Synchromesh users

[SHOntell]

I know someone posted recently about the switch to GM Synchromesh fluid, but I can't find it. Does it really change the shifting that much? How hard is it to change the transmission fluid? Do you have to drill the drain plug that's in the SHOtimes article or is there another way to drain it?

 

[Dr.Evil]

No, you can pump it out through the fill hole. Do a search and you will find more than enouth techniques for doing this.
I have heard nothing but good things about it too, but do not know where to find it either (besides the GM lot)
I have also heard that the Ford friction modifier works well also. I guess it is susposed to fix the "Notchy" shifting. The Ford stuff is a little bottle that you add to regular fluid.

 

[Bizzy]

I've got the Pennzoil branded stuff in my MTX and it is a night and day difference. I don't have a drain plug yet, but will be doing one soon as the weather gets a little warmer. I started a siphon thru some .170ID vinyl tubing that I got at home depot. It took like 2 hours to siphon out about 2 and 1/3 qts. I wasn't to concerned about the remaining 2/3rds. I filled it up with the Syncromesh and away I went. Shifting when the tranny is warmed up is much smoother now, and it is much better cold than it was on the plain old ATF.

Autozone carries it for $4.99 a QT. when refilling the case, it helps to get a 2-3 foot piece of 1/4in ID vinyl tubing from Homedepot to get the fluid into the MTX. I put the hose in the fill hole, then snaked it up to near the airbox, then took my little funnel and attached it to the end of the hose. Then just pour it in. When you see something come back out then it is full.

 

[sticker500]

Definately helped me dramatically. I switched from Redline and I am NOT trying anything else.

I bought mine at the GM dealer but I do get it for wholesale so that helped. Even if I didn't get a discount the 30.00 that it would have cost (or less)is a noticeable improvement.

FYI my brother put it in his CRX and he hated it and my friend put it in his Sidekick and LOVES it.

Sticker500
93 MTX

 

[SHOntell]

Is there any difference between the GM and Pennzoil brands? I saw that the GM stuff is at GMpartsdirect.com for about $6 a quart. Would 3 qts. be enough or should I get 4 just in case?How did you get the suction started to pump the fluid out? I searched but couldn't find anything about it.

 

[sdpatt]

The best drain plug that doesn't risk getting metal particles inside the transaxle casing from drilling is just to remove the 13mm shifter interlock bolt at the lower driver side of the case. It works great.

From the clutch replacement procedure:

If replacing the transaxle fluid (recommended) it can be drained ... by removing the 13mm shifter interlock bolt on the front of the transaxle.... Do not to move the shifter stub if the shifter interlock bolt is out since it secures the shift forks inside the transaxle. Reinstall the bolt immediately after draining is completed using Teflon tape or sealant and torque 15 lb-ft. ...