metroplex... 4R70W fluid question

[novadude]

I notice you are active on modulardepot, and that you have a 4R70W. I was just curious what fluid you are using, and if you have any trans modifications.

I am using Havoline Mercon V in my AODE. I have done the "jerry mod" valve body modifications, added a FRPP cooler, and also a 2600 stall, 9.5" Precision Industries converter. I am also running a Fordchip that Pete C and Jerry have set-up to lock the TCC at WOT in 2nd and 3rd gear. I am thinking that locking at WOT is probably very hard on fluid, so I usually change it at 20k mile intervals.

What oil is in your trans?

 

[metroplex]

Sup novadude,

I'm using the factory fill Mercon-V in my 4R70W. It's got less than 14k miles.

It came with an OE 24,000GVW Stacked plate cooler, and I have the stock 11.25" 155k Mark VIII/GT converter (~2600 stall, 2.40 tq multiplier) and I tuned my own car to lock up the TCC at WOT in 2nd and 3rd as well. I eliminated the slip at low load/RPM that causes the shudder. I have also set it for near 6000 RPM WOT shifts.

I am not sure what to use because I will be doing the J-Mod soon and want to change the ATF while I'm at it. It's either Mercon-V from Autozone or Amsoil ATF... but the Amsoil dealer pricing for the ATF isn't anything to write home about so I may just go with the regular Mercon-V for under $3/qt.

 

[novadude]

quote:

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I tuned my own car to lock up the TCC at WOT in 2nd and 3rd as well. I eliminated the slip at low load/RPM that causes the shudder.

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Yup... I have disabled that "feature" too. The car is so much nicer to drive without the PWM slip in 2nd and 3rd at light throttle. Mine is set to stay unlocked until 35 mph in OD, and then it goes to full lock. Works well.

I am about ready to change fluid. That is why I was wondering what others are using in a performance application. I may just grab some Pennzoil Merc V from PepBoys, or some Castrol Merc V from Wal Mart, since both are less than $3 / Qt. I was just "fishing" to see if any one brend was better.

A highly friction modded synthetic ATF raisies some concerns with me. Will it be too slippery to lock the TCC at WOT? Maybe this worry is invalid? I don't know much about trans fluid, so I cannot say. This was just something I thought about when the TCC was locking at WOT while I was merging on the freeway driving home from work yesterday.

BTW... 92k miles on my 1995 AODE (30k with 9.5" converter), and it is still working great!

 

[metroplex]

FWIW, I used Pennzoil Mercon-V in my 1980 AOD (98k miles, stock 12" converter) and it made the shifts so much faster and crisper. If the engine weren't so gutless, it'd be a nice car to drive. It's a 1981 T-bird with a 302 V8 off the 79 Cobra (not saying much... 130hp... EWWWWWWWWW)

 

[Schmoe]

I'm afraid to try it, but I kind of like the M1 Mercon V that just came out. I know that it's a semi-syn. I got about 28K factory fill on my 01 F150 4x4 5.4l. Manual says to change it out at 30K and from what I've read at ford-trucks.com, F150online.com, all members highly recommend this as the 4R70W is VERY picky about clean fluid. I have used Havoline Dexron fluids in the past for all my GM's, so I might just stick with them. Plus, their engine oils have been shown via used oil analysis to be pretty darn good too.

 

[metroplex]

Where can I find a URL or store for this Mobil 1 Mercon-V?