Tremec T-56 (manual trans) questions

[Big Block]

I have read many posts in regard to the best oil for this trans, several people feel the T-56 doesn't do well with synthetics. The recommended oil is Dexron 3 (car is '96 Z/28), and Penzoil seems a good choice. I have also read about Redline MTL, which appears to be of a slightly higher viscosity than ATF D3. I am attracted to Redlines claims (and one user claim on another board) that it increases shift smoothness. Should I have any concearns about using MTL in this application? I am new to this board (great information here) and interested to learn more about oils.

Scott

 

[dragboat]

To the forum. I would call Redline and ask them whats been working best in these transmissions. If anyone knows they would,,JMO.

On topic of trans fluids has anyone noticed Pennzoil now offers a Syncromesh fluid?

 

[Pablo]

Yes (agreeing with dragboat) - Redline tech. knows their applications and does have a variety of options.

A manual transmission calling for Dexron can PROBABLY use most lighter weight Redline MTL type products - But this seems to be a call for Amsoil's Supershift...a heavy duty power/auto shift ATF, sold in qts for racing AT applications.

The thing to avoid for sure are regular gear oils, and although they may shift fine even avoid the synthetic 75W-90 gear oils....so that's maybe where your concern came from.

 

[jason07-1zzfe]

No problem, Red Line website recommends MTL over ATF(even theirs) for more protection and better shifting. ATF is only necessary for extreme cold operation. And I mean extreme, judging by my experience with MTL. The coldest I have had it is -10F and the very first shift with no warmup was just as good as when warm.

But you can call or email them if it makes you feel better. They are very helpful.

 

[Big Block]

Thanks for the info guys, I did email Redline tech with this question and I will post their response. I'm sure it is fine to use. I found a local dealer today, and have the MTL ready to go for this evening.

 

[Big Block]

>Hi Redline Tech,
> There have been questions on a car website I visit in regard to
>using Redline MTL in place of the recommended ATF dexron 3 for
>the Tremec T-56 manual transmission (for Z/28 and Corvette). These
>transmissions have a reputation for not performing well with
>synthetic ATF D3 (grinding and a lack of shifting smoothness). Based
>on what I have read on your website, MTL appears to be a suitable
>replacement for ATF D3 (in moderate climates) to increase shifting
>smoothness, should there be any concerns with this substitution?
>
>Thank You,
>Scott

(Redlines reply)

In the T-56 transmissions we recommend the Red Line D4ATF, this
offers generally improved shiftability and smoothness. The MTL can be
used but is a higher viscosity than the D4 so could be stiffer
shifting when cold plus it isn't a Dexron fluid as called for.

Regards, Dave

 

[Big Block]

I've now changed the fluid, a test drive reveals that the transmission shifts much much smoother now with the MTL. The car has 26,800 miles and still had the factory ATF D3. Next will be the gear oil (mabe Redline 75w 90).

 

[Pablo]

Since even Redline said to use ATF - why would you be adverse to trying the Amsoil supershift?

 

[carl97ss]

Royal Puple has an ATF alternative for the T-56...Synchromax.

 

[carl97ss]

Amsoil Supershift is a Ford Type F. T-56 requires a Dexron type fluid. FM's are different.

 

[Pablo]

Yes Supershift meets Type F. I know the difference. So he is now using MTL and is contemplating a moving to a 75W-90 gear oil...I think Supershift is closer to Dexron than gear oil...

My thinking is that Supershift will work just as well in his T-56 as it does in my Volvo manual transmission. (M46)

 

[carl97ss]

Pablo, what is the recommended fluid in your volvo's transmission? If he is using a gl-5 gear oil, it will toast the blocking rings in the t-56 and GM would have a good case to voiding any warrantee left on the T-56.

 

[jason07-1zzfe]

I think he meant he would be changing the gear oil next, meaning the diff since that is all that uses gearoil

...I hope...

 

[Pablo]

Carl and Jason - yes I reread his post -and although he didn't specifically write it - he DID mean he is going to do his differential gear oil next with 75W-90. My bad.

Volvo recommends Type F in the M46. Many folks also use MTL and it shifts fine but is not the best bet for the cone clutch in the electrically activated hydraulic OD. I find synthetic Type F to be excellent.

 

[Patman]

When I had my T56 equipped 98 Formula, I put in Mobil 1 ATF and boy was that a mistake! It started grinding on a cold 1-2 shift at higher rpms. In day to day driving this wasn't a problem since I would just drive gentle at first, but where it raised a problem was at the dragstrip. If I had no choice but to wait a half hour to an hour (or more) between rounds, the trans would always grind a little bit on that 1-2 shift. Even when I put Dexron III back in it, the problem was still there, the damage had been done I believe. I wonder if I had kept that car longer than 2.5 years if I would've needed a trans rebuild eventually as a result of this.

 

[carl97ss]

Patman, that is where I have a little problem also...the 1,2 shift. Mine was caused by a one time shift from 1st to 2nd. without lifting off the gas....crunch

that was about 80,000 miles ago.

 

[jason07-1zzfe]

Man that is one fragile transmission! I've ground 1-2 quite a few times and she still shifts smooth as silk (when warm w/petro or all the time with MTL). Has 167k on it now.

 

[RobZ71LM7]

I use Mobil 1 ATF in my '94 Camaro's T56 and it shifts nice and smooth. A lot of people at CZ28.com seem to prefer Honda's synthetic ATF for the T56.

[ December 13, 2002, 06:54 PM: Message edited by: RobZ71LM7 ]

 

[carl97ss]

I've tried many, many Dexron III fluids, including Redline's D4. From a crunching, notchy feeling shift, stand point, Pennzoil Dexron III is the best I've found. I recently decided to try a blend

w/ 2qts MTL and 2qts Pennsoil. It does shift a little harder when cold, +12F. When warm, Florida last week, very nice shifting!

 

[Big Block]

I do notice that shifting is a little bit harder before car is up to temp with the MTL (30F degrees). I am however, happy with the difference MTL has made in the shifting smoothness. Based on the troubles many have reported with using (various) synth ATF D3's in the T-56 trans, I won't try any. I may try the Pennzoil ATF D3 or possibly the Honda ATF Z1 in the future just to compare.

Scott