civicnation

Ok, there are mixed opinions as to whether synthetic tranny fluid is good or not. Some people say it is much better with greatly improved shifting and others say the syncros in a b series transmission require a certain coeffecient of friction for the syncros to function properly and the synthetic tranny fluid is too "slick". I have a regular non-grinding b16 tranny and am about to do a fluid change and i just want to know what would be the best fluid in order to maintain the longevity and function of the transmission.

In addition to whether synthetic tranny fluid is good for the vehicle, which one is recommended. I know honda's interval for tranny fluid change, but is anyone changing it at an earlier point that is prooven/known to be beneficial?

The choices are:

1. Honda MTF

2. Redline Synthetic

3. GM Syncromesh Friction Modified

4. Mobil 1 Synthetic

Which fluid should be used and why?

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

I use Honda MTF with great results. I've never tried other kinds because why change what works so good?
If the tranny doesn't grind with honda MTF why go with a different brand?

cee_mon

You even posted in the other Tranny fluid post.
So for that reason...go back and re-read that post.

civicnation

if you re-read this post, i wanted to clarify if there is any truth to synthetic transmission fluid being bad for the syncros because it has been mentioned by a few people that they require a certain coefficent of drag. If you do not have an answer, please do not post. Thanks.

civicnation

The opinion on Honda Tech forum:

After a lot of reading, it seems that Honda MTF is the stuff to use if the tranny is not grinding and shifting normally. If the tranny is grinding or beginning to grind, they recommend switching over to the GM Syncromesh Friction Modified forumula. In most cases the GM stuff alleviates or completely gets rid of a grind after about 1000 kms of use. Since Honda MTF is so cheap, people can afford to change it even earlier then recommended for peace of mind. Hope that clears things up for everyone, i know it did for me!

DumbasSi

I'm using the GM stuff now. I found that the transmission seemed to shift smoother and was not as notchy when cold with the GM stuff. OEM stuff is great too, but I've read that on an older tranny, the GM fluid can smooth the shifts. On a newer car, OEM would be fine. It is pricy though, at around $15 bottle and most dealers don't carry it, and/or have never heard of it.

civicnation

what is your definition of a newer car? what year and or mileage?

DumbasSi

I'd guess at 5 years/100k's, but it would also depend on the history of the car. When is the first service of the tranny scheduled and recommended by Honda? That might be a good time to switch.

It wouldn't hurt to try something different, then go back to OEM if you don't see any results. I think it's the same arguement that can be used with synth oil. Some people swear by it, others don't care or just use OEM because it's recommended.

DumbasSi

And if you car is 7 years old and has possibly never had the tranny fluid changed, any fluid would make it shift smoother.

civicnation

thanks micheal, i appreciate your input