New here, long time reader though. I have a 2020 Tahoe PPV that had a new trans put in it 60K miles ago. The fluid is beautiful red and smells good. I want to drop the pan anyway and started reading about the fluids. I know I need a Dex6 and saw the "new" Valvoline EP fluid. I realize it says its compatible with Dex6 but has anyone had issues using it in a 6L80E long term?
Valvoline EP or Max-life for 6L80E?
- Thread starter Nutro
- Start date
I have not used it, but what I have used a lot of on 4L60E and 6L80E is the Valvoline Dexron VI / Mercon LV fluid. I like that it carries an actual Dexron VI approval. I like seeing the Dex VI approval when seeking out on-the-shelf fluids.
I used MaxLife in a 6L80E back in 2018 and it worked well, however, MaxLife has been updated and now includes CVT coverage... not saying that's bad but for the price (comparable) it makes me want to seek out an approval fluid.
Any Dex VI approved fluid would be great regardless of brand, Supertech, Valvoline, ACDelco, etc. With the coverage that the Valvoline ATF EP mentions, I'd imagine it would work well.
I used MaxLife in a 6L80E back in 2018 and it worked well, however, MaxLife has been updated and now includes CVT coverage... not saying that's bad but for the price (comparable) it makes me want to seek out an approval fluid.
Any Dex VI approved fluid would be great regardless of brand, Supertech, Valvoline, ACDelco, etc. With the coverage that the Valvoline ATF EP mentions, I'd imagine it would work well.
Either one will be fine, It need to be tuned to keep the converter clutch from failing again!
Cost is the number 1 factor when I chose.
Example: I will always do a pan drop and filter change and then remove the return line and turn the car on and off until I have cycled 12-14 quarts of ATF (until it comes out the same color as new, I use a clear tube to observe).
If I am planning to do the above every 60k miles (probably overkill) then I would use Maxlife ATF but If I wanted to do it every 100-120k miles - I would probably use Amsoil fuel efficient Signature Series ATF (Blue bottle)
but buying Amsoil (due to high cost) will depend on the vehicle, I am not going to do that in a corolla (their transmissions are practically bullet proof and don't abuse ATF)
I don't see the benefit of Valvoline EP ATF, if I am going to spend that kind of money, I will just spend more and get Amsoil.
Example: I will always do a pan drop and filter change and then remove the return line and turn the car on and off until I have cycled 12-14 quarts of ATF (until it comes out the same color as new, I use a clear tube to observe).
If I am planning to do the above every 60k miles (probably overkill) then I would use Maxlife ATF but If I wanted to do it every 100-120k miles - I would probably use Amsoil fuel efficient Signature Series ATF (Blue bottle)
but buying Amsoil (due to high cost) will depend on the vehicle, I am not going to do that in a corolla (their transmissions are practically bullet proof and don't abuse ATF)
I don't see the benefit of Valvoline EP ATF, if I am going to spend that kind of money, I will just spend more and get Amsoil.
Did you get the upgraded thermostat bypass valve that opens at 70°C? There's a service bulletin that I believe applies to your transmission. Of course there are the other options that are popular here, like "flipping the pill" and the SureCool full-flow kits.
Regardless, even though GM thinks that it's fine for transmissions to regularly operate at 200°F, I don't buy it. The less than stellar reputation these units have earned works in my favor.
Regardless, even though GM thinks that it's fine for transmissions to regularly operate at 200°F, I don't buy it. The less than stellar reputation these units have earned works in my favor.
Either one......I have used Maxlife for many miles and vehicles with good result.....
I really dont get the Maxlife CVT rating thing though.. I was under the impression that was not possible with fluids.....not sure.
I have been going with this:
https://www.mobil.com/en-us/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/na-xx-mobil-multi-vehicle-atf
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mob-126505-1....
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13656717&cc=0&pt=11387&jsn=11315
...........it has a bit higher viscosity at 100c than ML and some others. It also meet a wide range of OEM specs.
Plus it is not a Saudi Arabian profit engine
I really dont get the Maxlife CVT rating thing though.. I was under the impression that was not possible with fluids.....not sure.
I have been going with this:
https://www.mobil.com/en-us/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/na-xx-mobil-multi-vehicle-atf
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mob-126505-1....
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13656717&cc=0&pt=11387&jsn=11315
...........it has a bit higher viscosity at 100c than ML and some others. It also meet a wide range of OEM specs.
Plus it is not a Saudi Arabian profit engine
