Synchromesh vs. Synchromesh FM

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Old 09-20-2017, 12:44 PM
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Synchromesh vs. Synchromesh FM

Hey everyone, I have a 07 Tl-S 6Mt and I am looking to swap the MTF due to 3rd gear catching a bit. What fluid should I use? GM SM or the SMFM? Friction modified stuff is hard to locate in Canada (SK). What is the difference between the two?
Old 09-20-2017, 12:45 PM
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the difference is the lack of friction modified, which is the stuff you need.

furthermore; it has been rebranded from GM to A/C Delco Syncromesh Friction Modified
Old 09-20-2017, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by NathanDo123
Hey everyone, I have a 07 Tl-S 6Mt and I am looking to swap the MTF due to 3rd gear catching a bit. What fluid should I use? GM SM or the SMFM? Friction modified stuff is hard to locate in Canada (SK). What is the difference between the two?
Hey Nathan, as justnspace said, the MTF is now branded as ACDelco Synchromesh Friction Modified both in the U.S. as well as in Canada. As for which to use, there is a dramatic difference between the two, using the non-modified stuff will be of zero benefit to you, if you want that third-gear catch to be fixed, you must use the Friction Modified version.
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Old 09-20-2017, 05:10 PM
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Amazon Amazon
Old 09-20-2017, 06:39 PM
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Try your local Chevrolet dealer parts dept. They usually tend to stock it.
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Old 09-20-2017, 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by DMZ
Try your local Chevrolet dealer parts dept. They usually tend to stock it..
My '05 just got a fresh dose of it. Local Chevy dealer had it in stock and NTB did the swap for me again.
Old 09-20-2017, 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Jackass
My '05 just got a fresh dose of it. Local Chevy dealer had it in stock and NTB did the swap for me again.
You use the friction modified stuff as well? How do you like it? I found some today at the last dealership in town (had to try 3 dealerships and 5 parts stores) for 37 dollars a bottle :/ I guess I have to pay the premium, everyone says it works wonders.
Old 09-20-2017, 10:33 PM
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Just order it online from nfnsquared's link. It's not like you need it right now. Amazon can ship it to you in 2-3 days.
Old 09-20-2017, 11:37 PM
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Originally Posted by peter6
Just order it online from nfnsquared's link. It's not like you need it right now. Amazon can ship it to you in 2-3 days.
When I click on that link it comes up at a ludicrous $87 a bottle plus shipping
Old 09-21-2017, 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by NathanDo123
When I click on that link it comes up at a ludicrous $87 a bottle plus shipping
That's odd, I just clicked on the link and it was $16.82 per quart.
Old 09-21-2017, 08:51 AM
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Originally Posted by horseshoez
That's odd, I just clicked on the link and it was $16.82 per quart.
are you in Canada? Maybe that's why it is more for me.
Old 09-21-2017, 08:58 AM
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Yes, using the SMFM stuff. I got it put in several years ago I think around 88k miles. And just got it replaced again at 168k miles. I do not have the 3rd gear issues....but I had odd 2nd and 6th issues which have gone away since switching. With the fresh fluid, it really is smooth as butter again.

And for what it's worth, NTB paid $14 per quart from our local Chevy dealer and charged me a total of $90 for the swap. I was there in person to confirm the they were using the correct fluid as well.
Old 09-21-2017, 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by NathanDo123
are you in Canada? Maybe that's why it is more for me.
Nope, I'm in New Hampshire.
Old 09-21-2017, 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by NathanDo123
Hey everyone, I have a 07 Tl-S 6Mt and I am looking to swap the MTF due to 3rd gear catching a bit. What fluid should I use? GM SM or the SMFM? Friction modified stuff is hard to locate in Canada (SK). What is the difference between the two?
2 years ago you could find it at Canadian GM dealers for ~$80 for 3 quarts:

https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...-fluid-940044/

Originally Posted by Jackass
Yes, using the SMFM stuff. I got it put in several years ago I think around 88k miles. And just got it replaced again at 168k miles. I do not have the 3rd gear issues....but I had odd 2nd and 6th issues which have gone away since switching. With the fresh fluid, it really is smooth as butter again.

And for what it's worth, NTB paid $14 per quart from our local Chevy dealer and charged me a total of $90 for the swap. I was there in person to confirm the they were using the correct fluid as well.
Just changed mine out 2 weeks ago after a ~130K mile interval (original GM fluid). Didn't mean to go that long, but it was running fine and I was just lazy. I don't necessarily recommend going that long, but this fluid will indeed last a very long time. I didn't drain the old fluid into a separate pan, but it looked completely clear (no flakes) coming out the drain hole.
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