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TKO 600 fluid?

42K views 57 replies 40 participants last post by  RET_COP 
#1 ·
Guys,

Sorry if this is obvious but what tranny fluid do I use in my TKO 600? I used the search and didn't find the answer. I also looked in my garage for the manual last night but couldn't find it.

Thanks,

Garrick.
 
#30 ·
I used the GM stuff when that was the only listed option. found it for $7 from a local Caddy dealer, but the world has changed. The operative words from the mfg ( quoting Baby ) you CAN USE, after breakin, the GM stuff. - why?
Guess it is OK, but so is Mercon. When the factory says Mercon, I have to ask - why should I pay more for some botique crap that I have no scientific basis for the premium price demanded. Thanks to TREMEC to the alternative choice.
 
#32 ·
There's some new ATF out there that's supposed to be really good stuff. I think it's called GM Synchromesh. Try that.
 
#35 ·
So, here I am several years later trying to answer the question "What is recommended lube for my TKO-500?" Thank goodness you beat this horse to death because otherwise I would not have found this. Here is my point: just because you've beaten a horse to death doesn't mean you have answered everybody's question...especially they mechanically impaired, such as myself.
 
#37 ·
I have 1800 miles on my tko600 and I am getting ready to drain and refill the trans. My question is... what fluid do you guys recommend?
 
#38 · (Edited)
The answer is still Synchromesh...

Avoid the exotic products claiming added benefits.

The Pennzoil version is much less expensive and is found in the gear oil section at your local parts store...

The TKO series has bronze blocker rings. The synchromesh works well with those rings. Synthetics tend to be a little too slick for the bronze metal-to-metal rings...
 
#40 ·
GM Synchromesh # 12345349 cost over $20 a bottle
Pennzoil #7161193501 cost $8 at the parts store, same stuff made by the same company

Dwight
 
#41 ·
GM Synchromesh # 12345349 cost over $20 a bottle
Pennzoil #7161193501 cost $8 at the parts store, same stuff made by the same company. Dwight
Would be interesting know if the Penzoil stuff really is exactly the same as the GM branded stuff. When I picked up my TKO600 last year from a Tremec Elite distributor (Liberty's in Taylor, MI) the guy was adamant that I only use GM branded product and not any other. Found that the GM Synchromesh #12345349 is actually now ACDelco #88900333. Couldn't find at any local stores, but only around $13 quart at Summit. Added to an order and didn't look back. About a $15 premium for a $2300 trans. Easy decision.
 
#49 · (Edited)
Any GM dealers there? Might be able to get their Friction Modified Synchromesh Manual Transmission additive or full bottles over the parts counter.

88900399 - GM/AC Delc Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid- Friction Modified is the new number. The key is not the oil itself but the "friction modified" part. Its an anti foaming agent & improves shear strength. Weight is 75W90.

Acura & Honda were slipping it into their MT's that were coming in for hard shifting service problems.
 
#51 ·
:(:(:(:( No its not. but I couldnt find it :yawn:. I started to get the feeling that the car agencies do that on purpose so you keep changing your transmission :eek:.

Any GM dealers there? Might be able to get their Friction Modified Synchromesh Manual Transmission additive or full bottles over the parts counter.

88900399 - GM/AC Delc Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid- Friction Modified is the new number. The key is not the oil itself but the "friction modified" part. Its an anti foaming agent & improves shear strength. Weight is 75W90.

Acura & Honda were slipping it into their MT's that were coming in for hard shifting service problems.
Thanks Kevin. I will try to go there and check if they can place an order for me. I checked with them and they suggested this thick oil. they say it will work.

No, No, No! 85w140 is way too thick and will damage the 200+ tiny needle bearings in that transmission. You would be safer using just plain old straight 30w motor oil than that heavy gear oil stuff. It will be thin enough for the needle bearings and the bronze synchro rings won't care.

Hmm, actually, Mobil-1 Synthetic ATF or Mercon-V ATF whould work for it as well. The synchromesh is ideal and should be found if possible.

Stan
Stan thanks for the tip. I will try to find these oil. I believe I can use them till I figure out how I can bring these ones.


Thanks all
Hakeem
 
#53 ·
Its a GM product for all newer GM MT's. Older ones not sure how far back they changed used W90 gear oil.

Last trans rebuilds I did were old Muncie Rock Crusher 4MT's so that's where my trans oil experience ends till the Cobra.

My '06 Acura TL was temporarily patched in '07 with the GM oil swap till Honda rebuilt it under TSB warranty. They eventually copied the GM oil as the factory fill. So it has very wide applications in the newer transmissions.
 
#54 ·
Direct from Tremec FAQ:

Yes I know this is an old thread. Just wanted to update what I found on fluid part number. Direct from Tremec FAQ:

Q: What type of fluid does TREMEC recommended?

A: For all TKO 5-speed models, TREMEC recommends GM Synchromesh™ (GM Part # 88861800) – or equivalent, or Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. For all other aftermarket models we recommend Dexron III ATF

FAQs

$6.75 qt from Summit. It no longer says Synchromesh on the bottle but I've got to believe this is what Tremec wants you to use now. Why all the different part numbers threw the years, and now no longer says Synchromesh on the bottle, I don't know. Maybe someone can enlighten me.
 
#55 ·
#56 ·
My TKO-600 manual shows the old fluid part no. of GM 12345349 which is a discontinued part number. The new part number is GM 88900333, which is what I have in now.
X2. ACDelco (GM) 88900333 is what I've used in my last two TKO builds. Available at Summit, JEGS, Tasca Parts, etc.
 
#57 ·
I was dumb enough to buy it at the dealer at $20.00 a qt.
JR
 
#58 · (Edited)
***UPDATE***
Bringing up an old thread
I just purchased ACDELCO #88900300 for my TKO600 because it's labeled Syncromesh Transmission Fluid. BUT what caught my eye was it also says Friction Modified!!! So I drained all 84oz. out.

I went to the Tremec website and the fluid they recommended for ALL TKO 5-speeds is #88861800 so I bought 3 quarts. I just came in the mail and I was ready to put it in when I noticed that nowhere does it say Syncromesh on the bottle, Just Manual Transmission and Transfer case fluid. WTH

OK that's enough.. I called TREMEC and explained my issue. The tech person looked into it and admitted it's not labeled clearly and he understood the confusing but told me to use #88861800 as stated on the website.
FWIW guy's I'm dumping it in, or am I just more confused??!! any more thought's?
 
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