended oil change intervals should be based on specific usage. In most cases a “fill for life” is adequate, while in severe applications such as drag racing, or road racing a more frequent fluid change should be prescribed. Excessive heat will cause most fluids to breakdown and ultimately cause damage to the transmission. The transmission should be filled through the fill plug located on the side of the transmission. Proper fill level is achieved once the oil reaches the fill hole. Recommended fluids by transmission model are listed below:

TR-3550 / TKO
GM Synchromesh has proven to provide the best performance for these transmissions, which use brass synchronizers.

T-5, T-56, TR-3650
These transmissions use a combination of brass, carbon fiber and paper-lined synchronizers. An ATF fluid such as Dexron III will provide the best results.

 

[pj_rage]

Here's a copy of the service topic that Tremec sent me:

Service Topics Number: 2-03

Date:
March 14, 2003

Subject:
Recommended Fluids

Transmission Models Affected:
All

Due to various synchronizer materials used in TREMEC transmissions, and different climates and applications, no one single fluid will work for all transmissions. For example, fluids that are high in sulfur content may damage the surface of brass blocker rings found in many transmissions, while some oils may damage the bonding material used in carbon fiber papers. Heavy weight oils generally provide better lubrication to bearing surfaces; however they may cause harder shifts, particularly in cold weather.

Recommended oil change intervals should be based on specific usage. In most cases a “fill for life” is adequate, while in severe applications such as drag racing, or road racing a more frequent fluid change should be prescribed. Excessive heat will cause most fluids to breakdown and ultimately cause damage to the transmission. The transmission should be filled through the fill plug located on the side of the transmission. Proper fill level is achieved once the oil reaches the fill hole. Recommended fluids by transmission model are listed below:

TR-3550 / TKO
GM Synchromesh has proven to provide the best performance for these transmissions, which use brass synchronizers.

T-5, T-56, TR-3650
These transmissions use a combination of brass, carbon fiber and paper-lined synchronizers. An ATF fluid such as Dexron III will provide the best results.

Too bad they don't say anything specific about the GM synchromesh being able to cause damage to our T-56s. Funny that people have had good results with it, but I wonder if it is doing damage over time to the synchros or other parts inside.

 

[YELOSNK]

Has anyone had any experience with Lucas Oil ATF?

 

[03TKTGTR]

Tranny was like a shit can before I added Mobil 1, now it's smooth as hell.

 

[RJCobra]

Here's some correspondence with the RP people. Starts from the bottom up. I may give it a try.

Ray,

RP Synchromax is a fully synthetic product having the viscosity of an atf which will give you good low temperature shift qualities. It has a low temperature pour point of -40 F.
Depending on where you are located, winter shift qualities in manual transmissions can change drastically regardless of fluids if you live in an area of extreme cold (consistently below 0 degrees F) and the vehicle is stored outside. Note - wind chill temperatures have no effect on lubricants.

The ambient temperatures would have to be consistently below - 25 F for the Synchromax to start being an issue. Those types of ambient temperatures do not occur routinely in 95 % of North America.

Rubber shifter bushings, shift cables all can effect how a vehicle shifts at extreme low temperatures.

Due to the high film strength technology built into the Synchromax, noise reduction is a typical observed improvement by most users converting from a Dexron ATF or GM Synchromesh to our RP Synchromax.

Here is a quote from an end user that was received 7/13/05 via email
"Hi, I just changed my transmission fluid (NV-3550) and transfer case fluid (NP-231) on my 2001 Jeep Wrangler to Synchromax.First off My transmission has never sounded so quiet. And their is a definite improvement in shifting. I cant wait until winter to see how good it works for cold shifting." Thank You, Rob

Thanks for the emails and give us a try - I'm confident that you will see / feel the difference.

David

David Canitz
Tech Services Manager
Royal Purple Ltd
1 Royal Purple Lane
Porter, TX 77365
281-354-8600 x202
281-354-7335 fax
713-725-7207 cell
[email protected]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2005 11:34 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: RP Synchromax


Thanks for your replies. I think the problem was that I changed to the Redline in the wintertime. Will the RP shift harder in the winter than the Dexron III?
The RP should also help to make the tranny quieter, correct?

----- Original Message -----

From: David Canitz

Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2005 11:05 AM
Subject: RE: RP Synchromax


Ray,

On the T-56, we do not recommend adding the friction modifier to our Synchromax.

If you are not satisfied with the straight Synchromax (I doubt that you will) but shift quality is a subjective thing - I would suggest that you try it without and only add the friction modifier if you feel that the shift quality is not what you desire. You appear to be more sensitive to some shift characteristics such as notchiness than most other drivers.

Cheers and thanks for using RP.

