TKO 600 Tranny Fluid

[MFE III]

With about 500 miles on my tranny, I'm planning on changing the fluid this weekend. Thought I'd call Tremac to see if there's any update on their prefered fluid and if they like any of the synthetic blends, like Dexron IV or VI. The instructions with my tranny said to fill it with GM Synchromesh or Dexron III ATF. Got kind of an interesting response that I thought I'd share.
First, they tested and don't like the synthetic blends. Said they are too thin.
Two, they are now recommending Pennzoil Synchromesh over the GM and Dexron III fuilds. They like the thicker viscosity of the Pennzoil.
Three, they said that although the owner's manual for Corvettes say the tranny runs Dexron VI and Ford manuals say Dexron IV, they really have Dexron III in them since Tremac pre-fills them.
Matt

[Blittleton]

Matt,

I really didn't care for the GM Sychromesh, so I went with Amsoil Sychromesh. I like this much better. Don from DD Performance told me not to use any type of ATF. The TKO's seem to shift better since I have used Amsoil Synch. Then again it just my opinion.

Bill

[Great Asp]

What about this stuff?

http://performanceunlimited.com/cobr...ltrashift.html

I used it in SPF 1380, and it seemed to help the shifting.

E

[CoupedUp]

Ditto on the UltraShift - I use it in my Daytona and it is the best!!!
Doug

[bret a ewing]

Mobil 1 atf.

[pjmoore2003]

Originally Posted by MFE III

With about 500 miles on my tranny, I'm planning on changing the fluid this weekend. Thought I'd call Tremac to see if there's any update on their prefered fluid and if they like any of the synthetic blends, like Dexron IV or VI. The instructions with my tranny said to fill it with GM Synchromesh or Dexron III ATF. Got kind of an interesting response that I thought I'd share.
First, they tested and don't like the synthetic blends. Said they are too thin.
Two, they are now recommending Pennzoil Synchromesh over the GM and Dexron III fuilds.

Was that Pennzoil Synchromesh MTF or ATF?

[66gtk]

Are you racing? If not, I think the TKO fluid is meant to not require changing.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 66gtk

Are you racing? If not, I think the TKO fluid is meant to not require changing.

If you're not racing, or ragging it out somehow, you might change it once in your lifetime... if that. But what's kinda interesting is that Tremec used to specify the GM #12345349 for its fluid. Now they specify GM #88861800. Tremec Lube FAQs I dunno, maybe GM just changed the numbers and it's the same stuff, but you can still buy either one from Summit.

[Morris]

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF...(it’s a Dex III)..we’ve had many discussions also with Liberty.....

[67sn8ke]

x2 on Amsoil Sychromesh!!

[Dwight]

old thread but

several of us have been using Pennzoil because is 1/3 the cost and ease to find.
I found this online:

Pennzoil® Synchromesh Fluid is designed to offer optimal protection for moderately loaded gears in manual transmissions. Containing a high detergent additive system, it helps cope with water, dust, dirt, and any other small deposits you might encounter on or off-road1. Pennzoil® Synchromesh Fluid also offers synchronizer compatibility for performance in manual transmissions, specifically to fulfill the needs of Chrysler, GM, Honda and other transmission requirements.
Pennzoil® Synchromesh Fluid meets General Motors specification 9985648 for use where GM part numbers 12345349 or 12345577 are called out for use. Chrysler manual transmission fluid specification MS-9224 is also met. This high quality manual transmission fluid is formulated for good low temperature flow to maintain shift characteristics even after a cold night2. Corrosion protection is added to help protect your transmission.

[jacobsed]

I called Tremec a few weeks ago and they told me to buy the Pennzoil.

[FUNFER2]

I just bought a new TKO, is there any type of break-in-period, with shifting, fluid etc..?

I don't have my trans at home to read the manual.

[Sawdust]

This is what I use and it's made a world of difference in shifting.

Cobra Valley's Chemicals - Ultra-Shift Transmission Lubricant

[FuzzyDiceRide]

I broke my TKO 600 in with ATF and at 500 miles I changed the fluid no metals shavings. I refilled with ATF (Dexron) and added 2-3 ounces of Lucas Oil and 5000 miles later the tranny shifts great . It quick shifts fine too. And, I don't baby the car either.

I did have major clutch issues and shift problems until I bought a Quiktime Bellhousing and got rid of the Lakewood boat anchor . I have Forte's hydraulic cylinder and my clutch/shift issues went away .

[FUNFER2]

It took 5,000 miles ?

Why are some people using ATF ?

What were the problems with the Lakewood ?

[FUNFER2]

Is Ultra-shift made by Eaton ?

We know that when you break in a new engine, you don't want to use synthetic oil, use regular oil until the rings set.
Ultra-Shift is synthetic, so you don't need to do the same with a transmission ? (Mine is a TKO-600)

[FUNFER2]

Anyone ?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

Anyone ?

I have a Lakewood, trimmed at the bottom. You only have to dial a bellhousing in once, so it's really not a big deal.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

It took 5,000 miles ?

Why are some people using ATF ?

What were the problems with the Lakewood ?

Lakewood's are very far off center. Considering the same company owns Lakewood and Quicktime this is strange!