I know the 2003 and up ATX transmissions have been beefed up and I have seen speculation out there that they would handle the power of a Supercharger, lucky freaks. However, Im stuck with my 2000 model until I can get it built up, though I have no problems with it.
The sloppy shifts on the other hand are something that I have focused on for a while trying to cure. My shift controller has helped TREMENDOUSLY, but one shift has persisted. Though much improved with the shift controller its still a little sloppy. The 2/3 shift seems the weakest one and has remained just a tad sloppy and drawn out a bit too much for my taste. The other shifts are really quick and snappy even when I dont manually shift it. So with all that in mind I thought I would use that particular shift as a guide and a test bed for some ideas I had.
I run Amsoil ATF as you all probably know. Well as with most of the newer spec fluids, including Mercon IV and Mercon V there are friction modifiers in the fluids. As anyone that has a motorcycle with a wet clutch knows, you dont want friction modifiers necessarily because it can make shifts sloppy. As well, racers, particularly drag strip racers done use transmission fluids either with friction modifiers (typically) because the clutch packs dont grab as well and it can cost you time.
Amsoil addressed this particular crowd with its SuperShift Racing Transmission fluid. The problem, however, is it is not meant for Mercon IV and V applications because it doesnt have friction modifiers in it. So I decided that while I wouldnt be able to run a full 7qts of SuperShift I may be able to mix it in and get some improvement. So I have proceded to pull out 1qt of tranny fluid and have replaced it with 1qt of SuperShift to see if it will have any effect on that 2/3 shift.
Im hoping that as the fluid works in and with less friction modifiers in the overall system that particular shift will tighten up. The rest will as well obviously its not going to affect just that one shift, but if I get an improvement in that one shift it will signify that this tactic could be used by others with the ATX and perhaps cut down significantly on wear and heat. Couple that with the shift controller, and I think it would be a good deal. I have two other people now using the shift controller that absolutely love it. My hope is to perhaps have a package deal for people. Shift controller, aftermarket fluid cooler and a fluid recipe that will do about as much as can be done for the transmission without having to pull it out and beef it up.
With 1qt in there that amounts to a nearly 15% mix. Im not sure if I should go with 2 yet or not until I know more. But if I did 2qts of SuperShift it would amount to a near 30% mix and I think that would be about as far as I would go in ratio until I know the effect of the reduced friction modifiers. Both fluids are fully synthetic obviously so I dont loose any componet protection, the only different between the fluids is one (SuperShift) has no friction modifiers.
If someone here could educate me further on something, I would appreciate it. I have no quams about using a full 7qts of SuperShift in my own vehicle. But since it is not a Mercon IV or V rated fluid I would want to be well informed before doing anyone elses vehicle. What would be the effect of using a fluid in the transmission without friction modifiers (Full 7qts that is)? Obviously the shift characteristics will change, but what else would one expect? Would it cause damage to the internals? My guess would be no since its still a synthetic fluid, the clutch packs should just grab much better, at least my understanding at this point would lead me to that.
____________________ My car is a synner! It uses Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants.
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it
