New ATF on the market labeled LV

[92 Rusty Ranger]

Subject:
1. Valvoline Dexron-VI Full Synthetic
2. Valvoline Full Synthetic Dexron* VI/Merson* LV

For use in 2013 Silverado 4.3L V-6, 4L60E Transmission

I recently drained 5 quarts ATF (#1 above) and refilled transmission with the newly supplied ATF (#2 above). After receiving the hairy eyeball from a friend, I learned the 'LV' stipulation on the Valvoline bottle is Low Viscosity used to achieve better gas mileage?? I'm still learning here. What's your take on the subject? Any and all comments are welcomed. Thanks.

 

[bdcardinal]

Dex-VI and Mercon LV are both low viscosity fluids.

 

[clinebarger]

Dexron VI is the correct ATF for a '13 4L60E, Though you could run a thicker Dexron III if you wanted.

 

[92 Rusty Ranger]

Dexron VI is the correct ATF for a '13 4L60E, Though you could run a thicker Dexron III if you wanted.

Thanks. When the packaging/labeling changes you wonder if you are getting the same fluid. Just one change in management and there's cost-cutting for a company producing a lesser product to save a few pennies.

 

[kschachn]

Thanks. When the packaging/labeling changes you wonder if you are getting the same fluid. Just one change in management and there's cost-cutting for a company producing a lesser product to save a few pennies.

That's not really it, there is a lot of money going into the development of lower viscosity fluids. It isn't for cost cutting it is for meeting fuel economy targets.

 

[92 Rusty Ranger]

That's not really it, there is a lot of money going into the development of lower viscosity fluids. It isn't for cost cutting it is for meeting fuel economy targets.

Yeah, I've been down that road. I used a recommended 0w-20 motor oil in a certain engine to boost gas mileage. I could literally hear the metal parts contacting each other. The EPA has their rules. It doesn't make equipment last longer for sure.

 

[MalibuRam65]

Yeah, I've been down that road. I used a recommended 0w-20 motor oil in a certain engine to boost gas mileage. I could literally hear the metal parts contacting each other. The EPA has their rules. It doesn't make equipment last longer for sure.

At least you getting the Gas mileage u require. Yeah sure you may get a little more wear just a little bit it’s ok .

 

[CBODY67]

GM "invented" the Dexron-VI fluid spec specifically for their then-new "dual-clutch" 6-speed automatic. Dex III is specifically NOT recommended for the newer 6+ speed automatics, by GM. The Dex VI spec replaces the Dex III fluids in older vehicles, all the way back to 1949 or so, reverse-compatible.

I understand that normal atf is close to a viscosity of a 10W motor oil. "LV" would be lower than that, as the later "ULV" atf would be even lower viscosity for less fluid drag and quicker shift times. Where that shift time issue could be an issue in bragging rights for the fastest time around the famous German race track.