Did Amsoil change their ATF Dex III? What is the best for the TR6060 now?

[Russell James]

I've had tons of GM 6 spds in vettes, fbodies, a GTO.... I put Amsoil ATF in the trans in all those over the years and they all shifted smoother.

For this '10 Camaro I just got in Dec, I figured I'd do the same thing. $40 bucks and a couple wasted hours later, my trans now shifts like crap when cold. Grinds going into 3rd. Smooths out after about a half hour of driving. Didn't do that before the Amsoil. Did they change something in their ATF formula? After changing it, I now see on their web site they are recommending something called torque-drive. Nice to see that after wasting my time and money.

I see some people recommending RP Synchromax or Mobil 1 ATF. Anyone have good luck with those?

I did notice when putting in the Amsoil that it was a whole lot thicker than the OEM ATF that came out. Never noticed that before when using the Amsoil ATF. I may just stick some OEM stuff back in there.

Needless to say Amsoil is on my shtlist.

[the rich dude]

I'm curious to know as well!

[Russell James]

From my digging around the internet on Vette, GTO, and G8 enthusiats web sites I found a few other comments of rough shifting when cold using the Amsoil ATF lately. Something about it having a thicker cold viscosity and the TR6060 prefers a thinner ATF when cold. Hard to say if Amsoil changed their stuff, or the TR6060 is different from the Tremec 6 speeds going back a few years. This is the first one I made shift worse by putting in synthetic. Weird. Think I'll try RP Synchromax, that seems to be getting many good comments.

[mtcwby]

This is straight out of the GM Service Manual Recommended Fluids page
Document #2169740 for the 2010 Camaro SS.

Manual Transmission(V8 Engines): Manual Transmission Fluid, GM part # U.S.88861800

This not normal ATF, on the bottle it says it is a blend of ATF and other additives. Probably has additives kind of like the rear end has limited slip additive. The additives are for helping the synchros to line up for shifting.

I have heard that RP Synchromax has the same kind of formulation. The Chevy dealer where I get my service work uses the RP Synchromax in TR6060 transmissions, as well as RP GearMax in the rear differentials.

[Russell James]

Just to close the issue. I put some Royal Purple Synchromax in there and it is now shifting very nice. Weather is a bit warmer, so that is helping too.

But Amsoil ATF and cold weather was not a good combo for this trans.

Royal Purple Synchromax my trans is happy again. Wallet is lighter though. 18 bones a qt. must have some gold dust in it.


Strange though, I can't tell you how many other MN6 cars I've put Amsoil ATF in and they all shifted great. Maybe it's like when Coke screwed with the formula. New Coke sucked. I had the same feeling pouring 40 bucks worth of new Amsoil down the recycle tank at Autozone.

[mmbarberoilman]

Perhaps if you simply used the recommended product from Amsoil you would not have any problems and be tickled pink. It pays to ask the company or simply look up the actual specs on their online guide. If YOU use the wrong stuff do not blame someone else for YOUR problems.

[Robert91RS]

It may or may not be related, but Dex III has been replaced by DEX IV for all GM autos. The GM "manual trans fluid" is just DEX III under a new title. DEX IV was never designed for the manual transmissions.

[Russell James]

Originally Posted by mmbarberoilman

Perhaps if you simply used the recommended product from Amsoil you would not have any problems and be tickled pink. It pays to ask the company or simply look up the actual specs on their online guide. If YOU use the wrong stuff do not blame someone else for YOUR problems.

Have you looked at their web site smart guy?

http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/vehic...ROLET+CAMARO+X

Amsoil ATF is one of the products listed for the Manual Trans 6 speed.

I've used it so many times in the past I had no idea it wouldn't work good this time or that they had come out with something new. Which I would also ask - if they've got new crap, why still list the old stuff that no longer works right for that application? Try going to a parts store and asking for Torque Drive? But they do have the Amsoil ATF on the shelf everywhere, that meets the car's Dex III spec, is listed on their website for the Camaro... and has worked great in the past...

No problem, lesson learned. I've sent them my receipt to see if they have a clue of customer satisfaction. Excuse the fck out of me for buying a product that I have used numerous times in the past with great results. I should have known better.

It's like if Mobil 1 came out with Mobil 2, but still carried Mobil 1 everywhere. Dumbsht me would screw that up also and stick Mobil 1 in my car. WTF Mr Mobil this stuff isn't working so great. Well dumbshit you should have known we've got the new and improved stuff out now, you were just too incompetent to find it.

I got the message. But they lost my business.

[RandyB]

Originally Posted by mmbarberoilman

Perhaps if you simply used the recommended product from Amsoil you would not have any problems and be tickled pink. It pays to ask the company or simply look up the actual specs on their online guide. If YOU use the wrong stuff do not blame someone else for YOUR problems.

Wow, this is not a good response from someone who represents Amsoil. I have read many posts from mmbarberoilman over the past couple months and each one I read makes me LESS interested in Amsoil products.

If you really want to promote Amsoil, maybe you should just stop posting...or at least learn to respond in a professional manner.

