The Tremec T-56 in my CTS-V was in need of a fluid change. When I bought the car I noted that it was easiest shifting T-56 I have owned or driven (I've driven many). Though that positive feature has started to fade in the past year or so. Factory fill was DexIII but I did not buy it new.
There is endless indecision about what is "best" for a T-56, many positive and negative reviews for the same fluids. I have had two threads on here in the past while trying to figure out what fluid to go with to have smooth shifts. It just led to more indecision. User dailydriver on here put expensive Ravenol MT2, a highly regarded MTF, in his T56 after reading all the info posted in one of my prior threads. I was hoping to hear of great results so I could buy it with confidence, unfortunately he updated that he was not impressed with shifting.
So I went with what works. I started compiling old Dex III fluids and used this concoction. 1 quart Havoline MD3, 1 quart Peak Dex III, 1 quart Pennzoil Dex III, and 1 old quart of Mobil 1 ATF.
The old fluid was an ATF of some sort, it was dark red and smelled like honey.
After the change the transmission shifts like butter! No placebo effect, on my initial drive away it was a little dependent on rpm match to fall into gear and I was disappointed. That quirk stopped after a short time. Tonight I went for a cold start and go, 37 degrees. So smooth, it falls into every gear. Transmission doesn't care what the RPM mismatch is. Downshift to 3rd at 60mph, goes in from idle if you want with no fuss. 6900 rpm WOT shifts in 1rst/2nd/3rd/4th. Not a scratch from a synchro. I'm very pleased.
Total cost to me; $2 for the 1 quart of clearanced Mobil ATF.
There is endless indecision about what is "best" for a T-56, many positive and negative reviews for the same fluids. I have had two threads on here in the past while trying to figure out what fluid to go with to have smooth shifts. It just led to more indecision. User dailydriver on here put expensive Ravenol MT2, a highly regarded MTF, in his T56 after reading all the info posted in one of my prior threads. I was hoping to hear of great results so I could buy it with confidence, unfortunately he updated that he was not impressed with shifting.
So I went with what works. I started compiling old Dex III fluids and used this concoction. 1 quart Havoline MD3, 1 quart Peak Dex III, 1 quart Pennzoil Dex III, and 1 old quart of Mobil 1 ATF.
The old fluid was an ATF of some sort, it was dark red and smelled like honey.
After the change the transmission shifts like butter! No placebo effect, on my initial drive away it was a little dependent on rpm match to fall into gear and I was disappointed. That quirk stopped after a short time. Tonight I went for a cold start and go, 37 degrees. So smooth, it falls into every gear. Transmission doesn't care what the RPM mismatch is. Downshift to 3rd at 60mph, goes in from idle if you want with no fuss. 6900 rpm WOT shifts in 1rst/2nd/3rd/4th. Not a scratch from a synchro. I'm very pleased.
Total cost to me; $2 for the 1 quart of clearanced Mobil ATF.