What Manual Trans Fluid? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

rednecks70 · 04-05-2025, 09:14 PM

Tried doing a search but having issues. Is Royal Purple Synchromax good? I plan on doing 4 to 5 track days this year but I don't push my car that hard. Thanks!

ZMEnow · 04-05-2025, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rednecks70

Tried doing a search but having issues. Is Royal Purple Synchromax good? I plan on doing 4 to 5 track days this year but I don't push my car that hard. Thanks!

Never had and issue with the GM fluid as trans has a cooler..

Jeff_SS · 04-05-2025, 10:40 PM

Redline D4 is the way to go

Joe.G · 04-06-2025, 08:50 AM

Alot of people talk highly of Redline D4 and Ill probably try it next. I run Amsoil Sig series ATF and I am happy with it.

Annatar · 04-06-2025, 09:00 AM

The timing of this thread could not be more appropriate.

The owner's manual says GM part number 88861800, but I'm in Europe and would prefer not to pay exorbitant shipping and customs fees. What could I use as a suitable replacement?

And is 88861800 really 75W-90 in disguise, or is it genuinely something else?

Joe.G · 04-06-2025, 09:12 AM

Choose one of the ones listed above and you will be fine, when I drained my factory fill it was clearly an ATF type fluid. ATF is what I have been running in my Camaros since the Worls Class T5 came out in 1988 in the F Body.

Annatar · 04-06-2025, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe.G

Choose one of the ones listed above and you will be fine,

The problem is that all of those are only available in the United States, and are U. S. domestic brands, that's why I was asking what it actually is.

I have acess to Valvoline, Castrol, Liqui Moly... all the global brands. Most of the brands which advertise on "YouTube" or in TV shows like "Power Nation" are U. S. only.

Quote:

when I drained my factory fill it was clearly an ATF type fluid. ATF is what I have been running in my Camaros since the Worls Class T5 came out in 1988 in the F Body.

Yeah, but which kind? There are different types of ATF...

rednecks70 · 04-06-2025, 08:07 PM

Thanks everyone!!

Joe.G · 04-06-2025, 08:48 PM

I believe it's Dexon3 but don't quote me on that .

NZZL1 · 04-08-2025, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annatar

The timing of this thread could not be more appropriate.

The owner's manual says GM part number 88861800, but I'm in Europe and would prefer not to pay exorbitant shipping and customs fees. What could I use as a suitable replacement?

And is 88861800 really 75W-90 in disguise, or is it genuinely something else?

AC Delco 10-4033 = GM 88861800 is OEM manual transmisson oil (looks like ATF) but I think Redline D4 is better than OEM
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Fluid.../dp/B00BK7M1EK

AC Delco 10-4034 = GM 88862624 is OEM differential oil 75W-90 that includes friction modifier
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-GM-88.../dp/B00GTJD5RG

VRZL113 · 04-08-2025, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZZL1

AC Delco 10-4033 = GM 88861800 is OEM manual transmisson oil (looks like ATF) but I think Redline D4 is better than OEM
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Fluid.../dp/B00BK7M1EK

AC Delco 10-4034 = GM 88862624 is OEM differential oil 75W-90 that includes friction modifier
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-GM-88.../dp/B00GTJD5RG

Why do you think Redline D4 is better than OEM?? Do you have data to show this?

acammer · 04-08-2025, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRZL113

Why do you think Redline D4 is better than OEM?? Do you have data to show this?

Personal experience with my own car, as well as a few other local cars I interact with regularly. Redline improved both cold and hot shift quality.

J35Y2 · 04-09-2025, 09:49 PM

Literally any kind of standard viscosity spec ATF (Dexron III, Mercon V, ATF+4) will do fine in any Tremec TR-6060. The optimal viscosity the trans likes is somewhere around 7-8 cs t(@ 100C), for any kind of gear oil/MTF or ATF, DCTF you plan to use in the TR-6060. You can technically even run the low viscosity (LV) spec ATF (Dexron VI, Mercon LV), but it might be prone to less wear protection at high temps, since it’s less viscous (~6 cst @ 100C).