[Russell James]

At least I'm getting good at putting my Camaro up on jack stands.

No biggie really, sorry for the added drama. Bottom line is - if you want to use Amsoil, make sure to get their Torque Drive. I'm not sure why their ATF Dex III didn't work so good for me on this car in cold temps. I can't tell you how many Corvettes I've put that in and it worked fine.

If you want to use Royal Purple, I can say their Synchromax worked good for me.

Or, I could have just left the GM stuff in there. I've got so use to - buying a car, put a couple hundred miles on it - and then change everything to synthetics, was suprised to get thrown a little curve.

BTW, I'm glad I changed the rear diff lube. Even at only a couple hundred miles, it looked nasty. That rear diff must shed a lot of clutch material when new.

No biggie, back to enjoying the hot rod.

[mtcwby]

Originally Posted by Robert91RS

It may or may not be related, but Dex III has been replaced by DEX IV for all GM autos. The GM "manual trans fluid" is just DEX III under a new title. DEX IV was never designed for the manual transmissions.

Wrong, read the label, "Manual Trans Fluid" is Dex III plus it has additives for the synchros. Dex III will not work by itself.

[Robert91RS]

Originally Posted by mtcwby

Wrong, read the label, "Manual Trans Fluid" is Dex III plus it has additives for the synchros. Dex III will not work by itself.

That's not what I was trying to say. Try not to be so rude, I have the label on my desk thank you.

#04-07-30-037D: Release of DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - (Nov 21, 2007)


Subject: Release of DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)


Models: 2008 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

2003-2008 HUMMER H2

2006-2008 HUMMER H3

2005-2007 Saturn Relay

2005 and Prior Saturn L-Series

2005-2007 Saturn ION

2005-2008 Saturn VUE with 4T45-E

2005-2008 Saab 9-7X



Except 2008 and Prior Chevrolet Aveo, Equinox

Except 2006 and Prior Chevrolet Epica

Except 2007 and Prior Chevrolet Optra

Except 2008 and Prior Pontiac Torrent, Vibe, Wave

Except 2003-2005 Saturn ION with CVT or AF23 Only

Except 1991-2002 Saturn S-Series

Except 2008 and Prior Saturn VUE with CVT, AF33 or 5AT (MJ7/MJ8) Transmission Only

Except 2008 Saturn Astra



Attention: DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is the only approved fluid for warranty repairs for General Motors transmissions/transaxles requiring DEXRON®-III and/or prior DEXRON® transmission fluids.



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This bulletin is being revised to update model/model year information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-037C (Section 07 -- Transmission/Transaxle).


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MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS / TRANSFER CASES and POWER STEERING
The content of this bulletin does not apply to manual transmissions or transfer cases. Any vehicle that previously required DEXRON®-III for a manual transmission or transfer case should now use P/N 88861800. This fluid is labeled Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid. Power Steering Systems should now use P/N 9985010 labeled Power Steering Fluid.

Consult the Owner's Manual or Service Information (SI) for fluid recommendations.

Some of our customers and/or General Motors dealerships/Saturn Retailers may have some concerns with DEXRON®-VI and DEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and transmission warranty claims. DEXRON®-VI is the only approved fluid for warranty repairs for General Motors transmissions/transaxles requiring DEXRON®-III and/or prior DEXRON® transmission fluids. Please remember that the clean oil reservoirs of the J 45096 - Flushing and Flow Tester machine should be purged of DEXRON®-III and filled with DEXRON®-VI for testing, flushing or filling General Motors transmissions/transaxles.

DEXRON®-VI can be used in any proportion in past model vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission/transaxle in place of DEXRON®-III (i.e. topping off the fluid in the event of a repair or fluid change). DEXRON®-VI is also compatible with any former version of DEXRON® for use in automatic transmissions/transaxles.

DEXRON®-VI ATF
General Motors Powertrain has upgraded to DEXRON®-VI ATF with the start of 2006 vehicle production.

Current and prior automatic transmission models that had used DEXRON®-III must now only use DEXRON®-VI.

All 2006 and future model transmissions that use DEXRON®-VI are to be serviced ONLY with DEXRON®-VI fluid.

DEXRON®-VI is an improvement over DEXRON®-III in the following areas:

DEXRON®-VI

Fluid Service Change Interval
160,000 km (100,000 mi) For Cars and Light Duty Trucks*

80,000 km (50,000 mi) (Severe Use) For Cars and Light Duty Trucks*

Clutch Friction Stability
Improved 100%

Clutch Durability Due To Fluid
Improved 120%

Oil Film Thickness
Increased 20%

Fluid Oxidation
Improved 100%

Foam/Aeration
Improved 150%

Shear Stability
Improved 200%


* These ATF change intervals remain the same as DEXRON®-III for the time being.

2006-2008 Transmission Fill and Cooler Flushing
Some new applications of the 6L80 six speed transmission will require the use of the J 45096 - Flushing and Flow Tester to accomplish transmission fluid fill. It is highly recommended that the clean oil reservoir of the machine be purged of DEXRON®-III and filled with DEXRON®-VI