[4mulafastech]

Just did the first transmission fluid change in my 1LE. Changed both drain and fill plugs to magnetic plugs made by Dimple Products. The OEM plugs are not magnetic. Only have a little over 2000 miles on the car.

Supported the transmission then dropped the crossmember. All six bolts are 15mm.

[4mulafastech]

The plugs are removed using a 3/8” drive ratchet. The fluid looked very clean.

I did make sure the fill plug was able to be loosened before removing the drain plug.

[4mulafastech]

I installed the crossmember so the support stand could hold the quart of fluid while pumping it in. Went with Amsoil Signature Series ATF. You have to unclip the cooling line so the ratchet has room to remove the fill plug.

Both drain and fill plugs are 1/2” NPT and torqued to 20 ft*lbs. All six crossmember bolts are torqued to 43 ft*lbs.

[4mulafastech]

Chevy is very specific on the fill level. Basically they say 1/8” below the bottom of the fill hole. I read you can fill until it runs out then pull 8 ounces and that should put it at 1/8” below. I also read that it should take 3.65 quarts.

I put in 3.5 quarts then used a piece of solder wire to measure the level. It just needed a little more to reach the 1/8” below level. Ended up putting in 3 quarts and 22 oz., right at 3.65 quarts.

Took her out for a drive and it does seem to shift a bit smoother. I expect a more noticeable difference in the colder months.

[Apex_Missing_Ape]

Good write-up. Thanks for posting!

[4mulafastech]

Originally Posted by Apex_Missing_Ape

Good write-up. Thanks for posting!

Thanks! Hope it can help someone out there.

[RUQWIKR]

Nice write up. I did it exactly the same way on my 2-post with screw jack. I remember, long ago, changing clutches, torque converters, etc. with the transmission "jack" being my chest out in the driveway. I miss being that age, I don't miss me being the "jack"...

[4mulafastech]

Originally Posted by RUQWIKR

Nice write up. I did it exactly the same way on my 2-post with screw jack. I remember, long ago, changing clutches, torque converters, etc. with the transmission "jack" being my chest out in the driveway. I miss being that age, I don't miss me being the "jack"...

lol! Yes, same here... Long ago on my back stabbing a Muncie 4-speed in a '67 Camaro, or later on TH400 then Powerglide. I'm 52 now and this is the first year in my climate controlled shop with a lift. I literally chuckle while working out there at how nice it is. I should have done it years ago.

[soloknight6]

I just followed the GM tech guide for my fluid flush. Less steps, used the sensor plug as the drain. Nice write up nonetheless. Nice to have pictures! Kudos,

[4mulafastech]

Originally Posted by soloknight6

I just followed the GM tech guide for my fluid flush. Less steps, used the sensor plug as the drain. Nice write up nonetheless. Nice to have pictures! Kudos,

Thank you. I did see the GM guide about removing the sensor to drain, but I was replacing the drain plug with a magnetic one. Plus it only took a minute with an air ratchet to drop the crossmember.

[soloknight6]

Originally Posted by 4mulafastech

Thank you. I did see the GM guide about removing the sensor to drain, but I was replacing the drain plug with a magnetic one. Plus it only took a minute with an air ratchet to drop the crossmember.

Nice, Yea the magnetic plugs are sweet. I may pick some up for the next flush. How are you liking the signature series ATF? Im running the same fluid.

[4mulafastech]

Originally Posted by soloknight6

Nice, Yea the magnetic plugs are sweet. I may pick some up for the next flush. How are you liking the signature series ATF? Im running the same fluid.

I've only got about 100 miles of driving since the swap, but can definitely feel it going into gear smoother and I'm more confident rowing the gears using no-lift shift.


The difference in the colder months will be interesting. Shifting was notchy with the stock fluid the first several minutes when cold (<50°F out). How do you like SS ATF?

[ssmike]

Excellent write up!
Couple questions:
Where did you get the Amsoil SS from and is there a specific type or part #?
Where did you get the pump that attaches to the bottle?
Where did you get the mag plugs from?

[oneredry]

Do you drive your car at all in the rain? the under side looks clean as heck!