got2run5

Any opinions? Would love shifts to feel a little smoother.

Poopies

iTrader: (4)

I'm not too sure that can be achieved on a Honda transmission

sl33pyriceboi

iTrader: (3)

I just GM synchro mesh friction modified. It's butter smooth.

I also have a revo short shifter with solid aluminum bushings

kinakoes2

^ Agree. One of the few good things to come out of GM is their diff and synchro fluids, very good stuff according to a lot of different sources with lots of different applications. One racing buddy even uses it in his CRF450R gearbox (doesn't share engine oil)... and loves its 'velvety' feel slotting in the dogs under power. No signs of shear as long as he uses the OEM change interval (he also has a Trailblazer SS, so one-stop shopping for him)...

How expensive is that stuff, though? The diff fluid is ungodly pricey and/or hard to get IIRC. Honda's trans oil lasted over ten years without sacrificing shift quality, so unless the GM synchro fluid puts it a notch above that (hard to imagine), the high cost:benefit ratio will keep OEM Honda fluid in my car...

There are those that swear by super-cheap ATF in a manual trans. To which I say, show me a magnetic plug after 50K in *your* trans, and I'll consider it. ATF's only advantage is tons of detergent to keep sludge from forming and adhering under high heat and pressure. Keeping material from coming off the gear tooth faces is crucial in a manual trans which has little of the same heat and pressure problems as in a slushbox.

got2run5

After researching a crap ton, here is what I came up with.

-GM: Great stuff, pretty cheap, unfortunately they stopped making that formula.

-Amsoil: Best stuff when new, some said it faded after around 5k and wasn't so great when it was cold but once heated up worked well

-Redline MTL: Some said they didn't see much difference but there wasn't anything bad so I tried it. I'm pretty pleased with the result-super smooth shifts.

avenger

redline

kinakoes2

144K on this EX manual so far... and with OEM fluid only, seems to do okay. I need to swap axles soon, which will help with unwanted bearing load and help shift accuracy. But I'm sticking with the OEM fluid unless there's an undeniable advantage.