Synthetic vs. Regular ATF

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Apr 13, 2008 | 11:34 PM

nhill2090

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From: East Peoria, IL

Synthetic vs. Regular ATF

After spending a while in the search lists, I came here for more help...Here is my scenario..

Alright guys, warranty on my rebuilt transmission is coming up here within 500 miles. I called the shop up and I scheduled an appointment for early this week to take the truck down (hour and a half away) to have the pan dropped and everything inspected before my warranty expires to make sure everything is doing good.

Now here is my dilemma: I can go 2 different routes here:

1) Refill with regular ATF, like is in it now. Cost $90 (fluid, filter kit, labor)
2) Drain and fill with synthetic ATF. Cost $270 (fluid, filter kit, labor)

If I went synthetic, it would be Royal Purple.

Besides the large price gap, what are the main benefits from dino to syn.? I'm looking for first hand experieence with heat reduction (towing, empty), fluid longetevity, shifts/lockups (are they crisper, etc.), etc. etc. I know some swear by synthetic fluids throughout their vehicle and im interested in input here.

Anyone with personal experience please chime in. Please include why your happy with it and how long you have been running it.

TIA
Nic

Apr 13, 2008 | 11:42 PM

DCSpecial

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From: IL, USA

What about using Schaeffer's Trans Fluid? I know that's what Brian from BTS uses/recommends and what I run. Been running it for 12,000 miles now.

I don't think I've ever gotten over 150-160* and that was beating on it in the heat or sitting in heavy traffic in the heat.

Apr 13, 2008 | 11:49 PM

nhill2090

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From: East Peoria, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCSpecial

I have considered Schaeffers. However, the trans shop I use uses Royal Purple for their synthetics. If I go syn. that is probably what I will use.

Do you have any other experiences with the benefits of syn ATF other than the heat factor you stated?

Apr 14, 2008 | 04:13 AM

Izzy351

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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth

The only real benefit I can think of is that it handles heat better, meaning it will last longer than dino, mile for mile. When I did mine, I spent about $100 on Mobil1 Syn ATF (Mercon V), and I think it was worth it. I do notice that my tranny doesn't get as hot when I really get on it, but it could be that the TransGo is doing its job as well. I did the TransGo kit install when I changed the fluid, so I can't say it was just the fluid that reduced tranny temps. I used to hit 200-210, but now I only get to about 180. This is with the stock cooler. I'll be adding an auxiliary cooler shortly. The two biggest things you can do to help your tranny is to put in a shift kit or after market VB of some kind and a better cooler. I also prefer syn fluids, but that's just me.

Apr 14, 2008 | 08:16 AM

mueckster

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From: Damon (South East Texas)

I switched to Mobil 1 Syn ATF when I rebuilt my trans about 6k miles ago. Does seem to run cooler, but I did a lot of upgrades to the trans at the same time. Hard to say what made the most change. I believe it was worth the extra couple of bucks per quart. Royal Purple is good product and is used by many Kwik Car lube stations in my area. I personally haven't used it, but many swear by it.