bigsticksupra

iTrader: (3)

its 2024 and I'm back in an F-Body (2000 Camaro SS) after selling my last car in 2018. I've tried all the synthetics and fancy fluids out there in my past F-Body T56 cars and every time its lead me back to good ol cheapo DEXRON III being the best. However, i see that TREMEC has their own trans fluid now and was wondering if any of you guys have tried it in a stock T56 with the OE paper/fiber synchros? any good?

if not, what's the consensus go to fluid nowadays for a stock T56? thanks!

Rich-L79

Take a wild guess what the Tremec fluid really is.

slothman

Texron III

Mr. Black

Pennzoil Syncromesh has always had god like qualities for me.

Othwerwise it's plain ole Valvoline Dexron III

gjohnsonws6

iTrader: (12)

I think you answered your own question in the second sentence. Stick with DEX 3 until a rebuild is needed and you know what’s in the transmission parts wise. At that point you could switch to the heavier Tremec 75W85 (Viper Fluid) if you wanted. What you are doing with the car will help to better determine if it’s needed or not when you cross that bridge.

High load/endurance applications can benefit from the thicker fluid which has a better heat breakdown factor. I think you already know from experience that heavier fluid equals harder shifts.
I am at my own debate with this myself and might run Syncromesh in my rebuild after the break in with DEX 3. I’d like to avoid using a cooler if possible and maybe that is where the 75W85 will come into place.

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

I run a mix of synthetic Dex3 and Conventional Dex 3. As for rebuilding a T56, just get a Magnum F.

bigsticksupra

iTrader: (3)

ended up using what GM officially wants you to use (88861800 aka DEXRON III with manual transmission additives) since its affordable now - shifts great!

BALLSS

The reason DEX3 (read non synthetic) was used in T56 with paper/fiber blocker rings is synthetics, over time, would break them down. IIRC it was 98 or 99 Tremec switched to carbon fiber blocker rings making synthetics OK.

While my 94-97 style T56 was made in 2004 it had the carbon ones per D&D where I bought it in 2005. They told me about the fluid compatibility differences at that time.

I use DEX3 but have used Redline D4, a synthetic, which was very good and also made cold shifting less "notchy".

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

I've been using Redline D4 ATF for 20 years and stick to it. Tick likes to recommend Schaeffer's oil
https://www.schaefferoil.com/204-atf-supreme.html