trans fluid

[tim worner]

The turbo cars use dextron/mercon and I use full syn. mercon v in my glide. Had a good conversation with JC Beatty from ATI he recommends the type f because of the grit properties in the fluid. We have had zero problems with any of our trans due to fluid problems. We drain the pan and add new about every 50 runs or so just as a precaution.

[Alan Roehrich]

A quick and dirty explanation for the difference in the two fluids is that Type F replaced the older fluids for Ford, back when Ford still used asbestos in their friction materials, while GM got away from asbestos earlier, switching to paper friction materials, and Dexron. The different friction materials required different friction modifiers in the fluid, in order to achieve a certain shift feel.

The Type F fluid usually yields a firmer shift feel, when used with friction materials that do not contain asbestos, than Dexron does.

For years, race transmission companies recommended Type F to get that firm shift feel.

The old Type A, Type F, and early Dexron fluids were required by law to be compatible, even to the point of mixing them.

Some of the newer transmissions, like some of the Chrysler and Honda units, do require very special fluids, and do not work well with Type F, Dexron/Mercon, or other fluids. They can even be severely damaged by them.

The requirement of some companies to use a RED transmission fluids comes from the problems associated with the old blue B&M "Trick Shift" fluid (we used to leave out the "f") years ago. We found that the sealing rings and bushings often reacted negatively to the B&M fluid, and even noticed a higher incidence of problems with the Torrington thrust bearings.

I've found no difference in reliability or longevity with good quality Dexron or Type F fluids. Depending on what friction materials are used, you may or may not see a difference in shift feel.

[Todd Boyer]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

Amsoil synthetic Supershift. It has Type F friction properties and holds up better against heat than conventional fluids. After about 4-5 seasons on my 904, my trans builder suggested that I continue using whatever trans fluid I had.

How often do you change the fluid Myron?

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by Todd Boyer

How often do you change the fluid Myron?

2, maybe 3 times a year.
I also use the 4.2 lever and back off 2 turns on both adjustments.
I'm pretty sure JW uses the red bands and/or clutches. Forgot the specific brand. Don't know what else he does or sets the pressure at, but mine don't have any "trick" parts in them.

[wupracing]

I was told this weekend to use Hydraulic/Transmission Fluid for Tractors in the P/G Trans to help with the Heat.
Anyone ever tried this and does it work.

[greg fulk]

Hdy fluid/auto trans fluid are the same....My dad saw this "out in the field" as he drives a timber cutting machine for a living . he said some are thinner the the others but both work.

[1320racer]

Allison TranSynd, been using it for 5 years switching from Type F to lower fluid temp and extend fluid change intervals.

Installed fresh at the start of every season, logging 200+ passes each season.

Rossler Turbo400 and ATI converter

[njk53]

Pennsoil Type F conventional trans fluid.

[THE LEGEND]

Kevin,
I've been told that by more than 1 tranny/convertor builder. I still stick with my synthetic though.
I recently switched to the same stuff Myron uses AMSOIL trick shift. I will put around 400 runs on my glide this year and don't anticipate any issues.
Chip

[63corvette]

I build race trans and you need to stick with any of the brand name synthetic fluids.
I prefer the Mobil 1 fluids.
The synthetic fluids hold up better under the heat loads of racing in all areas and are better lubricants period.
They are a little more expensive but worth it.
My 2 Cents and experience from using and building the transmissions.