I'm doing a trans fluid/filter change as part of my major tuneup this weekend; and might throw some of Valvoline's "Durablend" into the trans. (That's their synthetic-blend stuff.) It's not that much more expensive than my usual Valvoline trans fluid; the Durablend is $2.79/quart and the normal is $1.69. Since the only synethic stuff I use is wheel bearing/chassis grease, I was wondering if any of you auto guys use this in your trans?

I only bought 3 bottles of the Durablend, and 3 of the normal stuff. But if you guys give good reviews, I'll go back & get more Durablend. See, I can visualize synthetic fluids in an engine, or in a rear axle- you don't want friction. But doesn't an auto tranny need some friction?

------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Hi Tom,
What did the tranny guys say?
I screwed up my worn tranny by changing the fluid. I took away the friction, lost what I had left of the 3-4 clutches.
Oh well.

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Isn't Durablend motor oil, won't you want to put in DEXTON III for GM automatics not Motor oil, just wondering, please explain.

 

yea, you def want dextron III

i did my fluid when i first bought my car about 1 year and a half ago and put in Mobil 1 synthetic. from what i hear its better for the tranny and since the chances of me dropping my oil pan every year are slim to none, figure it will last a little longer than the normal stuff. but yea, i have been running for almost two years now with no complaints, leaks, or problems....good stuff IMO. i would reccomend it over the normal stuff.

 

Hehe, thanks for the warning, but Durablend is Valvoline's name for a synthetic blend. The stuff I picked up is definately Dexron-III/Mercon-compatible trans fluid. Here's the link to what I bought: http://www.valvoline.com/products/pr...at=3&Product=8 Funny; I thought Pep Boys didn't carry it, but looks like Valvoline doesn't make a full synthetic trans fluid. Interesting.

Ked, your trans was probably already on it's way out. I've heard that before; that if your trans is dying, to not change the fluid, because the old fluid is filled with the burnt-off friction material. My rebuild's only 2 1/2 years old, though, so I think I'm alright. Plus, I change the fluid & filter yearly; the burnt-off friction material gets dumped anyway!

SAESpinz, thanks for the info! If I had the Mobil 1 stuff in, I'd skip the yearly changes, too! Wow; $7/bottle... did you notice any extra kick in the butt after moving to Mobil 1, or is it more of a "increases trans life" change?


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Hey Tom,
You are 100% right, my tranny was on the way out. When you get a sick, "roof tar" smell tranny is toast!
Stupid me listened to someone else.

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA