ATX fluid change at 86k do it or not?

[SHOinNC]

My 95 SHO has 86k and I have been thinking of changing the trans fluid.However a few of my friends (mechanics)say I may not want to do this at this high of mileage.Reason is the new fluid will clean some or all of the metallic film off of the internal surfaces and cause valve body probs or worse. About a month ago I added a bottle of Lucas trans. additive,I noticed that the 1-2 shift felt a little better.So I need to know who has done a fluid change at this milage and what was the results. Note:The fluid now doesnt smell burnt and I dont drive the car too hard,Its pretty much my daily driver.If I need to flog anything I drive my 5.0 Stang.
Thanks Forum Group
Richard

 

[Slo-Sho]

I bought my car at 86k...I changed the tranny fluid using the in line pump method at Valvoline. I also used a bottle of Lubeguard. Do yourself a favor and get an LPM pronto, you WILL not be dissapointed.

 

[SHOinNC]

LPM? translate please. I hear ya in Syracuse, I was born in Utica, had cousins in Clay. My camp is in Boonville

 

[jasonty]

An LPM is a "Lifetime Programming Module" it's a programmable computer chip for the SHO's. You can get it from Ted B. or SHO Shop. It will change some of the shift characteristics of your tranny, and it will also change some of the variables stored in your computers ROM for your engine. ie. RPM that secondaries open up, redline, etc... Pretty good bang for the buck.

 

[jasonty]

Oh, and about your question on the fluid change, I don't think you'll have any problems with changing the fluid. Putting new ATF in would likely help keep the wear of your clutch packs to a minimum. Old fluid loses it's friction properties after time. I'd change it and the filter if I were you.

 

[SHOinNC]

Thanks guys,What does the LPM cost aprox.Is it pre-programmed or do I program it? I dont want to lose the nice driveability of the car,but increasing reliability is a good thing too.Especially with a trans that has a troubled past.

 

[MilTownSHO]

If you change the fluid, don't use a machine. Drop the pan and change the filter and fluid. This leaves some of the old fluid still in the transmission and that way it will mix with the new stuff. Otherwise the totally new fluid is alot more slippy than the old grimmy stuff and it can cause your clutches to slip right past each other.

 

[F-22 Raptor SHO]

Yea, 86k is fine to change the fluid and filter. Use Mobile 1 synthetic 4.99 a quart, Redline Synthetic 7.99 a quart. Both are fine products. The standard stuff is ok, but is less resistant to the heat degradation. Consider adding a tranny cooler to your ride as well. A Hayden 21 is like 40.00 or so. Goes in front of the radiator.

As to the chip, it is 200.00 shipped to your door, comes with a 30 day money back guarentee if you don't like it, and will be the best purchase an automatic SHO owner can make. I have one, it is awesome.

 

[Yamaha V6]

I just swapped the fluid in my 84k 95 ATX. No issues. I also have a Superchip (D4U1), & noticed no shift changes, and lost 4hp on the dyno, FWIW.

At 15 qts, you're looking at $120 for fluid only with the high-end synthetics. Just so you know. thumb