The later Tremec TR-3160’s actually run LV ATF just fine apparently. I’ve done a few trans fluid changes on some Ford Shelby GT350’s, with Valvoline Max Life ATF and they do pretty good. I figured they’d probably do better if they went with regular viscosity ATF, but Tremec R&D’d it, so…. And for the Getrag MT-82 in the 2011+ Mustang GT manual models, they seem to all take any DCTF (dual clutch ATF) just fine. I don’t think I’d trust ATF in an MT-82, but apparently people have run Royal Purple Synchromax, which is like a higher visc/weight ATF.

I believe the OEM GM “manual” trans fluid (actually ATF) that Chevy/AC Delco made for the 5th gen Camaro manual (TR-6060), is conventional and not full synthetic. Aside from that, that’s probably my only opinion and decision to not run it. It could MAYBE do well with high heat and shearing down, but FULL synthetic oil products always give me more peace of mind.

GL-4 75w-80 is the spec that Tremec should’ve released, and with a thinner viscosity than most typical MTF’s. Instead, they decided to release some GL-4 75w-85 MTF that’s super hard to shift with, on cold starts. BG Synchroshift II is probably the best GL-4 75w-80 MTF/gear oil that I’ve ran in my TR-6060 manual trans, since it’s a little less thicker than most other same spec gear oils.

Annatar · 04-26-2025, 03:18 AM

Man I love the people on this forum; the 5th generation Camaro community is one of the most knowledgeable communities in the world, and one can just tell that there is so much passion in it. I'm amazed, really, I am. Don't discount us just yet!

So, for the differential, I ended up using Ravenol LS 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil, where "LS" is supposed to stand for "limited slip", and for the transmission I used RAVENOL MTF-1 75W-85. I only drove the car for about 100 km or so, but nothing blew up, I didn't hear any grinding noises, and the transmission seemed to shift the same as before.

That MTF-1 looks a lot like ATF Dextron III. Boy how times have changed, back in the day one injected 75W-90 into the transmission and called it a day.

The whole job of changing the differential and transmission fluids was way easier than I thought, with the car on the lift, I was done in exactly two hours. Got to use my transmission oil hand pump which I bought at "AutoZone", back when I was a young kid still living in the U. S., several decades ago. That was a blast from the past.

The only suspicious thing was that the manual says 4.4 L, but I was at 4 L and the fluid started running out. I tried one more injection after that, but it just kept running out. Strange.

04-05-2025, 09:14 PM	#1
rednecks70 Drives: 2013 AGM ZL1, '70 Chevelle 454 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Willow Grove, PA Posts: 114	What Manual Trans Fluid? Tried doing a search but having issues. Is Royal Purple Synchromax good? I plan on doing 4 to 5 track days this year but I don't push my car that hard. Thanks! __________________ 2013 ZL1, M6, AGM, CAI, 1 7/8 Kooks Headers, 10% OD Pulley, ID1050 Injectors, 575 RWHP

04-05-2025, 10:40 PM	#3
Jeff_SS "Cam Only" Drives: 2013 Camaro SS Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,773 View My Garage	Redline D4 is the way to go __________________ 2013 AGM Camaro 2SS/RS M6 \| LSA Blower, 2.5" pulley, 10% lower, FIC1000's, Fore Innovations Twin Pump fuel system w/ Flex Fuel, CMS Custom Grind Cam, Kooks 1 7/8" headers w/ catless off-road pipes, NPP Exhaust, 3.91's, JLT ZL1 Intake, Prospeed Heat Exchanger, Monster S Series Triple Disc Clutch \| Pfadt Suspension, 1LE Sway Bars \| DSS 1000hp axles \| Mickey Thompson ET Street R 305/45/18 \| Tuned by Ryne @ CMS E85: 734rwhp/674rwtq

04-06-2025, 08:50 AM	#4
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	Alot of people talk highly of Redline D4 and Ill probably try it next. I run Amsoil Sig series ATF and I am happy with it. __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

04-06-2025, 09:12 AM	#6
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	Choose one of the ones listed above and you will be fine, when I drained my factory fill it was clearly an ATF type fluid. ATF is what I have been running in my Camaros since the Worls Class T5 came out in 1988 in the F Body. __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

