Does anybody know if the Honda Z1 trans fliud is considered a synthetic? If the supertech transmission fluid says Z1 compatable, would any of you still not use it? Also, are there any other brands that make a fliud that would work as the vtm4 fliud in the rear diff in my Honda Ridgeline?
Substitutes for honda fliuds
- Thread starter cassidy
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Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think Z1 is synthetic. I personally wouldn't use Supertech ATF in my car but I do use Amsoil Synthetic in my Honda AT and I love it. As for the rear diff, I can't comment as my car is front wheel drive and has a transaxle. Good luck in your search though and welcome to the site!
i use Castrol high mileage for my 00' honda accord
didnt notice a difference really
didnt notice a difference really
If you like the way your trans shifts with Z1 stick with it. If your like me and dont like the crashing you hear in the morning when switching to reverse or drive or the way it slowly slides into gears then try out a universal. I've used amsoil and its good. I have been thinking about castrol import, pennzoil universal or chevron multi vehicle.
I have read that Honda Z-1 is NOT a synthetic and that it's not even a very good fluid. When I use up the last of it that I bought I'll be switching to something else. I would have no problem using ST if it states it can be substituted for Z-1.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: ryland
..I have been thinking about castrol import, pennzoil universal or chevron multi vehicle.
Problem is finding any of those. The only "universal" ATF (w/ Z1 and SP-III specs) I can even remotely find in my area is Valvoline Maxlife. You might find the rare Mobil 1 ATF, but even that's hit/miss.
Joel
..I have been thinking about castrol import, pennzoil universal or chevron multi vehicle.
Problem is finding any of those. The only "universal" ATF (w/ Z1 and SP-III specs) I can even remotely find in my area is Valvoline Maxlife. You might find the rare Mobil 1 ATF, but even that's hit/miss.
Joel
So I should be able to switch to a synthetic without any problems? I was just wondering if Honda was just pushing their product by saying only to use z1 and nothing else. Any ideas on the rear diff vtm4 fluid, or is that really something Honda specific?
There is no substitute for the VTM-4 fluid, you must use the VTM-4 for the rear differential. In terms of the transmission, I personally would not use supertech but so long as the replacement fluid lists Z1 as a suitable application you can use it. I would personally use either Amsoil or Z1.
Thanks for the info, glad I found this place!
nfs480, have you serviced you trans yet? If so what did you go with?
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: ryland
..I have been thinking about castrol import, pennzoil universal or chevron multi vehicle.
Problem is finding any of those. The only "universal" ATF (w/ Z1 and SP-III specs) I can even remotely find in my area is Valvoline Maxlife. You might find the rare Mobil 1 ATF, but even that's hit/miss.
Joel
Crazy! I have all of the ones I listed plus more readily availible at many stores around here? Road trip? lol
Originally Posted By: ryland
..I have been thinking about castrol import, pennzoil universal or chevron multi vehicle.
Problem is finding any of those. The only "universal" ATF (w/ Z1 and SP-III specs) I can even remotely find in my area is Valvoline Maxlife. You might find the rare Mobil 1 ATF, but even that's hit/miss.
Joel
Crazy! I have all of the ones I listed plus more readily availible at many stores around here? Road trip? lol
Originally Posted By: cassidy
nfs480, have you serviced you trans yet? If so what did you go with?
I went with the Z1 in the Ridgeline. In my 1989 Honda Accord i've been running Amsoil ATF, both have been shifting fantastic so I would recommend either fluid in the Honda's. In terms of the Z1, I would definitely make sure to change it at least every 30,000 miles since it isn't a synthetic fluid. (I believe Honda's recommendation comes at around 30,000 miles anyway on the OLM)
nfs480, have you serviced you trans yet? If so what did you go with?
I went with the Z1 in the Ridgeline. In my 1989 Honda Accord i've been running Amsoil ATF, both have been shifting fantastic so I would recommend either fluid in the Honda's. In terms of the Z1, I would definitely make sure to change it at least every 30,000 miles since it isn't a synthetic fluid. (I believe Honda's recommendation comes at around 30,000 miles anyway on the OLM)
Originally Posted By: cassidy
So I should be able to switch to a synthetic without any problems? I was just wondering if Honda was just pushing their product by saying only to use z1 and nothing else. Any ideas on the rear diff vtm4 fluid, or is that really something Honda specific?
On my honda the fluids I stick with OEM are Honda Power Steering Fluid, honda type II coolant, and my car uses honda dual pump II the ridgeline and the pilot use vtm4 instead of dual pump II. The only fluids you really have a choice with are the engine oil and the transmission fluid.
I did a drain and fill of amsoil atf waited till my next oci and did another drain and fill. I think I'll do one more next oci as amsoil wants you to have 90% I believe. It wont hurt anything to have 50% z1 50% amsoil though.
