I have a 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo LS with 60,500 miles and has had one transmission flush at 40K with Pennzoil Dex III as the replacement fluid. I want to change the fluid again before the weather gets too hot and was just wandering what is the most recommended Dex III?? I wouldn't want to pay $4-5 dollars a quart if there is something a little cheaper that will give good results. I use Schaeffer's 7000 motor oil but was told the transmission fluid is pretty expensive. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.
What's the best Dex III fluid for GM trannies??
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MolaKule
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Schaeffer's 204S is hard to beat and I believe it's less than the $4.00/quart figure. Call Tim Mills one of our sponsors and check.
An alternative is Harvest King Dexron III/Mercon available at Farm and Ranch stores.
An alternative is Harvest King Dexron III/Mercon available at Farm and Ranch stores.
Try Chevron Dextron III.(Dino Oil)
Cost: Around one dollar per Qt.
It's best to have the Transmission flushed out.Cost: $80 to $125.If you just drop the pan and put in a new Filter
you only get around 15 % of the fluid.
God Luck !
Cost: Around one dollar per Qt.
It's best to have the Transmission flushed out.Cost: $80 to $125.If you just drop the pan and put in a new Filter
you only get around 15 % of the fluid.
God Luck !
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
The GM 4T65E has a large sump/pan. You'll swap out a lot more than 15% of the ATF with just a pan drop & filter change on these AT's
G/luck
Joel
MolaKule: Schaeffer's 204S is reported to be a great ATF but it is a semi-synthetic. How does one compare a semi-synthetic to a 100% pure synthetic? Am I correct in saying that being 100% pure synthetic does not necessarily make a product better than a semi-synthetic?
Case in point. Schaeffers 274 grease is also a semi-synthetic but it is generally reported to be a better product than Mobil 1's synthetic grease. Does the same hold true for Schaeffer's 204S? Would you consider Schaeffer's 204S to be equal or better than Mobil 1 or Allison's (Castrol) TranSynd when Dexron III and/or Allison's C-4 rating is specified?
4T65E pan drop changes almost 80% of the fluid.
Never have the transmission flushed!! There are too many horror stories related to the invasive process used to flush out the system. (ie depris being spread to valve bodies, etc). Besides that you have to drop the pan anyway to change the filter and clean the crap of the magnet.
Change the transmission fluid on a conservative schedule (30k mi) and you can simply drop the pan. On a 4T65E you'll get 6-7 qts out of the total capacity of 10 qts.
Change the transmission fluid on a conservative schedule (30k mi) and you can simply drop the pan. On a 4T65E you'll get 6-7 qts out of the total capacity of 10 qts.
MolaKule
Staff member
You have to look at the application.
For most daily driver applications, a highly refined petroleum or semisynthetic, such as Schaeffer's or MaxLife, is sufficient.
For extended drains or for towing loads in the hotter months, synthetic ATF's offer a margin of protection from fluid oxidation, thermal degradation, and varnishing of internals.
Most conventional ATF fluids use a highly refined Group I parafinnic base oil.
For "semi-synthetics" or "Blends" PAO is used with Group I parafinnic base oils to extend the temperature limits on both ends. This also allows the blender to reduce the amount of VII's which affect Friction-Modification.
HArvest King uses a highly refined Group I parafinnic base oil.
Valvoline Synthetic BLEND ATF is common here and reasonabily priced...I've used w/ pan/screen cleanings on the 99' Toyota w/ 2.2 4 cyl and 4 speed auto, was think about this ATF for my '96 Chevy w/ 5.7 LT-1/4L60E application at next (first) pan drop fluid change (only 10K miles, fluid still looks/smells new) comments?
Or, just change pan/filter w/ "dino Dex III", then have a t-tech 99% fluid exchange w/ Mobil 1 FULL synthetic ATF
? (no chemical flushing though)...some transmission builders have had "not good results" w/ 100% syn transmission fluids though...thoughts?
Or, just change pan/filter w/ "dino Dex III", then have a t-tech 99% fluid exchange w/ Mobil 1 FULL synthetic ATF
Thanks guys. We don't have Farm and Ranch stores around here. Are they similar to Tractor Supply? I may just try the Schaeffer's 204s as I have been highly impressed with their oil so far. I haven't been able to find Chevron Dex III for a reasonable price or I would even consider going with it.
Thanks for the response Molekule, very imformative. I have hear though that synthetics cause problems in my transmission(4T65E-HD), like slipping and exessive clutch wear.
I'm running more HP than factory, and these transmissions aren't the strongest for that. I occasionally race the car, and it's FWD, which means an intrgal differential. What would be the best fluid for me? Synthetic, blend, dino or something different like MAXlife. Any UOA or VOAs on transmission fluid?
thanks,
-T
T-keith, I don't believe that for a second. I've been running RL D4 ATF for almost 30k miles (2 pan drops so far with a ARX treat in between) in a 2001 GTP And the transmission is shifting better than ever! Very nice, quick and firm. MUCH improved over when we purchased it with 18k on it.
MolaKule
Staff member
"Molakule, is there any difference between the Citgo ATF's and the Harvest King (Mystik?) ATF?"
Pretty much the same formulation.
Farm and Ranch, Tractor Supply stores are essentially the same.
Pretty much the same formulation.
Farm and Ranch, Tractor Supply stores are essentially the same.
MolaKule
Staff member
Never saw any data to support that contention.
GM's new spec Dexron-III(H) will be on retail shelves sometime this year. If you can wait, that will be better ATF from any brand than what they're presently making (except maybe Amsoil 'cuz they don't have a Dexron license anyway). Schaeffer may make their 204S full synthetic for the (H) spec. Generally, the (H) spec ATF is good for twice the life of the current (G) spec. For petroleum Dexron ATF, the (H) spec will probably require Group II base oil instead of the Group I than the present spec allows.
Ken
Ken
I'm using the Harvest King in one Jag and a few other cars and like it fine - especially when I can catch it on sale for 99 cents a quart.
It has the same UPC as Mystik so I am assuming it is the same ATF.
Molakule, is there any difference between the Citgo ATF's and the Harvest King (Mystik?) ATF?
It has the same UPC as Mystik so I am assuming it is the same ATF.
Molakule, is there any difference between the Citgo ATF's and the Harvest King (Mystik?) ATF?
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