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Best Trans Fluid ??

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Old Jul 2, 2015 | 02:40 PM
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Default Best Trans Fluid ??

I have a 99 Trans Am 4L60e and 3.73's but I am getting a new aluminum trans pan and changing the fluid and filter and would like to know the best fluid to put in it. Car has 108,000 and is in great shape, got it used so I am in the process of changing all the fluids cause of lack of records from the seller. Dexron 6, Mercon V ( thicker fluid ), Redline, Royal Purple, B&M ... Suggestions please !!! Thank you
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Old Jul 2, 2015 | 03:24 PM
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GM recommends Dexron VI for all of its automatic transmissions, superseding previous Dexron III recommendations.

AC Delco is the OEM manufacturer for GM and they make a Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid for about $25/gallon.

In theory, any fluid meeting Dexron VI specs should be good. In practice, folks will have their opinions about Redline vs RP vs Amsoil vs Valvoline vs Mobil 1 vs etc.
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Old Jul 2, 2015 | 03:38 PM
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cheapest dex 6 i know of on amazon

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00M1Y3KZ...V65529Y3&psc=1




have it saved for if i ever get around to doing a fluid and filter change.
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Old Jul 2, 2015 | 10:54 PM
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$48 for 12 quarts is an excellent price.
Dropping the pan only changes about 5 quarts, but an entire trans and converter typically hold 12 quarts.
IMHO, Redline, Royal Purple, B&M, etc over-promise and under-deliver. I have even read of serious problems with some of them. I would stick with something labeled "Dexron VI" which means it meets GM's specs.

As mentioned, many members and builders use the cheaper Dexron III without any problems. Hard to justify the additional cost of Dexron VI, although $4/quart is very good.
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Old Jul 3, 2015 | 05:02 AM
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Down here in S. Florida we have a auto store called Bennett Auto and I got AC Delco Dexron VI for 4.84 per quart which isn't really any more expensive than any other regular brand name Dex III. When I drop the pan to put the new one on I will flush the trans at that time, we have a suction machine at our dealership. Anybody know if the factory converter has a drain plug ? I personally justify the cost as no big deal for a better product. I have always done this, if the factory part is one price and the performance product is 20 to 40 dollars more I will buy the better product regardless of price. I worked in the performance industry for over 20 years before going to a dealership to work and have always upgraded if the price difference wasn't to bad and the product was better. I know many people who are on both sides of that fence.

Last edited by 99T/ALS1; Jul 3, 2015 at 05:13 AM.
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Old Jul 3, 2015 | 05:39 AM
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Converter does not have a drain hole
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Old Jul 3, 2015 | 09:45 AM
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Thanks for all the info !!
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 08:07 AM
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Just bought 12 quarts of Valvoline Dexron VI from Oreilly's $8.19 a quart. Replaced all the fluid it TC and trans. Ended up with 1 quart left but will likely add more once I drive is more.
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