Let's talk ATF....Again
in the time spent on this thread, you could have worked a couple extra hours and made up the money difference and just bought the Redline fluid.
and yes, you are trying to be cheap, don't tell people they are misunderstanding your thread because all you're doing is trying to justify spending less money. There is nothing wrong with that and I don't hold it against you because nobody wants to waste money, but don't try to tell people they're wrong when they are saying you're looking for a justification to be cheap.
That being said, it's a decent fluid. The issue here is how fast the fluid breaks down and how well it handles oxydizing environments. So if you get a cheaper fluid, I would still recommend changing it a bit more frequently than you would the Redline.
you'll be fine.
and yes, you are trying to be cheap, don't tell people they are misunderstanding your thread because all you're doing is trying to justify spending less money. There is nothing wrong with that and I don't hold it against you because nobody wants to waste money, but don't try to tell people they're wrong when they are saying you're looking for a justification to be cheap.
That being said, it's a decent fluid. The issue here is how fast the fluid breaks down and how well it handles oxydizing environments. So if you get a cheaper fluid, I would still recommend changing it a bit more frequently than you would the Redline.
you'll be fine.
And sure it was looking for a way to save money but I was also seeing if it was practical but considering I just went to honda and bought ATF after reading this thread the point was proven that although Valvoline is sufficient the best bet is to go OEM/Redline which I did.
in the time spent on this thread, you could have worked a couple extra hours and made up the money difference and just bought the Redline fluid.
and yes, you are trying to be cheap, don't tell people they are misunderstanding your thread because all you're doing is trying to justify spending less money. There is nothing wrong with that and I don't hold it against you because nobody wants to waste money, but don't try to tell people they're wrong when they are saying you're looking for a justification to be cheap.
That being said, it's a decent fluid. The issue here is how fast the fluid breaks down and how well it handles oxydizing environments. So if you get a cheaper fluid, I would still recommend changing it a bit more frequently than you would the Redline.
you'll be fine.
and yes, you are trying to be cheap, don't tell people they are misunderstanding your thread because all you're doing is trying to justify spending less money. There is nothing wrong with that and I don't hold it against you because nobody wants to waste money, but don't try to tell people they're wrong when they are saying you're looking for a justification to be cheap.
That being said, it's a decent fluid. The issue here is how fast the fluid breaks down and how well it handles oxydizing environments. So if you get a cheaper fluid, I would still recommend changing it a bit more frequently than you would the Redline.
you'll be fine.
To bad I am on salary huh asshole?
Just went ahead swapped in some OEM fluid very easy job and I actually ended up draining more than 3qts almost 4 actually good thing I bought an extra one just in case
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 266
Likes: 20
From: Oklahoma
OP, I think you did the right thing staying with OEM fluid (Honda).
I have 130k miles on my 05 TL daily driver with a fluid change around each 30k miles or so & never had a trans. issue of any kind.
I have 130k miles on my 05 TL daily driver with a fluid change around each 30k miles or so & never had a trans. issue of any kind.
Last edited by johnny3; Oct 3, 2012 at 07:36 AM. Reason: spelling correction
My plan is over the next 3 oil changes to do an ATF change as well.
Any clarification on the filter?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 819
Likes: 45
From: CA
went to red line...spent 1500 on a used tranny to put in my car....lets look at it this way...even if redline was hands down best option, its not gonna make ur TL run a 10 second 1/4 mile...be safe and stick to honda ATF.
and here comes the hatred
and here comes the hatred
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
From: Kissimmee, Florida
Good thing I stumbled across this thread about ATF.
I bought my 04 this July and I replace the pressure switches and did a Valvoline flush on mine since my tranny was shuddering, and problem was solved.
Of course like most of you stated, these are high class cars, so any high quality maintenance should to done. So to sum everything up, what really is the best fluid to use for day driving?
That's all I use mine for. I have an oil change coming up soon so I wanna do this once and do it right. And do I really have to flush the tranny 3 times, and if so, how long until I do the flush again after those 3 times? I honestly don't mind spending the $100 on fluids because I or want the best of the best. This is no longer the Integra I had. If maintaining a top class car was gonna be an issue and wasn't prepared to do it then I would have kept my Integra, or like someone said earlier, sell the TL and take the bus.
I bought my 04 this July and I replace the pressure switches and did a Valvoline flush on mine since my tranny was shuddering, and problem was solved.