So I should be able to switch to a synthetic without any problems? I was just wondering if Honda was just pushing their product by saying only to use z1 and nothing else. Any ideas on the rear diff vtm4 fluid, or is that really something Honda specific?
On my honda the fluids I stick with OEM are Honda Power Steering Fluid, honda type II coolant, and my car uses honda dual pump II the ridgeline and the pilot use vtm4 instead of dual pump II. The only fluids you really have a choice with are the engine oil and the transmission fluid.
I did a drain and fill of amsoil atf waited till my next oci and did another drain and fill. I think I'll do one more next oci as amsoil wants you to have 90% I believe. It wont hurt anything to have 50% z1 50% amsoil though.
I use AMSoil and Castrol High Mileage. I see Mobil 1 now claims Z1 as well. MaxLife is very popular here too.
are you doing the honda 3 time flush method od just doing the 3 qt drain and refill?
Originally Posted By: ryland
Originally Posted By: cassidy
So I should be able to switch to a synthetic without any problems? I was just wondering if Honda was just pushing their product by saying only to use z1 and nothing else. Any ideas on the rear diff vtm4 fluid, or is that really something Honda specific?
On my honda the fluids I stick with OEM are Honda Power Steering Fluid, honda type II coolant, and my car uses honda dual pump II the ridgeline and the pilot use vtm4 instead of dual pump II. The only fluids you really have a choice with are the engine oil and the transmission fluid.
I did a drain and fill of amsoil atf waited till my next oci and did another drain and fill. I think I'll do one more next oci as amsoil wants you to have 90% I believe. It wont hurt anything to have 50% z1 50% amsoil though.
Originally Posted By: ryland
Originally Posted By: cassidy
So I should be able to switch to a synthetic without any problems? I was just wondering if Honda was just pushing their product by saying only to use z1 and nothing else. Any ideas on the rear diff vtm4 fluid, or is that really something Honda specific?
On my honda the fluids I stick with OEM are Honda Power Steering Fluid, honda type II coolant, and my car uses honda dual pump II the ridgeline and the pilot use vtm4 instead of dual pump II. The only fluids you really have a choice with are the engine oil and the transmission fluid.
I did a drain and fill of amsoil atf waited till my next oci and did another drain and fill. I think I'll do one more next oci as amsoil wants you to have 90% I believe. It wont hurt anything to have 50% z1 50% amsoil though.
I'm doing the 3 time flush method I guess but over 3 oci's instead of draining, driveing 10 miles and changing again.
I'm draining 3.5 quarts out of my element filling with 3.5 quarts of amsoil, driveing 5k and repeating. This way it gives it time to flush out any gunk in there. Which there isent any but if their was it wouldent be there anymore. Each time you do a drain and fill your changing half of the fluid.
I'm draining 3.5 quarts out of my element filling with 3.5 quarts of amsoil, driveing 5k and repeating. This way it gives it time to flush out any gunk in there. Which there isent any but if their was it wouldent be there anymore. Each time you do a drain and fill your changing half of the fluid.
Originally Posted By: pbm
I would have no problem using ST if it states it can be substituted for Z-1.
you have to get the right supertech fluid. the one you want is supertech multi-vehicle atf not the regular atf. mike
I would have no problem using ST if it states it can be substituted for Z-1.
you have to get the right supertech fluid. the one you want is supertech multi-vehicle atf not the regular atf. mike
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: ryland
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: ryland
..I have been thinking about castrol import, pennzoil universal or chevron multi vehicle.
Problem is finding any of those. The only "universal" ATF (w/ Z1 and SP-III specs) I can even remotely find in my area is Valvoline Maxlife. You might find the rare Mobil 1 ATF, but even that's hit/miss.
Joel
Crazy! I have all of the ones I listed plus more readily availible at many stores around here? Road trip? lol
All those Z1 & SP-III choices at your disposal and you're STILL going to go mail-order for ATF?? I hear you. A BITOGer knows no boundaries.
Joel
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: ryland
..I have been thinking about castrol import, pennzoil universal or chevron multi vehicle.
Problem is finding any of those. The only "universal" ATF (w/ Z1 and SP-III specs) I can even remotely find in my area is Valvoline Maxlife. You might find the rare Mobil 1 ATF, but even that's hit/miss.
Joel
Crazy! I have all of the ones I listed plus more readily availible at many stores around here? Road trip? lol
All those Z1 & SP-III choices at your disposal and you're STILL going to go mail-order for ATF?? I hear you. A BITOGer knows no boundaries.
Joel
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no way Joel! Amsoil is also availible to as a regularly stocked item at a few auto parts stores! I guess all bitogers just need to move to the pacific northwest. It is the land of milk and honey.....and motor oil I guess.
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