04-06-2025, 08:07 PM	#8
rednecks70 Drives: 2013 AGM ZL1, '70 Chevelle 454 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Willow Grove, PA Posts: 114	Thanks everyone!! __________________ 2013 ZL1, M6, AGM, CAI, 1 7/8 Kooks Headers, 10% OD Pulley, ID1050 Injectors, 575 RWHP

04-06-2025, 09:00 AM	#5
Annatar Drives: ZL1 six speed manual Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Middleearth Posts: 150	The timing of this thread could not be more appropriate. The owner's manual says GM part number 88861800, but I'm in Europe and would prefer not to pay exorbitant shipping and customs fees. What could I use as a suitable replacement? And is 88861800 really 75W-90 in disguise, or is it genuinely something else?

04-06-2025, 08:48 PM	#9
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	I believe it's Dexon3 but don't quote me on that . __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

04-09-2025, 09:49 PM	#13
J35Y2 Drives: 2010 Chevy Camaro 2SS manual coupe Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 84	Literally any kind of standard viscosity spec ATF (Dexron III, Mercon V, ATF+4) will do fine in any Tremec TR-6060. The optimal viscosity the trans likes is somewhere around 7-8 cs t(@ 100C), for any kind of gear oil/MTF or ATF, DCTF you plan to use in the TR-6060. You can technically even run the low viscosity (LV) spec ATF (Dexron VI, Mercon LV), but it might be prone to less wear protection at high temps, since it’s less viscous (~6 cst @ 100C). The later Tremec TR-3160’s actually run LV ATF just fine apparently. I’ve done a few trans fluid changes on some Ford Shelby GT350’s, with Valvoline Max Life ATF and they do pretty good. I figured they’d probably do better if they went with regular viscosity ATF, but Tremec R&D’d it, so…. And for the Getrag MT-82 in the 2011+ Mustang GT manual models, they seem to all take any DCTF (dual clutch ATF) just fine. I don’t think I’d trust ATF in an MT-82, but apparently people have run Royal Purple Synchromax, which is like a higher visc/weight ATF. I believe the OEM GM “manual” trans fluid (actually ATF) that Chevy/AC Delco made for the 5th gen Camaro manual (TR-6060), is conventional and not full synthetic. Aside from that, that’s probably my only opinion and decision to not run it. It could MAYBE do well with high heat and shearing down, but FULL synthetic oil products always give me more peace of mind. GL-4 75w-80 is the spec that Tremec should’ve released, and with a thinner viscosity than most typical MTF’s. Instead, they decided to release some GL-4 75w-85 MTF that’s super hard to shift with, on cold starts. BG Synchroshift II is probably the best GL-4 75w-80 MTF/gear oil that I’ve ran in my TR-6060 manual trans, since it’s a little less thicker than most other same spec gear oils.

04-26-2025, 03:18 AM	#14
Annatar Drives: ZL1 six speed manual Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Middleearth Posts: 150	Man I love the people on this forum; the 5th generation Camaro community is one of the most knowledgeable communities in the world, and one can just tell that there is so much passion in it. I'm amazed, really, I am. Don't discount us just yet! So, for the differential, I ended up using Ravenol LS 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil, where "LS" is supposed to stand for "limited slip", and for the transmission I used RAVENOL MTF-1 75W-85. I only drove the car for about 100 km or so, but nothing blew up, I didn't hear any grinding noises, and the transmission seemed to shift the same as before. That MTF-1 looks a lot like ATF Dextron III. Boy how times have changed, back in the day one injected 75W-90 into the transmission and called it a day. The whole job of changing the differential and transmission fluids was way easier than I thought, with the car on the lift, I was done in exactly two hours. Got to use my transmission oil hand pump which I bought at "AutoZone", back when I was a young kid still living in the U. S., several decades ago. That was a blast from the past. The only suspicious thing was that the manual says 4.4 L, but I was at 4 L and the fluid started running out. I tried one more injection after that, but it just kept running out. Strange.