stingray427
Thread starter
I still don't know what the differences are in layman's terms between Amsoil vs. Redline. I have used Redline in my other car with great success and it is easier to obtain than Amsoil. Yet at the same time I wouldn't mind trying out Amsoil.quote:
Originally posted by The Critic:
The manual's recommendations are fine for 95% of the users who wish to keep their cars for 150-200K.
I'd do an initial rear differential fluid replacement @ 30K with full-synthetic 75w90 to remove any debris generated during wear-in. Thereafter, change the fluid every 100K. Full synthetic gear lubes will last a long time provided that the unit is not submerged in water.
Same applies for the transmission. The newer Dexron-VI or even Dexron-IIIH fluids are designed to be a "fill-for-life" fluid. Do a pan drop/filter change @ 30K to remove any wear metals generated during wear-in, then do a pan/filter change every every 50K thereafter if the vehicle is used for extensive city stop-and-go driving, otherwise, every 75-100K is fine.
However, I will caution you in advance that while the newer fluids are able to handle the long drain intervals and still provide good anti-wear protection to the transmission, shift quality WILL suffer during these longer drains. The transmission will be protected fine, but you will not experience the smoothest shift quality. There won't be a sudden loss in shift quality, but a very slow loss of shift quality. The difference will only be noticed after a fresh fluid change.
If you wish to obtain optimal shift quality, I'd suggest doing a full 16 quart flush with new Dexron-VI (in the future) every 30,000 miles, but service the pan/filter every three flushes.
All major brand, over-the-counter Dexron III fluids are licensed for the H revision. Pennzoil, Chevron, and Valvoline are just three. If in doubt, call the toll-free # listed on the back of the bottle to ask if the product is licensed for the H revision of Dexron III and ask for the GM licensing #. Mobil 1 Multi-Vehicle ATF is licensed for Dexron IIIH, by the way.
Redline (RL) and Amsoil's fluids both meet Dexron IIIH specs but are not licensed for them. The primary difference between Dexron IIIG and Dexron IIIH is the usage of Group II or better baseoils in Dexron IIIH. Both of these products use a synthetic basestock that should surpass the Dexron IIIH requirement with regard to basestocks. All fluid blenders (Valvoline, Pennzoil,etc) will purchase an "approved" additive pack from a supplier (i.e. Lubrizol, Infineum, Afton, etc) that will meet the requirements for a Dexron IIIH specs. The only difference between Amsoil's products and M1's product, is quite possibly that Amsoil did not submit their product to GM for testing as they refuse to pay the testing and product royalty fees. The product contains the necessary ingredients, but it just doesn't have the stamp of approval. Same probably applies to Redline.
However, if I'd were you, use Dexron-VI instead. While it isn't full synthetic, it will be a step up from a mineral Dexron-IIIH fluid yet still costing significantly less than a synthetic Dexron IIIH fluid. Dexron-VI costs about $5.00/qt including shipping from a major online GM parts store.
The corvette person basically said the same as you have on the intervals. Using the Dexron 6 or 3(h) is a sure thing to protect the warranty and I would have dealership do the work to ensure that. Based on my driving style the Corvette person said it would be a waste of $$$ for me to do a initial early change so soon but just to wait and do both at 25,000 miles. It was pointed out too I will not notice a difference in regards to synthetics because I'm not racing it or pushing it into those higher temps and ditto for longetivity of components.
As far as shift quality this is for an automatic so would it still apply to an auto trans? I already know and can tell the difference on a manual trans. The dealership charges 25.00 per qt.(which brand
The ATF fluid is something like 2.00 per quart and they said they could get all of the transmission fluid out with powerflush so it could take up to 14 quarts but capacity on auto trans is close to 12 quarts.
AS far as licensing goes I talked to the GM representative who issues the licenses and he told me he did not issue Redline a license and he wouldn't use that "if you paid him to do so" In regards to meeting the Dexron III (h)specs. GM licensing rep said any of these oil companies can make the "claim" without a license but ask Redline if they will pay for your warranty?