Trick Shift

[TallPaul]

As I understand it Trick Shift (B&M Product) is merely Type-F ATF. Hot rodders like to use it to firm up the typical soft shifts designed into automatic transmissions.

What happens if I fill my transmission with Trick Shift or Type F instead of the specified Mercon? Will I be bang shifting? Will the transmission life be reduced? Would a single quart of Type F in a 10 qt system of Mercon have any noticible effects on shift improvement?

Just curious.

 

[Jim Allen]

I have used Trick Shift in a GM automatic and, frankly, did not notice any difference in shift quality. It's (or was) blue in color, that's all I know!

Long term, I think firming up shifts via changing the lubricant is the wrong way to approach this from the long term POV. You'd be backtracking from Mercon, wouldn't you. Isn't Mercon part synthetic? Anyway, I'd be looking at a shift kit or programming changes.

 

[mechtech2]

The standard trick shift is type F, but the new synthetic trick shift is unknown.
Type F isn't supposed to have as long a life as dexron/mercon.
A 1 to 10 ratio should have no discernible benefits - or harm.
Use all type F? Maybe on an older transmission, like a GM 350.
Fresh appropriate fluid would be all that I would do to a new transmission.

 

[Gary Allan]

That's what one rebuilder did in the 70's. He used all typeF fluid for everything.

I'd rather see you get a shift kit designed for your use and retain the spec fluid.