Help deciding the correct trans fluid to use

[AlexSza]

Before anyone says go search it I already have, only things I've found out are peoples personal preference, and I dont know if their trannys are rebuilt or not, if it even matters.

I need to find out which is best for my F5M33 transmission, has about 160k on it roughly, I do not know the history of the tranny but I got it from a junkyard off a 91 with 150k. I used ATF-4 for 10k miles before pulling the motor again to fix some issues. I did notice that it was hard getting it into first gear occasionally, im hoping to get better shifts from a new fluid, some people tell me the ATF is very thin for manual fluid as well.

So a used 160k mile FWD turbo transmission be best with what fluid? Was hoping to at least use royal purple because of the good reputation it has and heard everything good about it just need to know if its good for my application.

If the answer is obvious I'm sorry, getting all kinds of different answers from all kinds of threads, MT-90, BG synchro, Redline, Royal purple etc.

Thanks for any input! Hope to get a legitimate answer by tonight so I can get the fluids tomorrow and have it running.

 

[Paintballaa5]

Well it really boils down to personal preference.
Just like oil, everyone has their won brand they prefer. (Castrol, Valvoline, RP, ect..)

 

[goodhart]

Redline cocktail.

 

[Mitzer4G]

Don't use Royal Purple. I have heard from multiple sources including this one, that has destroyed trannys.
Oil – Jacks Transmissions LLC

 

[curt-s]

I've got Royal Purple in there now, but I'm waiting for my local shop to get a new shipment of MT-90 and then making the switch.

I just don't feel good about what the professionals have really said about RP and the DSM transmission.

 

[luv2rallye]

As you found out it's all personal preference and 100 people will give you 100 different answers. I use Redline MTL in my 99 GST F5M33 as it's designed more for FWD than the MT-90 is. I've used it now for 14 years and always liked it.

 

[AlexSza]

As you found out it's all personal preference and 100 people will give you 100 different answers. I use Redline MTL in my 99 GST F5M33 as it's designed more for FWD than the MT-90 is. I've used it now for 14 years and always liked it.

I like the sound of that, looks like about 50 bucks for 3 quarts also. Do you prefer a weight or is there only one? So like 70w80 redline mtl synthetic. Might be stuck purchasing it online since carquest, napa, advance or oreilys don't carry them around here and if you don't mind answering, what are your thoughts on the ATF-4? Says for Chrysler transmissions.

 

[rcarbajal4]

GM synchromesh. Works great for me on 130k no rebuild.

 

[luv2rallye]

Sorry I know little about the ATF-4. I used an ATF in a performance rally car which worked great but that's for only 1 day and then changed it for the next rally. For a dd I don't think I'd use it though. It is very thin. I've only seen MTL in 70W-80.

 

[DSM1G90]

ATF-4 both for automatics and manual Chrysler trannies .. not for DSM Mitsu trannies since we don't need the friction modifier that is in these Chrysler fluids.

Been satisfied with Redline MT-90, and due for another changeout.

 

[AlexSza]

Thanks for the answers guys, I did some calling this morning and no one carries the redline MTL so I'm pretty SOL for getting it locally. Advance has 75w90 royal purple in stock, any problems with this oil? Ill stay away from it if you guys think it's bad, never used gear oil from them (royal purple) so I really don't know. Looking to get the car running and driving today but if it's not a wise choice ill stick it out and order some redline and wait a week. Thanks again!

 

[T is for TURBO]

MT-90 and don't look back.

From Jacks Transmission (he knows his shit):

DO NOT use Synchromesh, BG Synchroshift I or II, or Royal Purple. These fluids will destroy synchros and gears and void...

For what it's worth, When I dropped my transmission off by Tim Zimmer (TMZ Performance) he told me that the cheap Coastal brand oil works just fine. I ran it in my FWD with out any problems. But now that I have a "built" transmission, I run MT-90. You an order it from just about any vendor, or summit/jegs. It's usually around $14-$15 per quart.

 

[nelliott500]

Redline MT-90 is going to be the easiest to source and the least expensive quality fluid. If you're really serious, try to find some OEM Mitsu Diaqueen trans fluid. It's pretty pricey though.

 

[Tiki2777]

Yea, I couldn't find any MT-90 around quick when I needed it so I went to Mitsu' and put in a half a quart of the stock fluid, which worked out great!

 

[JusMX141]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/frequently-answered-dsm-questions/131157-transmission-fluid-use.html