Honda Z1 vs Other ATF's

[widman]

I replaced the Dexron III in my 2001 CR-V with a Synthetic Universal (Honda, ATF+4, Mercon V, etc) about 6 months ago at 70,000 miles(the latest Dexron had only been in about 5000) and the shifts improved dramatically. But I can't convince Honda to use anything other than Dexron.

 

[BuickGN]

I've been running Amsoil ATD for 20K miles and the ATF before that in the TL. I was told not to use the ATD but it shifts better and has not changed color at all. At this mileage on the Z1 it was black and smelled burned. The magnefine filter when cut apart looked brand new, with nothing in the paper element and a very fine layer of metal on the magnet.

As for shift quality, the tach drops quicker on shifts, they're crisper, but I still can't feel them at all. They just happen quicker. Might have something to do with the drive by wire closing the throttle on shifts. Seems like a win-win for me. Quicker shifts with no degredation in shift quality.

I was under the impression that the only reason you don't want to use a non Z1 fluid is because it could cause harsh shifts.

 

[widman]

I was having a lot of trouble with shifts where the computer apparently couldn't decide which gear to put it in, especially on corners or slight braking. Now it is smooth without the hesitation.
And I will admit to once being against the idea that any ATF could be "Universal".

 

[Auto-Union]

2 AMSoil ATF changes on my '07 now and it shifts incredible.

 

[dorkiedoode]

awesome, i actually went to this one thread where everyone was against using anything else beside Z1. looks like i will be switching to amsoil or maxlife soon.