Of course like most of you stated, these are high class cars, so any high quality maintenance should to done. So to sum everything up, what really is the best fluid to use for day driving?
That's all I use mine for. I have an oil change coming up soon so I wanna do this once and do it right. And do I really have to flush the tranny 3 times, and if so, how long until I do the flush again after those 3 times? I honestly don't mind spending the $100 on fluids because I or want the best of the best. This is no longer the Integra I had. If maintaining a top class car was gonna be an issue and wasn't prepared to do it then I would have kept my Integra, or like someone said earlier, sell the TL and take the bus.
All Acuras/Hondas use the same ATF previously Z1, currently DW1 and they can be mixed with eachother.
Like I said and most others said your transmission could go tomorrow or it could last another 150k. If you use Hondas ATF you will be golden in terms of the warranty.
As far as the frequency I wouldn't really do a 3x3 at once but that's just me it seems like alot of work for little gain (flame me) personally I would do a 3x4 meaning 3qt drain and fill for the next 4 oil changes so you know you are doing it on time.
Also be sure to buy 4qts for the change because I ended up draining ~3.5qts.
Good luck and questions let me know.
Like I said and most others said your transmission could go tomorrow or it could last another 150k. If you use Hondas ATF you will be golden in terms of the warranty.
As far as the frequency I wouldn't really do a 3x3 at once but that's just me it seems like alot of work for little gain (flame me) personally I would do a 3x4 meaning 3qt drain and fill for the next 4 oil changes so you know you are doing it on time.
Also be sure to buy 4qts for the change because I ended up draining ~3.5qts.
Good luck and questions let me know.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 1,818
From: Bakersfield
Hate, no, I don't hate ignorance. Your high mileage trans let go many thousands of miles after the installation of Redline. You can blame the failure on whatever you want. Maybe it was the brand of gas or the engine oil.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 1,818
From: Bakersfield
Good thing I stumbled across this thread about ATF.
I bought my 04 this July and I replace the pressure switches and did a Valvoline flush on mine since my tranny was shuddering, and problem was solved.
Of course like most of you stated, these are high class cars, so any high quality maintenance should to done. So to sum everything up, what really is the best fluid to use for day driving?
That's all I use mine for. I have an oil change coming up soon so I wanna do this once and do it right. And do I really have to flush the tranny 3 times, and if so, how long until I do the flush again after those 3 times? I honestly don't mind spending the $100 on fluids because I or want the best of the best. This is no longer the Integra I had. If maintaining a top class car was gonna be an issue and wasn't prepared to do it then I would have kept my Integra, or like someone said earlier, sell the TL and take the bus.
I bought my 04 this July and I replace the pressure switches and did a Valvoline flush on mine since my tranny was shuddering, and problem was solved.
Of course like most of you stated, these are high class cars, so any high quality maintenance should to done. So to sum everything up, what really is the best fluid to use for day driving?
That's all I use mine for. I have an oil change coming up soon so I wanna do this once and do it right. And do I really have to flush the tranny 3 times, and if so, how long until I do the flush again after those 3 times? I honestly don't mind spending the $100 on fluids because I or want the best of the best. This is no longer the Integra I had. If maintaining a top class car was gonna be an issue and wasn't prepared to do it then I would have kept my Integra, or like someone said earlier, sell the TL and take the bus.
ATF Z1 has been discontinued and yes the DW-1 fluid is supposed to replace the Z1 fluid and be compatible with it but it is much lower in terms of viscosity. I ran dw-1 for about 15,000 miles and decided to get it out of there. I have done 3 drain and fills with eneos Eco-ATF and it gave me peace of mind.
Think about it this way, Honda and Acura builds fantastic cars but realistically the dw1 fluid is meant for the newer line of Hondas/acuras running lower viscosity oils and trans fluids to get better gas mileage. Sure dw1 will work in our 3G's but it most certainly can not be the best for it as it was not designed for the vehicle. IMO it will shorten the life of our transmissions. Run redline, castrol, amsoil, eneos but dw1 is just risky.
I'm no rocket scientist but my 3G has 275,000 miles and counting, still going strong and it's my daily driver!!!!
Eneos goes for about $13 a quart and you can buy it at most napa stores.