David

David Canitz
Tech Services Manager
Royal Purple Ltd
1 Royal Purple Lane
Porter, TX 77365
281-354-8600 x202
281-354-7335 fax
713-725-7207 cell
[email protected]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2005 8:30 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: RP Synchromax


So it shouldn't need the friction modifier that alot of guys are using with Synchromesh?

----- Original Message -----
From: David Canitz

Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2005 8:30 PM
Subject: RE: RP Synchromax


Ray,

RP Synchromax is the correct and recommended product for your T-56. It has the viscosity similar to that of an atf but the load carrying ability of a gear oil so you get the best of both worlds. Great smooth improved shift quality and reduced wear and operating temperatures due to the high film strength technology.

The GM Synchromesh, first made by Texaco and now Pennzoil is basically an atf and being a factory fill, is typically sold on a bid process to the OEM's.

We do not have the problem with the material swell due to using synthetic hydrocarbon based synthetics rather than POE such as a Redline product. Tremec knows of our product but we do not have a chance to be a factory fill option due to the cost of the product.

Cheers,

David

David Canitz
Tech Services Manager
Royal Purple Ltd
1 Royal Purple Lane
Porter, TX 77365
281-354-8600 x202
281-354-7335 fax
713-725-7207 cell
[email protected]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: RP Synchromax


Trying to detrermine if the Synchromax is ok to use in my car. Its a 2003 Mustang Cobra with the T-56 6-speed transmission. The Tremec people won't recommend anything but the Dexron III. They say the synthetics will swell the material in the blocking rings and cause damage. I have tried Redline ATF but it seemed to create harder shifting which resolved after I chaged back to Dexron.

Would I need any of that friction modifier with the RP?
How does Syncromax differ from the Penzoil or GM Synchromesh?

 

[pj_rage]

Just added the GM syncromesh and ford friction modifier. Shifts smoother than whatever was in there last (I assume stock). Not night/day difference that I have to come rant and rave about, but it is a little smoother. I'm still a little worried about the stuff not being Dextron III ATF compliant or whatever, and the possibility of it doing damage. How often are you guys replacing the syncromesh?

 

[Wings65288]

the Pennzoil Synchromesh for manual trannys is the same as GM synchromes i believe

 

[swami]

Clay,

Texaco’s DEXRON III / MERCON Spec ATF is TREMEC’s recommended fluid for this application.



-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2005 4:36 PM
To: Jeff Chytil
Subject: Re: Fluid



hi jeff,

i read at the svtperformance forum that you all recommend mobil1 for the 2003 cobra t-56 tranny. i would prefer to use synthetic dexron III; what brand is recommended? TIA

clay russell

winchester, va

----- Original Message -----

From: Jeff Chytil

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, August 29, 2005 12:18 PM

Subject: Fluid



Clay,

Thank you for your interest in the TREMEC brand product. Our recommended fluid is DEXRON III / MERCON Spec ATF. In 2001, Ford was using the Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in the TREMEC transmission and it was discovered that this was causing shift ability issues. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me.
Tremec told me to use:

 

[swami]

hey guys FYI this is what i was told by jeff chytil from Tremec via email. there is sure a lot of conflicting info about "what worked well for me" and what is recommended by the people that designed and built it?

 

[me32]

well im still using the stock stuff and wont change it till after the warrenty period

 

[toomanymustangs]

I just changed mine to the GM stuff and Ford Friction modifyer(sp?) Tranny shifts about the same under normal driving but hard driving shifts way better than before. I just poured the whole bottle of modifyer in my tranny. Bad? It seemed to quiet the tranny down alot.

P.S. The old fluid was NASTY for a car that is only 3 years old it was black as hell.

 

[Alex Kovacevic]

It's funny, I used to make fun of people at the track that shifted really slow. Then when I got my cobra I became one of those slow shifting people. It was so hard and notchy. I changed the fluid with sycnhromax by RP and it made a world of a difference. Now I can power shift the car easily[I still won't though] So much easier to shift. I've had it in my car for a year now, over 50 passes down the track, and 46,000 miles later my tranny still shifts like a hot knife through butter. Royal purple synchromax gets my vote for sure.

 

[Screamn03]

Lil update on my car,

I've had Syncromesh and 2oz of XL-3 in the car for 7K miles now (since May) and the trans has been working flawlessly.

If only I had one of these life would be good, although I don't think the IRS would appriciate it much:
http://www.g-forcetransmissions.com/tran_gt-56.asp

 

[prttyboyfloyd]

Anyone ever hear of BG syncroshift. They use it at some dealers when they do tran flushes on manuel trans'. Not sure if anyone here ahs used it in the t56 or if they liked it at all.