neon manual trans

[racer12306]

A little history. I have a 2004 Dodge Neon with the NV-T350 trans. I ran the Mopar ATF+4 until ~13000 miles. Then I changed it to AMSOIL Universal ATF. The car now has 55000 miles on it. I'm not really thrilled with the atf in the manual trans. I would like to improve the shift quality.

I know previous to 03 the NV-T350 in neons spec'd a mopar manual transmission fluid. The spec on this fluid was MS-9417.

After looking over the options it seems that Redline MTL and AMSOIL MTF are two suitable fluids. I would go with the AMSOIL to support the board, unless there are really strong objections to the AMSOIL MTF (im doubting there will be)

So I will be transitioning from ATF to a manual transmission specific fluid. I want to flush it out with a standard off the shelf synchromesh fluid before I dump the good stuff in, since the Redline and the AMSOIL fluids are >$8/qt. The AMSOIL tech I had spoken to said it wasn't necessary, and that I just needed to make sure it drained really well.

So, I picked up Pennzoil Synchromesh fluid at Salvo Auto Parts for $5/qt. I figured it would be fine, but it carries the MS-9224 spec, which supposedly is for the NV-3500. And it mentions nothing on pennzoil.com or the bottle about the MS-9417 spec.

The AMSOIL MTF says it is good for both the MS-9224 and the MS-9417 spec'd applications. Other people with neons have used the Redline MTL with great results.

So, I guess my questions are:
flush or not?
if yes, Pennzoil Synchromesh or something else?
Redline MTL or AMSOIL MTF?

Maybe theres another question I have, dont know. If anyone that reads this thinks there is, please answer it. Someone I know says he switched his 02 neon r/t (did not originally spec ATF+4) to the Pennzoil Synchromesh and then it started leaking. Im doubting the fluid was to blame, but any insight into this?

Overall opinions?

 

[UncleS2]

I drive a 97 Neon MTx, & have VOA & UOA on the Mopar fluid posted here on BITOG, look/search down in the Analysis section. Here's a link to most of the info from those same OA's plus my general conclusions posted over at Neons.org. If you're not familiar with it, a good source for info after you wade through the teen angst.

I would gladly put Redline MTL in my trans if I could find it locally. I now have Molakules Specialty Formulations SynchroGlide in my trans- it works great & I highly recommend it!

The Pennzoil Synchromesh should be fine also, I'd put it in mine in a heartbeat. I dunno about the Amsoil, but if they spec it for Mopar MS 9417 I'd bet it's fine too, and probably very good stuff.

Flush or not: I wouldn't wory about a flush, just drain & refill with the lube of your choice & drive like h***.

PZ OK? It sure oughta be. I keep a quart in the carport closet in case I need to top up. Since you already have the PZ, if I was in your shoes I'd use it & drive the car. I wouldn't sweat the fact that the PZ doesn't specifically mention the 9417, that seems to be an obscure temporary spec that gets lost in the shuffle. The fact that Chrysler switched from the 9417 fluid to ATx fluid tells me that it ain't all that critical, and it sure ain't magic.

Want to upgrade to a high-end synthetic? OK, how about this: run the Pennzoil Synchromesh for 10,000-20,000 miles(or even just a few thousand- that'll take care of any flushing!) while you save up your nickels for some Specialty Formulations Synchroglide or maybe some Amsoil.

Link: http://forums.neons.org/viewtopic.php?t=246275

 

[racer12306]

Thanks for the fast response. I am all too familiar with neons.org. There is definetly a lot of the teen angst. I am more into 2gn.org now. It seems to be a nicer group that owns 2nd gens and wont trash the 2nd gens like a lot of the 1st genners will. Im a different person on neons.org, kind of have to be pretty darn aggressive to survive some situations. But yeah, once you weed out the junk there is some decent info. Thanks for the link

I forgot about molakules formulas. Ill definetly look into those.

I was thinking the same thing about the switch to ATF. I remember on my 93 shadow, I talked with a friend of ours that happened to work in the parts department at a dodge dealer. He had said ATF, 5w30, gear oil, etc. Pretty much as long as it has a lube in there it will be happy. He is someone that I trust as he is quite famous in the world of FWD mopars and really knows his stuff about FWD mopars.

Thanks again.

 

[Pablo]

MTF will shift great - it's just a tad thicker than ATF, yet has MT additives and is a direct recommendation for the NV-T350. If it shifts anything like the MTF/MTG I put in the VOLVO - you will be very happy.

No need to flush.

 

[mechtech]

Put the Penn Synch that you just bought in the transmission, and you'll like it.
I use Specialty Formulations , in various viscosities. They make really good gear oils.

 

[racer12306]

Since I had it I put the Pennzoil Synchromesh in. It does feel better than the ATF. Maybe in a few thousand Ill have to order some AMSOIL.