Think about it this way, Honda and Acura builds fantastic cars but realistically the dw1 fluid is meant for the newer line of Hondas/acuras running lower viscosity oils and trans fluids to get better gas mileage. Sure dw1 will work in our 3G's but it most certainly can not be the best for it as it was not designed for the vehicle. IMO it will shorten the life of our transmissions. Run redline, castrol, amsoil, eneos but dw1 is just risky.
I'm no rocket scientist but my 3G has 275,000 miles and counting, still going strong and it's my daily driver!!!!
Eneos goes for about $13 a quart and you can buy it at most napa stores.
Series Motor's
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 160
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles
I think we understand your point, but since your doing it yourself; you are saving money. So in regards to that, f paying the stealership, pay extra for the superior product. That's pretty much how it goes in my mind any time I do anything myself it will be the most premium, expensive, and longest lasting even if I do maintain frequent changes.
I dont know about you guys but I bought my car brand new, and I plan to keep it that way! Maybe that is where the love is generated.
I dont know about you guys but I bought my car brand new, and I plan to keep it that way! Maybe that is where the love is generated.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 134
Likes: 8
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Most of us probably don't need Redline Racing ATF in our TLs as a DD but I have it in mine because it gives me a little peace of mind that my transmission fluid is actually helping to prevent damage. Just from what I have seen and heard on here about Z1 I don't want to be anywhere near it.
10th Gear
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
So what was the ratio when doi g your first drain ?? I jus got my tl and want to use redline/oem
I'm on salary
And sure it was looking for a way to save money but I was also seeing if it was practical but considering I just went to honda and bought ATF after reading this thread the point was proven that although Valvoline is sufficient the best bet is to go OEM/Redline which I did.
And sure it was looking for a way to save money but I was also seeing if it was practical but considering I just went to honda and bought ATF after reading this thread the point was proven that although Valvoline is sufficient the best bet is to go OEM/Redline which I did.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 510
Likes: 61
From: Troy, Ohio 45373
No matter what fluid or combination you decide, the transmission will still fail no matter what you do.
The best thing you can do to extend transmission life is do your drain and fills more frequently.
The best thing you can do to extend transmission life is do your drain and fills more frequently.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 113
Likes: 8
From: Saint Paul, MN
Alright so I know theres a million ATF/oil debates and threads here I've read them trust me.
Here's my statement for everyday driving there is no reason for me to use redline ATF nor is there a reason for me to use dw-1 because its almost $10/quart.
Here's my question -- Has anyone used Valvoline Maxlife ATF it is on sale at autozone here $14/4 quarts it says it can replace z1 which my TL currently has but has anyone used it? I know redline is the best but no I'm not about to pay $100+ for ATF when I can get something good enough for me for $35 right now.
I plan on doing the 3x3 which I've done before on my buddy's car with redline but he also tracks his TL.
I've seen threads about it being used by our 2g friends but nothing more than it being mentioned in the 3g area.
Thoughts/opinions?
Here's my statement for everyday driving there is no reason for me to use redline ATF nor is there a reason for me to use dw-1 because its almost $10/quart.
Here's my question -- Has anyone used Valvoline Maxlife ATF it is on sale at autozone here $14/4 quarts it says it can replace z1 which my TL currently has but has anyone used it? I know redline is the best but no I'm not about to pay $100+ for ATF when I can get something good enough for me for $35 right now.
I plan on doing the 3x3 which I've done before on my buddy's car with redline but he also tracks his TL.
I've seen threads about it being used by our 2g friends but nothing more than it being mentioned in the 3g area.
Thoughts/opinions?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 842
Likes: 323
From: Columbus, OH
I was just being a smartass but after looking it up, you are indeed right, I guess motor oil in transmissions (for older, manual transmission cars) was relatively common. Learn something new every day!
Yeah, I got that, but since it rang the bell in my head about the older Honda gearboxes, I thought I'd respond.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 842
Likes: 323
From: Columbus, OH
Suzuka Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,071
Likes: 596
From: San Diego, CA
Back in the day we would add a quart or more of tranny fluid into the crankcase and run for a little while without much load before draining for an oil change. The thinking was that there were much more detergents etc in the tranny fluid and this will clean flush the crankcase better
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,967
Likes: 1,702
Back in the day we would add a quart or more of tranny fluid into the crankcase and run for a little while without much load before draining for an oil change. The thinking was that there were much more detergents etc in the tranny fluid and this will clean flush the crankcase better
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