Switching to Amsoil on a new transmission (racing)

[Pranav]

As some of you may know, I auto-x my '02 4AT accord on a bi-monthly basis, and will probably bracket (drag) race it at least 6 times a year.

I had a new transmission installed earlier this month, which was filled with Honda ATF-Z1. Last night I hit the 1k mark, so I reinstalled my trans cooler, along with a Derale 13011 180*F thermostat (bypasses the cooler until it reaches roughly 170-180). I also did a drain+refill with Amsoil ATF, making it 43% Amsoil and 57% 1k-old Z1.

Tonight I hope to install a Wix 24764 remote oil filter mount, along with a wix 51622 transmission filter (thanks fleetfilter!).

I'm guesstimating that I'll have an increased fluid capacity of aroun 7-7.5 quarts, and at least 50% amsoil in there.

I was planning on waiting until I hit the 10k mark before doing another drain+refill as usual, and replacing the filter, but would it be worthwhile to do it for the next two 5k intervals to quickly increase the amount of Amsoil, then go back to 10K intervals?

Perhaps I should be doing the 3x drain+refills of amsoil right now? The remaining Z1 in there is in the best shape it could ever be, but in my past experience, it wasn't in great shape if left in service for an extended period (10k drain+refills wasn't enough to keep the Z1 in decent shape).

Just not sure if I should still keep a high percentage of Z1 in there if I am to resume racing the car...

 

[Pranav]

I forgot to ask the big question, do you guys feel that wear is reduced with Amsoil? Ive found one or more claims of less metal shavings found on the magnet after running amsoil, but wasn't sure if this was a common occurence. In my case, I'll be cutting open the filters to see if this hold's true, although I'll have to only seriously look at filters #2 and #3, as #1 will contain a good amount of break-in material.

 

[TimVipond]

I would think a quality synthetic ATF like AMSOIL would reduce wear and temperature when compared to the lowest bidder petroleum that can meet the Honda ATF-Z1 spec. I know the AMSOIL MTF shifts much better in my 2006 Honda Civic Si 6 speed manual than the Honda MTF did. No more bumping out of 3rd or grinding into second must reduce wear.

 

[Pablo]

You will be much better off having 100% Amsoil in there. Not only cooler running and less wear, you'll just have better fluid life. Add to this that some have reported crisper shifts in the lighter Honda's - you may see improved ET's.

 

[Pranav]

Alright, the only limiting factor here is that funds are a bit tight (various issues and the trans replacement hit the wallet big time this month), and I only originally ordered 4 (wish I ordered 6-7). If the worst comes to worse and I can't do 2 more drain+refills this February, how do you guys feel about the every 5k-until-its-90%+ route? Keep in mind that I will have a high quality transmission filter connected inline...

This is really the first time that funds are limiting my maintenance desires, but in this case I've got a tranny full of 50% new amsoil and 1k-mile old Z1. In the past I would've been able to order a case of premium lube over the 'net without flinching

 

[Pranav]

Well on 2nd thought, I can scrape enough cash together to up the amount of amsoil in my transmission to at least 75%, maybe more, for the next 8.5k miles. While I may be OK having the 50% Z1 in there, being cheap and not running synthetic fluid is what helped kill my previous transmission early. I don't want to make the same mistake twice, so I'm better off getting as much amsoil in there as possible. I really wish I'd asked the dealer to fill the transmission with Amsoil on install, but I'm not sure if they would've allowed it.

Once I go back to work next month, the sky's the limit!

I'm still very bummed about dumping $60 on a 12pk case of Honda ATF-Z1 last month, using a good chunk of it to try and "fix" a failing transmission

BTW, I know this has been posted somewhere before, but what is the best way to order Amsoil in varying quantities? Pablo, what is your distributor ID? Right now I'll probably order 4, within the next week or so, unless I am able to do a 2x drain+refill, which is when I'll order 8 quarts...

 

[Pablo]

You can order 1 qt at a pop, but the freight will eat you up. Maybe just save your money for all 8 - the car will be OK for a short while.

Use #515729.

Thanks!

 

[Pranav]

Oh, how much would I save by being a PC for 6 months, and what's the fee?