SS LUDERS - what tranny fluid to USE? - Honda Prelude Forum

SK Honda 7 · 07-04-2002, 09:02 PM

I'm not new to the board so I know about the SEARCH feature but i couldnt find specific info.

I have about 17,xxx miles on the car. I need to change my tranny fluid and install TRANNY COOLER. I need to know what Tranny Cooler is good to use and also, what ATF to use. I know that there been disscusions about only using HONDA ATF but, i want to use something after market since i think that a SYnthetic ATF would be better for the tranny. SO lets hear what you guys have and use. ALso some comments and feedback of what you think about the fluid.

thewedge4 · 07-04-2002, 09:27 PM

using synthetic tranny oil won't make your tranny last any longer. Stick with the Honda juice.

JonBaker99 · 07-04-2002, 09:52 PM

Yeah it is all about about Honda ATF. If your tranny is gonna die, it is gonna die. Preventive maintence is nice and all but I think most of us can accept that some SS trannies were just built weaker than others.

wreckdiver · 07-04-2002, 09:56 PM

Member Gerhard swears by B&M Trickshift, but only after warranty is up. Anything other than Honda juice will void your warranty. Really not something you would want to do.

Smokey_Mcpot · 07-04-2002, 09:59 PM

i use b&m trick shift. i've had it for about a year now. but you can stick with honda atf. for the tranny cooler, i have a fluidyne. other companies such as b&m and hayden make them too. i just put a hayden in my bro's CL. he got a HUGE one. it's for rv's. you don't really need something that big but he's paranoid. i say stay away from synthetic tranny fluid.

SK Honda 7 · 07-04-2002, 10:34 PM

why do you guys say synthetic is not good. Also how is honda going to know what i put in my tranny. I spoke a a guy in a dealership he siad people do it all the time...he said as long as i dont tell honda...i'm ok.

Smokey_Mcpot · 07-05-2002, 12:01 AM

isn't honda tranny fluid red/pink?? the b&m fluid i use is blue. also, when you change your tranny fluid, there is still some of the old fluid in there. so, come next time you change your fluid, the color is different. then honda says "what fluid did you put in here??" everyone knows the dealer doesn't give you the benefit of the doubt. anything to avoid warranty work.

pauvuong · 07-05-2002, 06:26 AM

the fluid left in there is in the torque converter....the system takes about 4 or 5 quarts.....if you ever drained it...u should kno that only 2.3 quarts come out.........

the rest is in the torque converter

w0rdie · 07-05-2002, 06:51 AM

I use only that nice red Honda ATF....

When we drained mine-- Im pretty sure more than 2.3q came out.... not sure how much.. but actually I KNOW that it was at least 3 quarts.

joedaddy · 07-05-2002, 08:47 AM

i used to use Honda ATF for like $5 a quart...

and then...the shift were a little smoother...but my tranny
was still fvckin up....

then i started using Mobil Synthetic ATF...
now...my shift are still f ed up...but i guarantee you
will have less jerk...especially down shifting to 1st...

also...it's little cheaper than Honda at $4.50

so i would recommend the Synthetic stuff...

cowboijeff · 07-05-2002, 09:30 AM

Honda ATF every 3K miles or everyother oil change.

red98lude · 07-05-2002, 10:42 AM

I use the honda fluid every other oil change.

w0rdie · 07-05-2002, 10:56 AM

Im going to start doing mine every other oil change... but I get the Honda ATF for like 3$...

Also-- I wont be doing the change more than 1 or 2 more times... because Im getting ready to make a BIG change...

Jackman · 07-05-2002, 02:37 PM

how do u change the tranny fluid? ive had my car for a while, and still havent changed it

vtec-prelude · 07-05-2002, 04:32 PM

well, jack up the car, bolt off the plug from the tranny, drain out the fluid, bolt the plug back on, and fill it up.

ac09lude · 07-05-2002, 05:29 PM

i have a 5 speed. how often would you change the tranny fluid

skbest11 · 07-05-2002, 05:43 PM

when u replace the tranny fluid, how many time do you have to drain them.. cuz i heard if you drain the old fluids once, there are high percentage of fluids still remain in the car..

makavelli1227 · 07-05-2002, 05:53 PM

when is the best time to replace the ATF for the first time? I have about 8900 miles on my lude, do u think it is time to change my ATF?

vtec-prelude · 07-05-2002, 06:01 PM

I like to change mine every 15k but that's not normal, I just want this damn SS tranny to last. I have heard of people draining and filling it up about 3-4 times in order to get all the old fluid out. But I am not that anal, I just put the right amount the first time.

Neulude · 07-05-2002, 11:46 PM

I use synthetic AMS oil Synthetic tranny fluid.It's RED so nobody will know vs the blue stuff....

I have 18k on my car and have already drained it 3x....

Better safe than sorry!

I remmeber the first time...MAN did I have some metal buildup on that magnetic trans plug!!!!!