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T56 Gear Oil


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#1 _LS2 Hatch_

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Posted 04 December 2013 - 04:17 PM

Hi guys. I know that these gearboxes are not as common as the others in a Torana, however I'm sure there are plenty out there, and. A fair few would have them in other cars.
So, my question is, what oil do you use?
The standard oil is actually Automatic Transmission Fluid. I know there is oils out there that make it a smoother nicer shift, I just dont know which one.

Anyone with experience in this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

#2 Litre8

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Posted 04 December 2013 - 04:44 PM

I use Royal Purple SynchroMax in my Jerico gearbox and I see that some recommend it for T56's too..



#3 76lxhatch

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Posted 04 December 2013 - 06:00 PM

Doesn't the T56 have friction lined synchros like the T5? If so then ATF is required for these, they're basically the same material as clutch linings in an auto.

Personally if GM recommends ATF then I would stick with that, the trans is built for it rather than gear oil. If you do go with something else, it needs to be a product that is recommended for 'boxes that normally use ATF, not a standard gear oil.

#4 _LS1 Hatch_

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Posted 05 December 2013 - 01:58 AM

I just use ATF in mine, and did as well in the '00 Camaro SS I had around for a while... (same box as in the Torana).  Either normal ATF or GM synchromesh seem to be a safe bet to go with.



#5 _LS2 Hatch_

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Posted 05 December 2013 - 06:00 AM

Thanks guys. I have Dextron3 in it now but was hoping for a better feel. I have read in the past that Transmax gives a smoother shift and a quieter box.
Might just leave it as is.

Thanks again guys

#6 myss427

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Posted 05 December 2013 - 09:32 AM

Had major issues with hard shifting with my Monaro, sometimes could not get 3rd gear. Put Nulon fully synthetic trans fluid in and a bottle of thier additive (tall white botlle) and now its a new transmission, better than its ever been. One of my friends was having similar issues with his truck and put the additive in and fixed his issues as well. $20 for the additive, best money spent.



#7 _LS2 Hatch_

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Posted 05 December 2013 - 04:44 PM

So do you need to use the nylon oil, oil can I just use the additive?

Make that Nulon oil

#8 myss427

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Posted 05 December 2013 - 08:14 PM

I did both, not much dearer than Castrol or any of the other brands, my friend with the truck only used the additive and it worked great.



#9 _LS2 Hatch_

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Posted 05 December 2013 - 08:47 PM

There is no drain plug so removing the current oil will be a pain. The exta from the additive wouldn't be enough to cause an issue would it? As in, extra amount of fluid

#10 _LS1 Hatch_

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Posted 06 December 2013 - 01:40 AM

Sure on that drain plug ?  Ones over here have one at least.. (right hand side, near the rear from memory..)



#11 _LS2 Hatch_

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Posted 06 December 2013 - 05:34 AM

I will check again and come back to you. I'm very sure though. My brothers is the same, no plug :(

#12 76lxhatch

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Posted 06 December 2013 - 06:23 AM

I wouldn't add the additive to ATF, it will be designed to work with their oil

#13 _LS1 Hatch_

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Posted 06 December 2013 - 09:14 AM

No drain huh ?

 

Don't you have a drill ?  :D



#14 _LS2 Hatch_

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Posted 06 December 2013 - 08:24 PM

Ok so maybe I found an alen key head , that looks like a plug in the right side of the extension housing. I haven't tried yet, but MAYBE if I remove this plug looking bolt the oil will drain out.
MAYBE!!!

Still can't find a " drain plug" ;)

#15 _LS1 Hatch_

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Posted 07 December 2013 - 01:29 AM

:D



#16 _LS2 Hatch_

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Posted 07 December 2013 - 07:43 AM

Ok, so Nulon fully synthetic and the additive.
Thanks for the idea Howard, but I have read on a couple LS1 forums that the Purple is not so good for them.
I will do it over the next couple weeks and let you know how it goes.

Thanks to all for your help :)

#17 ozyozyozy

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Posted 11 December 2013 - 10:48 PM

I found in my searching trans fluids for a VE some dont have a very high temp rating, so if your driving around the street with the odd squirt should be fine with dex3, if your going to push it id go with the royal purple or iv put redline D4 in a couple of boxes, its a bit higher temp rating, found in the TKO its a little stiff when cold, but comes good quite quick and has been fine in a t56.

#18 ozyozyozy

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Posted 11 December 2013 - 10:48 PM

Have seen temps in a t56 as high as 115, 120 degrees on the track

Edited by ozyozyozy, 11 December 2013 - 10:50 PM.


#19 _LS2 Hatch_

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Posted 18 December 2013 - 10:15 PM

Redline D4? What brand is that.
I read that the royal purple was not a good option due to its weight. If you are recommending it I gather they make the correct fluid. Which one is it?

The car is used on the street, but is a toy if you get my drift. Track will be a definite once it's all sorted and it proves it's self to hold together. Nothing over the top though.

#20 ozyozyozy

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Posted 21 December 2013 - 02:19 PM

company is redline, the type of oil is called D4 trans oil, its a synthetic replacement to factory dex3



#21 _LS1 Hatch_

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Posted 21 December 2013 - 02:34 PM

This..if you wanted a visual of it. :D

http://www.amazon.co...ords=redline d4



#22 antelopeslr5000

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Posted 21 December 2013 - 03:45 PM

I've run Castrol Transmax Z since 2006 in my T56. Gearbox has been fine and shifts are nice & smooth, although I have nothing to compare it to since I've used nothing else in the T56. It's what Mal Wood recommended to use.






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