Which Dexron VI for 06' chevy 4L60E
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The GM Brand is made by PetroCanada. High quality stuff IMO. Plus the price break is minimal.
With the brands you mention, the GM ATV hands down.
I don't think those others even come close in quality to the GM ATF.
I don't think those others even come close in quality to the GM ATF.
Originally Posted By: unDummy
Its a coin toss. Buy the cheaper one.
Probably correct. I've personally used the GM branded fluid in an older 4L60E with good success so far. I bought it because it was the cheapest available at the time, I bought 4 - 1 gal. jugs for less than $5 per quart. I'd probably still buy on price as long as it was a major brand name.
Its a coin toss. Buy the cheaper one.
Probably correct. I've personally used the GM branded fluid in an older 4L60E with good success so far. I bought it because it was the cheapest available at the time, I bought 4 - 1 gal. jugs for less than $5 per quart. I'd probably still buy on price as long as it was a major brand name.
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Actually, the DEXRON-VI spec is so tight that all of the approved fluids are extremely close in performance. In fact, that was one of the objectives that GM quoted in announcing the new specification, ie. DEXRON-VI. Their desire was to ensure that customers who bought a DEXRON-VI fluid would get a fluid that was equal in quality to the fluid that was used for factory fill.
dnewton3
Staff member
Not to hijack the thread, but I wanted a clarification on Whitewolf's answer. I'm not stating the following because I know different; I'm asking because I don't know.
I was under the impression that the old DEX III (and similar Mercon) fluids were licensed under a "performance" criteria. In other words, aftermarket manufacturers could could produce fluids under license as long as the fluids met the "performance" criteria set forth for the fluid, and they could use any chemistry that would get them to that minimum performance level.
Further, I am under the impression that the new DEX VI is actually more of a "chemistry" license, where a specific additive package design is required to meet the license. That is why the DEX VI performs better under long term use (compared to DEX III), and also why other brands meeting DEX VI actually are a very good match, because they are reasonably the same.
Is this a correct interpretation of the scenario, or am I in need of education? Again, I'm not stating I'm right, I'm just trying to understand the specifics of the licenseing agreements and additive packages.
I was under the impression that the old DEX III (and similar Mercon) fluids were licensed under a "performance" criteria. In other words, aftermarket manufacturers could could produce fluids under license as long as the fluids met the "performance" criteria set forth for the fluid, and they could use any chemistry that would get them to that minimum performance level.
Further, I am under the impression that the new DEX VI is actually more of a "chemistry" license, where a specific additive package design is required to meet the license. That is why the DEX VI performs better under long term use (compared to DEX III), and also why other brands meeting DEX VI actually are a very good match, because they are reasonably the same.
Is this a correct interpretation of the scenario, or am I in need of education? Again, I'm not stating I'm right, I'm just trying to understand the specifics of the licenseing agreements and additive packages.
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I think it's a fair enough question
You are pretty much correct. DEXRON-VI is still a performance spec but unlike with DEXRON-III GM are also being much more critical in terms of how much proof is required in order to assure that any given chemistry will not only provide the desired performance when new but will continue to do so for a longer term. There is only one additive system and VM approved right now but there is provision in the spec to approve others, however if you take a look you will see that the requirements that have to be met in order to accomplish that are quite daunting. Finally, yes that's why I'm saying that there really isn't much in it between the DEXRON-VI formulations. There is still a 'window' but it's very small.
You are pretty much correct. DEXRON-VI is still a performance spec but unlike with DEXRON-III GM are also being much more critical in terms of how much proof is required in order to assure that any given chemistry will not only provide the desired performance when new but will continue to do so for a longer term. There is only one additive system and VM approved right now but there is provision in the spec to approve others, however if you take a look you will see that the requirements that have to be met in order to accomplish that are quite daunting. Finally, yes that's why I'm saying that there really isn't much in it between the DEXRON-VI formulations. There is still a 'window' but it's very small.
dnewton3
Staff member
Whitewolf - TY for the clarification.
I would get the genuine GM stuff, why mess around.
Virginoil
Virginoil
Originally Posted By: virginoil
I would get the genuine GM stuff, why mess around.
Virginoil
I agree, I used Castrol Dexron VI in my GM made BMW trany- no problems after several thousand miles. Shifts just like before, perhaps a bit smoother yet more solid.
However, I wish I had used the GM branded VI. BTW, isn't all dexron VI a blend?
I would get the genuine GM stuff, why mess around.
Virginoil
I agree, I used Castrol Dexron VI in my GM made BMW trany- no problems after several thousand miles. Shifts just like before, perhaps a bit smoother yet more solid.
However, I wish I had used the GM branded VI. BTW, isn't all dexron VI a blend?
I'm not too sure what you mean when you say "a blend"
All ATFs are a blend. A blend of DI, VM, (plus other 'bits such as seal swell and PPD)and baseoil.
The baseoil itself is usually a blend also, whether its Group II, Group III or even Group IV (for ATF usually 4cSt PAO and Ester but can for instance be a mix of 2cSt,4cSt and Ester).
