Fluid Talk
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,614
Likes: 1,326
From: Iowa
Fluid Talk Ok fella's, I got some unexpected free time today, so I decided i'm gonna stir the pot a little. I see all kinds of discussions on the best engine oil. Conventional vs synthetic. This weight vs that weight. This brand vs that brand. But for some reason, it seems like that same discussion doesn't exist for trans fluid anywhere near being on the same level.
So, i'm gonna throw out the question. What do you run, and why? dex 3 vs dex 6. How do you feel about additives? Is name brand stuff at 2x the cost a waste (royal purple atf, lucas atf, b&m atf, etc)?
I want to make this the most informative atf thread out there, so get out the chalkboard, and school us all!
So, i'm gonna throw out the question. What do you run, and why? dex 3 vs dex 6. How do you feel about additives? Is name brand stuff at 2x the cost a waste (royal purple atf, lucas atf, b&m atf, etc)?
I want to make this the most informative atf thread out there, so get out the chalkboard, and school us all!
I use AC Delco dexron VI. Paid about $24/gallon.
I considered trying out Royal Purple or Amsoil, but with so many mixed reviews and given the considerably higher cost I decided to stick with what GM recommends for all 4l60e transmissions.
I considered trying out Royal Purple or Amsoil, but with so many mixed reviews and given the considerably higher cost I decided to stick with what GM recommends for all 4l60e transmissions.
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: North Texas/Sometimes Mexico
I have used dex/merc or dex III (they are the same) in most transmissions. In a full race transmission that is refreshed every year, I would use type F, as it is very good for clutches just hard on bushings and bearings. Some people run Hy-gard because it withstands higher temperatures, I don't like it because on cold starts it is very thick causing soft shift. A big negative for street use and cold climates even in Texas. Hy-gard also leave an unknown black residue inside of torque converters and doesn't wash off even in a high temperature parts washer. As far as synthetics, unknown friction modifiers make me uneasy.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Not trying to suppress the party, but this topic comes up regularly:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...u-running.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...4l60e-use.html
IMHO, yes the "name brand" stuff is a waste of money. GM specifies exactly what properties Dexron VI must have to allow that name on the bottle. "Dexron" is a registered Trademark of GM and anyone using that name has to license it and prove to GM that it meets their spec. And you can buy GM-brand Dexron at a reasonable price.
Even though GM recommends Dexron VI, I think that most pro builders just use the cheaper Dexron III and have no problems with it.
Although both are "compatible" and could be mixed, I think most will agree that you should add whatever is already in the trans.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...u-running.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...4l60e-use.html
IMHO, yes the "name brand" stuff is a waste of money. GM specifies exactly what properties Dexron VI must have to allow that name on the bottle. "Dexron" is a registered Trademark of GM and anyone using that name has to license it and prove to GM that it meets their spec. And you can buy GM-brand Dexron at a reasonable price.
Even though GM recommends Dexron VI, I think that most pro builders just use the cheaper Dexron III and have no problems with it.
Although both are "compatible" and could be mixed, I think most will agree that you should add whatever is already in the trans.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Seriously, no idea. A local trans shop sold me a case of GM labeled Dexron VI.
Last edited by mrvedit; Jan 18, 2016 at 10:29 PM.
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,614
Likes: 1,326
From: Iowa
Thanks for those links. I've seen em but im sure there's others that havent.
But, from reading through them, it seems that the consensus is "just run the gm stuff" or "dex VI is good enough"
When people talk about engine oil, I sometimes fear that the gloves are gonna have to be put on to settle the argument. I just don't see the same interest for trans fluid.
I've heard people say that power steering fluid and atf are the same with a dye, and in a jam, you can interchange them. I've heard to run different hydraulic fluids. I've heard run just straight 5 weight, non detergent engine oil even.
I personally plan on running gm dex VI in all of my builds, but if somebody can convince me otherwise, or alternatively, reinforce my decision, i'm all ears!
But, from reading through them, it seems that the consensus is "just run the gm stuff" or "dex VI is good enough"
When people talk about engine oil, I sometimes fear that the gloves are gonna have to be put on to settle the argument. I just don't see the same interest for trans fluid.
I've heard people say that power steering fluid and atf are the same with a dye, and in a jam, you can interchange them. I've heard to run different hydraulic fluids. I've heard run just straight 5 weight, non detergent engine oil even.
I personally plan on running gm dex VI in all of my builds, but if somebody can convince me otherwise, or alternatively, reinforce my decision, i'm all ears!
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