Fluid for level 1 4L60E?

[Travis99LS1]

Alright guys..im just trying to get some opinions on what trans fluid to use. I blew the transmission in my Z28..I ordered a Level 1 4l60e from performabuilt. All they recommend is a fluid that meets or exceeds Dex III specs. This transmission will also have a 3K stall converter, and i will be running an external cooler as well. My concern is with that 3K stall converter i will be generating a good amount of heat. This car is my daily driver, and i am living in orlando florida where its crazy hot. Im kinda torn if i should use a full synthetic or not..Either way i will be doing partial fluid changes roughly every 15-20K miles. The only good thing is that whatever fluid i use i will have 100% of only that fluid in there..So if i do use a full synthetic, i wont have to worry about having it diluted with old fluid or anything. I have been thinking of using Amsoil or Mobil full syn. fluid if i go that route. If i use conventional i was thinking of just valvoline or pennzoil..So i dont know..give me some advice on what you guys would use? im open for any suggestions.

-Travis

PS- i forgot to add that the car will occasionally see the drag strip for some racing.

 

[Travis99LS1]

wow i feel dumb..Dont ask me why i put this in this section..Could a Mod. please move this to the correct section. Thanks

 

[Colt45ws]

I would use a synthetic. Its the only thing I would use in a automatic that I wanted to last. Especally one under those conditions. I would take a good look at TranSynd or a TransSynd clone like Amsoil Torque-Drive ATF.

 

[unDummy]

Partial changes every 15k-20k is nothing to brag about with a built tranny and higher stall converter.

Definitely use any full synthetic ATF. I do agree that TES295 and racing ATFs are your best bets.

You'll need an ATF temp gauge to monitor pan temps.

A deep sump pan will aid in cooling and increase fluid capacity.
Also, for more fluid, use a dual remote oil filter kit. A couple of PH8a or PH977 oil filters will add cooling/capacity to that transmission. If room is an issue, a single remote mount should be considered.

 

[Colt45ws]

Yeah, something I forgot to suggest is Redline D4, as well as TranSynd.

 

[bmwtechguy]

Lots of folks here have had excellent results with Schaeffer's 204SAT. Here's a look at their technical specifications:
http://www.schaefferoil.com/datapdf/204SAT.pdf
It is full synthetic and recommended for TES295 as well.

 

[Buffman]

IMO use regular conventional DEX III stuff. Most 4l60e trans builders recommend it anyways. If you purchased a quality 9.5" TC, then there shouldn't be much extra heat at all. However be aware of cheap larger diameter higher stall units. Those are the heat machines.

 

[Travis99LS1]

Hey guys i appreciate all the ideas..I decided to go with Mobil 1 ATF..only because of it being readily available at local auto parts stores...And you guys are right..15-20K mile drain and fills are nothing special..I will probably be doing one every other oil change or roughly 10K miles,does that sound like a better interval to you guys?..Buffman- It is a quality 9.5" lock up TC..But im sure it will still generate quite a bit of heat...especially during any aggressive driving. Thanks again guys.

 

[Buffman]

Well it shouldnt much more than a stocker. Im still running the stock cooler setup on my car (internal radiator and external) plus an add on spin on filter, and my transmission has been just as cool as it was with the stock stall/trans. For those who might question, yes monitored with trans temp gauge. And trust me I don't drive the car very nicely

Car in question is 4000lbs with a 3400 9.5" TC

 

[chas3]

valvoline's mercon v atf would meet the dexron iii requirement and is a synthetic blend. with your change interval, it would probably be just fine and might be a bit cheaper than m1.

 

[PT1]

Have you considered DexVI?

 

[Buffman]

He prolly didn't since of cost, but would work fine in the 46l0e :0

 

[Travis99LS1]

Quote:

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Well it shouldnt much more than a stocker. Im still running the stock cooler setup on my car (internal radiator and external) plus an add on spin on filter, and my transmission has been just as cool as it was with the stock stall/trans. For those who might question, yes monitored with trans temp gauge. And trust me I don't drive the car very nicely

Car in question is 4000lbs with a 3400 9.5" TC

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Well i'm glad to hear that..hopefully my temps wont be much higher than stock..that would be awesome. I just get a little concerned living in Orlando, Fl..where its not uncommon for me to sit in stop and go traffic for about an hour..with my AC blasting and ambient temps. around 100 or so..It probably would be a good idea for me to install a temp guage..The least i'll do is borrow my freinds scan tool, and drive around for a day and monitor tranny temps..Just to make sure its not getting to hot.

 

[Buffman]

yeah if you're in traffic for that long, log some temps and go from there.