RadEp3

Hey Guys.

I got an Ep3 with 97 000 miles on it. Bought it when it had 52xxx. I have never changed the tranny fluid in it, and i dont know if i should because it shifts perfect, and never grinds the gears.

In my other car i used royal purple, but i heard gm synchromesh is pretty good, honda mtf too. I was looking into the amsoil too.

Q; what grade is the honda mtf , and is it synthetic?
Q2; can i put in synthetic (i dont know what previousowner used).

Any input would be appreciated...thanx

rascles

i use honda mtf but some people say its crap and use some synthetic amsoil or something

RadEp3

is the honda stuff synthetic tho?

DumbasSi

According to the maintencance calculator on the Honda website, your MTF should be changed every 960000ks' or 36 months.

The new formula of Honda MTF is supposed to be semi-synthetic, but Ive never personally used it. Honda started using it in the newer Civics when many owners started complaining about shifting problems.

I have used the GM Syncromesh in my older Civics and it worked great. But, it can be hard to find. Most GM dealers dont stock it and some have never heard of it. I ended up ordering a whole case just so I had extra. Its also pricey at about $15 a bottle.

Now in my 07 Si, I use Amsoil MTF with great results. It shifts like butter and I have never had any problems like many owners of the new Si's have had. Its also cheaper and easier to find then the GM stuff. The Amsoil is 5w30.

If you dont have any problems with your shifting, I would just stick with the Honda MTF. Personally, I find the Honda MTF shifts very stiff when its cold and I find the Amsoil much smoother.

GM Syncromesh Friction Modified. Make sure you get the friction modified.

New Honda MTF. White cap is the new stuff.

RadEp3

thanks man, i asked about the new honda mtf, but they don't even know what it is, they only have the old school one.

the amsoil you used is the synchromesh 5w30 right ?

TRex

i had a 3rd gear grind at about 4500rom and above. I put in Royal Purple Syncromesh and the grind has actually gotten worse. When should you see the results? maybe syncros are just gone

RadEp3

what i read is that the synchro fluids increase friction of the synchros in the transmission. Which makes them work harder. The gears are smoother, and shifting is like butter...but you sacrafice the longetivity of the transmission. With standard honda fluid you do not put as much stress on them...and the tranny lasts longer. is this true? ? ?

DumbasSi

Yes 5w30. Here is the link from the Amsoil website
AMSOIL - Synthetic Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (MTF)

Also keep in mind that if you have problems with the tranny itself, like worn or just old syncros, a better MTF wont really solve the problem. Simply changing the fluid on a regular basis just lke your engine oil can prolong the life of the tranny.

The new Honda MTF is supposed to be the new factory oil in the new cars.

RadEp3

tranny is ok no grinds, i just dont know if its safe to put in synthetic after all the time i had that old stuff in there...