RP MAX ATF, how do you feel?

[yssoul]

Hi guys,

recently I decided to change the transmission oil for my Volvo S60R.
She has an Aisin 6-spd transmission and it requires JW3309 certification.

So,
I'm considering to change the oil with RP MAX ATF which meets the certification of JW3309.
Of course, this is kinda investment for me
because with changing the oil, I expect some improvement or some positive things to happen.

What do you guys think of RP MAX ATF for Aisin 6-spd transmission?
Or any other suggestions other than holly expensive Japanese fluids?

Thanks!

 

[dnewton3]

Among others, there is Valvoline Import Veh syn (recommended for all Volvo car applications), and Mobil even has a basic ATF that is JW3009 targeted for probably way less than the RP and others you're looking at. The Mobil product is even specifically called "Mobil ATF 3309". How much more matched can you hope to find?

 

[yssoul]

Thanks.
I did tried Mobil ATF 3309 and it was so so.
I just wonder if RP ATF is a gorgeous one just like their motor oil.

I plan to change the transmission fluid in coming March.

 

[pbm]

From what I can gather the Mobil 3309 is the exact same fluid as Toyota's T-IV (which is spec'd for Aisin A/T's).
The RP would probably do fine but it's nearly $15 a quart where I live.
I would give Castrol Import MV a shot....It's $5.58 a qt. at Walmart and sometimes cheaper on sale at AA. The Aisin in my b-i-l's Corolla (spec'd for T-IV) loves the Castrol.

 

[Jim Allen]

Originally Posted By: yssoul

I did tried Mobil ATF 3309 and it was so so.


How did you reach the conclusion the Mobil 3309 was so-so?

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
Originally Posted By: yssoul

I did tried Mobil ATF 3309 and it was so so.


How did you reach the conclusion the Mobil 3309 was so-so?


While I wouldnt have used so so as my opinion I used M3309 and my transmission did not shift well, skipped on downshifts etc. I switched to Maxlife and my shifts firmed up and no more downshift issues. While I cannot say Mobil 3309 isnt a quality fluid, it wasn't the great for my application (Equinox - aisin 5 speed)

 

[aquariuscsm]

Does Amsoil make a fluid for your transmission? If so,that`s what I`d go with.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Originally Posted By: yssoul
Of course, this is kinda investment for me
because with changing the oil, I expect some improvement or some positive things to happen.

If the transmission is working correctly and the current fluid is still in good shape, what exactly are you hoping/expecting will happen when switching to Royal Purple ATF?

 

[martinq]

Feeling OK over here, thanks for asking.

If RP would start to post more valuable or convincing product-data then I might be interested. I'd prefer to use something more reputable and that meets a more modern spec not, all-the-old-ATF spec. Find a fluid that meets at least one of these:

Dexron VI
Toyota WS
Mercon LV or SP
Honda DW-1
... or other new-ish / high-performance spec.

Also, changing the fluid early (within the first 3000mi/5000km) and often (use the severe-duty as you're max interval) will have a huge impact.

If you want a recommendation for a great top-end fluid:
Red Line D6 (#1)
Amsoil ATL (Synthetic Fuel Efficient ATF)
Mobil 1 ATF (a bit too heavy)

For something that's merely excellent:
Valvoline MaxLife DexMerc ATF

 

[yssoul]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
Originally Posted By: yssoul

I did tried Mobil ATF 3309 and it was so so.


How did you reach the conclusion the Mobil 3309 was so-so?




I said so-so because I didn't feel any improvement compared to stock fluid.
You know, one of the reason people try the famous fluid like Mobil is based on a faith that it would do better than stock or conventional fluid.
PLZ don't take it so serious, I like Mobil motor oil.

 

[yssoul]

Originally Posted By: Bottom_Feeder
Originally Posted By: yssoul
Of course, this is kinda investment for me
because with changing the oil, I expect some improvement or some positive things to happen.

If the transmission is working correctly and the current fluid is still in good shape, what exactly are you hoping/expecting will happen when switching to Royal Purple ATF?


Because the RP ATF is a bit expensive,
by changing it, I would expect some improvement such as smoother kickdown, fast response, less shift shock and so on.

 

[dnewton3]

I think what many of us are trying to get at is the fact that subject observation (feel, senses, etc) is very difficult to quantify. Therefore, it's hard to have faith in a judgement that can be as easily effected by your mood as your ATF.


I have every faith that any "qualified" ATF will do just fine. There are also many "will work in ... / also recommended for ... " fluids that would do a good job.


If you're going to pay for syns, then I'd say you need to plan on extending your OCI out to meet or beat the ROI. And when you choose one of the most expensive fluids out there (RP), then you're going to have to REALLY extend your OCI to make it worthwhile. If you don't, it won't be long before your wallet is going to be more painful that your perceived shifing issues.

 

[Ken2]

Mobil 3309 IS the original fluid designed for that transmission.

RP Max ATF does not meet the certification for JWS3309. It "is recommended" for that usage by RP. That doesn't mean it won't work. It probably will work fine. And it seems that you want a feel to the transmission other than the feel the Aisin designers wanted.