options for built 8hp50 fluid?

[Empire087]

So im building my 8hp50 on my bmw, and the builder recommends Amsoil Signature blue cap atf. It's only the most expensive atf on the planet, so I'm not that enthused to run it. I've always ran the LM1800 in my 8hp as its cost effective, and it works well. Whats your guys thoughts?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The factory BMW ATF is much more expensive, and even ZF Lifeguard 8 and 9 cost more than Amsoil. But many people have run Maxlife in the ZF8 with no problem. Changing it regularly is the most important part

If you choose Amsoil, consider buying from @Pablo as he is a sponsor

 

[Empire087]

The factory BMW ATF is much more expensive, and even ZF Lifeguard 8 and 9 cost more than Amsoil. But many people have run Maxlife in the ZF8 with no problem. Changing it regularly is the most important part

If you choose Amsoil, consider buying from @Pablo as he is a sponsor

I have basically been sticking to the 50-60k fluid change interval. Ill definitely check with him on price for sure.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

So im building my 8hp50 on my bmw, and the builder recommends Amsoil Signature blue cap atf. It's only the most expensive atf on the planet, so I'm not that enthused to run it. I've always ran the LM1800 in my 8hp as its cost effective, and it works well. Whats your guys thoughts?

Is it possible that your ZF unit needed to be rebuilt because you used LM1800?

Anyways, I always defer to the ZF LG8 fluid. It's not that expensive when amortized over a 50k-75k mile fluid change interval. Think of how many miles your BMW will have by that time.

 

[JavierH19]

I'd skip valvoline maxlife and use their better EP fluid.

 

[Pablo]

So im building my 8hp50 on my bmw, and the builder recommends Amsoil Signature blue cap atf. It's only the most expensive atf on the planet, so I'm not that enthused to run it. I've always ran the LM1800 in my 8hp as its cost effective, and it works well. Whats your guys thoughts?

Sorta expensive. Synthetics aren't usually "cheap".

Who is the builder? Sounds awesome, actually.

 

[Empire087]

Is it possible that your ZF unit needed to be rebuilt because you used LM1800?

Anyways, I always defer to the ZF LG8 fluid. It's not that expensive when amortized over a 50k-75k mile fluid change interval. Think of how many miles your BMW will have by that time.

Im going to upgraded clutch packs and baskets, will be rated for 1000whp and 800# of torque. The lm1800 is an alternative provided for use by fcp euro, which generally only sells good stuff. Also im at 102k miles right now. I drive a lot, this car will be north of 850whp with the bigger still turbo im installing with

Pablo, builder is ATS, I know those guys builds some badass transmissions, they are calling for a 30k oci which seems pretty low. Not as bad if i can do 60-75k oci with the amsoil stuff.

 

[SEBZX79]

Been using LM1800 in 4 of my BMW over 400k total miles. Never an issue, good fluid good price.

 

[martinq]

Valvoline MaxLife and Valvoline Restore and Protect Multi-ATF are both listed as recommended for ZF Lifeguardfluid 8 applications. I'm sure Castrol and other Multi-ATFs are similar. If you want to pay more for a premium / performance fluid then I'd start with Amsoil or HPF as a reference point.

Regardless of what you do, I'd do several break-in changes during the first few thousand miles / km and keep an eye on the pan & magnets when you clean them.

Does it have a removable fluid pan? Remote filter?

 

[martinq]

I have basically been sticking to the 50-60k fluid change interval. Ill definitely check with him on price for sure.

Definitely do at least two break-in fluid changes within the first year. Once the system is broken in (wear metals on the magnets have reduced / stabilized) then you can safely use the mfg recommended service intervals.

 

[Empire087]

Valvoline MaxLife and Valvoline Restore and Protect Multi-ATF are both listed as recommended for ZF Lifeguardfluid 8 applications. I'm sure Castrol and other Multi-ATFs are similar. If you want to pay more for a premium / performance fluid then I'd start with Amsoil or HPF as a reference point.

Regardless of what you do, I'd do several break-in changes during the first few thousand miles / km and keep an eye on the pan & magnets when you clean them.

Does it have a removable fluid pan? Remote filter?

Uses a one piece pan/filter combo that im aware of.

 

[Empire087]

Been using LM1800 in 4 of my BMW over 400k total miles. Never an issue, good fluid good price.

That was my thoughts too, but the builder is adamant on the amsoil stuff.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Im going to upgraded clutch packs and baskets, will be rated for 1000whp and 800# of torque. The lm1800 is an alternative provided for use by fcp euro, which generally only sells good stuff. Also im at 102k miles right now. I drive a lot, this car will be north of 850whp with the bigger still turbo im installing with

Pablo, builder is ATS, I know those guys builds some badass transmissions, they are calling for a 30k oci which seems pretty low. Not as bad if i can do 60-75k oci with the amsoil stuff.

Ahh okay. Well on a short 30k interval the LM1800 is obviously a cheaper alternative.

 

[SEBZX79]

Oem zf fluid is not full synthetic and they are ok with oci close to 100k miles. Lm1800 is full synthetic and I am sure it's ok for that.

 

[Empire087]

Ahh okay. Well on a short 30k interval the LM1800 is obviously a cheaper alternative.

I guess my uncertainty is why the recommended amsoil over typical zf fluids.

 

[martinq]

I guess my uncertainty is why the recommended amsoil over typical zf fluids.

Probably because of the performance and extreme pressure of the modified engines used with these modified transmissions. It's what I would use for a performance application but I'd break it in with a low-cost ATF for the first couple thousand miles / km first.

 

[Pablo]

I guess my uncertainty is why the recommended amsoil over typical zf fluids.

Hi perf builder, high perf fluid. It's interesting though why not design 6-7 cSt (red cap) ATF?

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

I guess my uncertainty is why the recommended amsoil over typical zf fluids.

They probably sell it?

 

[Pablo]

They probably sell it?

And have some faith of less "returns"