Import Multi-Vehicle ATF or Mercon V

[Hyde244]

I foresee a lot of discussions cropping up in these forums linked to AAP's current $4 Castrol Trans Fluid sale... Holding price constant, is there any advantage to running Import Multi-Vehicle over Mercon V in a Ford application? I know the Import Multi-Vehicle carries a higher VI, meets Mercon V specs, and normally carries a higher price tag than Mercon V. Is one transmission fluid superior to the other? Or are we just splitting hairs? For reference, here are the tech sheets on each: Mercon V: http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_int...pds_MerconV.pdf Import Multi-Vehicle: http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_int...ds_ImportMV.pdf

 

[Doog]

I have always had great results with Castrol IMV.

 

[Donald]

A quality brand multi-vehicle ATF is fine.

 

[BISCUT]

I use multi-vehicle trans (MaxLife) in my F150 calling for Merc V all good.

 

[MaximaGuy]

Mercon-V if it a Ford. Import really works great on Japanese imports -- I have used Castrol IMV ATF and it is better than OEM, shift quality is great and holds up pretty well. A great alternative to Japanese OEM fluids, but then IMV ATF is not cheap, so I just buy OEM for peace of mind.

 

[badtlc]

The viscosity is the difference. If your car calls for MerconV that is what you want.

 

[Hyde244]

^ Even if Ford has licensed and approved IMV? Bear in mind, M1 full synthetic ATF also carries a higher VI, and is also certified for Mercon V. I do not think VI tells the whole story.

 

[badtlc]

Viscosity is more important than VI, IMO, when determining MerconV applicability. IMV doesn't meet that viscosity spec requirement. EDIT: And yes, I actually happen to be running Castrol IMV in my MerconV Escape ATX. I had extra I needed to get rid of. I wouldn't do it again by choice of buying new fluids.

 

[Hyde244]

^ How has your experience been? What makes you not want to choose it?

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: Hyde244

^ How has your experience been? What makes you not want to choose it?

It is thicker. Not a huge deal but it is minutely perceptible to me, especially in this crazy cold weather lately.