Most DEXRON-VIs are Group III, and yes the baseoil is a 'blend ' of two or three different grades in order to achieve the required viscometrics, so what's wrong with that?
All ATFs are a blend. A blend of DI, VM, (plus other 'bits such as seal swell and PPD)and baseoil.
The baseoil itself is usually a blend also, whether its Group II, Group III or even Group IV (for ATF usually 4cSt PAO and Ester but can for instance be a mix of 2cSt,4cSt and Ester).
Most DEXRON-VIs are Group III, and yes the baseoil is a 'blend ' of two or three different grades in order to achieve the required viscometrics, so what's wrong with that?
Perhaps I used the wrong (and misleading)term for those that are more technicaly inclined than I am. I simply meant that it is my understanding that no Dexron VI is fully synthetic.
dnewton3
Staff member
VirginOil - there was a time last year, when my brand new 2006 D/A truck was apparently too "out there" when it came to dealer support or understanding of DEX VI.
Seriously, in a year's time, DEX VI went from obscurity to the lime light. Last Christmas break, I couldn't find DEX VI anywhere, including the dealer that I bought the truck from. Their answer to me was "just run DEX III; it's what we put in everything." WOW - that was scary! MY 2006 Allison had DEX VI as factory fill. I went over to AAP, and not only did they not have it, they hadn't even heard of it. I went to AutoZone; same story - never heard of it. I went back to the dealer, gave them the actual part number that I had to find on the internet, then made them order it. It took 6 days! Good thing I didn't NEED it, I just wanted it for a top-off.
Now, DEX VI is everywhere, but not necessisarily in all forms. Seems each store location carries their preference for DEX VI. I have seen Kendall, Penzoil, Castrol, Mobil and Valvoline DEX VI fluids now. And I STILL cannot get it by the quart at the dealer; says I still have to order it; again, more scary!
I really like the performance characteristics of the new DEX VI. And I'm really glad it's licensing is well controlled, though for a while at least, it was hard to get. Now I can find it at any auto parts place, and I'm comfortable that even if I mix brands, the compatibility will be fine.
Seriously, in a year's time, DEX VI went from obscurity to the lime light. Last Christmas break, I couldn't find DEX VI anywhere, including the dealer that I bought the truck from. Their answer to me was "just run DEX III; it's what we put in everything." WOW - that was scary! MY 2006 Allison had DEX VI as factory fill. I went over to AAP, and not only did they not have it, they hadn't even heard of it. I went to AutoZone; same story - never heard of it. I went back to the dealer, gave them the actual part number that I had to find on the internet, then made them order it. It took 6 days! Good thing I didn't NEED it, I just wanted it for a top-off.
Now, DEX VI is everywhere, but not necessisarily in all forms. Seems each store location carries their preference for DEX VI. I have seen Kendall, Penzoil, Castrol, Mobil and Valvoline DEX VI fluids now. And I STILL cannot get it by the quart at the dealer; says I still have to order it; again, more scary!
I really like the performance characteristics of the new DEX VI. And I'm really glad it's licensing is well controlled, though for a while at least, it was hard to get. Now I can find it at any auto parts place, and I'm comfortable that even if I mix brands, the compatibility will be fine.
If I was paying $6+ per quart, I would want the full synthetic marketing label. Sorry, but if there is a bunch of cheap group1/1+/2 watering down the groupIII, then I don't want that 'blend'.
We also don't use the 'blend' word so generically here.
And, even a 'small window' is a little excessive in the dexronVI price range.
We also don't use the 'blend' word so generically here.
And, even a 'small window' is a little excessive in the dexronVI price range.
A couple of comments.
unDummy, there will always be a 'window', the objective is to make it as small as possible. As far as the word 'blend' goes then I think that it is used very inaccurately since all formulations are 'blends' whether they are mineral or synthetic.
Russell, I'm not going to go into the definition of 'synthetic' all over again because we have been there before on other threads. However, the fact is that in the USA Group III formulations can legally be described as synthetic if that is the route that marketers want to take. It really doesn't matter though because the advent of really good Group III formulations has reduced the term 'synthetic' to nothing more than a word to be used in the marketing game.
unDummy, there will always be a 'window', the objective is to make it as small as possible. As far as the word 'blend' goes then I think that it is used very inaccurately since all formulations are 'blends' whether they are mineral or synthetic.
Russell, I'm not going to go into the definition of 'synthetic' all over again because we have been there before on other threads. However, the fact is that in the USA Group III formulations can legally be described as synthetic if that is the route that marketers want to take. It really doesn't matter though because the advent of really good Group III formulations has reduced the term 'synthetic' to nothing more than a word to be used in the marketing game.
Gee guys......I think the DexVI is "synthetic" synthetic...Ok start the flamer!! LOL
where is the proof that Dex6 is a good substitute for Dex3? from what you guys say they are totally two different fluids. Full syn Dex3 is just that a synthetic, dex6 seems like its just a blend.. can someone enlighten me on this lol
thanx fellas
thanx fellas
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