Tranny Fluid Upgrade Recommendation?

[The_Cams]

I’m looking for a recommendation for Transmission fluid. I originally decided to go with Super Tech Dex VI ($3.77 qt), but it always seems to be out of stock at Wal-Mart.

The Napa across the street has Wolf’s Head and Cam2 Full Synthetic Dex VI for $5 a qt. Or, I could go with Mobil 1 Syn ATF for $7 a qt. Out of these choices, what would you recommend? I’m leaning toward the Wolf.

Here’s some background. I changed the transmission fluid (’96, Buick Regal, 3.8L, 4T60e, re-man SRTA, 100,000 miles on transmission) to Pennzoil Dex III equivalent, and 5000 miles later the fluid was turning black. Since it didn’t smell burnt, I figured excessive wear.

Changed with a Dex III equivalent (Sears Spectrum, wpp) and the fluid looks a lot better – still a bit dirty. Pan had no metal shavings. The car runs fine, transmission feels fine.

Fluid has been changed every 24,000 miles via pan drop, since the GM Goodwrench SRTA transmission was installed (about 100,000 miles ago).

Since I’m going to drop the pan again, I might as well upgrade the fluid to ensure better friction, protection, and heat handling capabilities. Hence, the Dex VI choice.

 

[dparm]

Discoloration is not from wear. It's not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[bullwinkle]

But it can be from heat-which a Full Synthetic ATF will be MUCH better @ handling!

 

[SuperDave456]

I'm in the same process with my Xterra. I had the transmission serviced 10,000 miles ago and it seems to be shifting rougher as time progresses. It calls for DexIII, but am thinking about putting in Valvoline HM Dex/Merc or Mobil 1 multi-vehicle.

I have 4 quarts of each in my stash, both are Dex VI compatible, but haven't decided yet.

Interesting topic.

 

[The_Cams]

Yes, my thinking exactly. For a few bucks and a little effort, better safe than sorry.

>>But it can be from heat-which a Full Synthetic ATF will be MUCH better @ handling!<<

 

[Brian Barnhart]

Been using Valvoline Dex VI in my 4L60. Seems to work well. Available at Meijer and Advance Auto Parts. I've always been wary of using the one-fits-all (usually synthetic) ATFs in automatic transmissions.

 

[The_Cams]

Valvoline Dex VI is difficult to find in my area, and when I do find it, it's priced pretty high. AAP doesn't stock it around here. Thanks for the feedback though.

>>Been using Valvoline Dex VI in my 4L60.<<

 

[Familyguy]

Why on earth would you want DexVI in that transmission? That's going to be thinner than what you really need. I would stick with the Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.

 

[The_Cams]

GM back spec'd Dexron VI to replace, and be compatible with transmissions requiring Dexron thru Dex III H. My transmission originally required Dexron II. The GM engineers say it's fine. Do you have any data to say otherwise besides it's 'thin'?

>>Why on earth would you want DexVI in that transmission? That's going to be thinner than what you really need. I would stick with the Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.<<