Type F fluid and soft shifts

Tim H · 05-25-2010, 06:00 PM

Strange, I talked to ATI last year about my set up, ATI TH400 and ATI converter (foot brake) and was told to use Dexron III fluid. I mentionned I had been using Ford FA , with no issues and they said switch to the Dexron III. Just shows ask 2 or 3 people and get 2 or 3 different responses.

Redlight · 05-25-2010, 06:19 PM

Just to add to "the mix".

I use type FA with a bottle of lucas.

buzzinhalfdozen · 05-25-2010, 06:51 PM

This may be a stupid question..... but what the heck is type FA? I've heard of all the others but never FA. Is it an improved version of typeF? Joe After some more thought....what difference would the fluid type make for a different brand converter, you still have the same trans, correct? I doubt the converter would care what fluids in it.JMO

B Aceves · 05-25-2010, 07:08 PM

Chad,
Its very possible that by installing a converter with a higher stahl means that the converter is possibly flashing at a higher rpm, What that could cause if your running a three speed auto trans is that the 1-2 shift dropback rpm could be causing you to still be in the converter when the shift is made thus resulting in a poor shift and a loss in ET, Im just throwing this out there for something to think about, Im sure any converter guy could put this in better perspective than me but thats the first thing that came to my mind when you said a converter with a higher stahl caused it. Doubt it would be caused by Fluid...

Bob Aceves
#746 E/SA
A&M motorsports

Chad E532 · 05-25-2010, 08:46 PM

Thanks for all the good information.
Bob, I need to do some calculations but I think you are on to something with the 1-2 shift dropping me back below the stall rpm. Also, a call to ATI is going to be in order this week to see what they have to say about it.
Thanks,

Chad

05-25-2010, 06:00 PM	#1
Tim H VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,044 Likes: 1,086 Liked 484 Times in 160 Posts	Re: Type F fluid and soft shifts Strange, I talked to ATI last year about my set up, ATI TH400 and ATI converter (foot brake) and was told to use Dexron III fluid. I mentionned I had been using Ford FA , with no issues and they said switch to the Dexron III. Just shows ask 2 or 3 people and get 2 or 3 different responses.

05-25-2010, 06:19 PM	#2
Redlight Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 23 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Type F fluid and soft shifts Just to add to "the mix". I use type FA with a bottle of lucas.

05-25-2010, 06:51 PM	#3
buzzinhalfdozen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bellevue Ohio Posts: 984 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Type F fluid and soft shifts This may be a stupid question..... but what the heck is type FA? I've heard of all the others but never FA. Is it an improved version of typeF? Joe After some more thought....what difference would the fluid type make for a different brand converter, you still have the same trans, correct? I doubt the converter would care what fluids in it.JMO __________________ Joe Buchanan SS/BX 3117 Last edited by buzzinhalfdozen; 05-25-2010 at 07:00 PM.

05-25-2010, 07:08 PM	#4
B Aceves Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 457 Likes: 1 Liked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Type F fluid and soft shifts Chad, Its very possible that by installing a converter with a higher stahl means that the converter is possibly flashing at a higher rpm, What that could cause if your running a three speed auto trans is that the 1-2 shift dropback rpm could be causing you to still be in the converter when the shift is made thus resulting in a poor shift and a loss in ET, Im just throwing this out there for something to think about, Im sure any converter guy could put this in better perspective than me but thats the first thing that came to my mind when you said a converter with a higher stahl caused it. Doubt it would be caused by Fluid... Bob Aceves #746 E/SA A&M motorsports __________________ Bob Aceves, 746 E/SA A&M motorsports

05-25-2010, 08:46 PM	#5
Chad E532 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lindstrom MN Posts: 156 Likes: 7 Liked 54 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Type F fluid and soft shifts Thanks for all the good information. Bob, I need to do some calculations but I think you are on to something with the 1-2 shift dropping me back below the stall rpm. Also, a call to ATI is going to be in order this week to see what they have to say about it. Thanks, Chad