Synthetic ATF for 2004 Solara SLE V6?

[FrankS44]

Hi,

I'm considering changing the ATF to a synthetic for my 5-spd 2004 Solara engine/train 3MZ-FE. Just had the shift feel enhancement flashed in...what a difference (from great to dynamite!)

Any thoughts pro/con/brand/qty? Amsoil, SynLube, etc.

Thanks,
Frank

[PXLpainter]

I hear people swear by Amsoil (usually the people selling it!)

But I've been a Mobile-1 Synth user for about 15 years and have never had any complaints using it in all my vehicles. I try to start with the first oil change, but its never too late to switch.

And - contrary to what rumors/myths you may hear - once you switch to Synth oil you CAN still go back to dino oil any time you want.

Good luck!

[FrankS44]

Q's regarding the switch:

1. Is a xmission flush recommended?

2. How much synth ATF is needed a) if flushed, b) if only drained?

3. SynthLube recommends their SERVICE FILL ATF, "designed to blend with the OEM fluid that remains in the xmission and still "improve" shifting and bulk fluid oxidation rate". They claim that a significant amount of Type-IV remains and blends with the Synthetic. Thoughts?

BTW, I switched to Mobile 1 for engine oil at 5K miles. What a difference!

Thanks!
F.

[todds21]

I really like Amsoil ATF and have used in my past Toyotas. But I don't think its an exact match to T-IV. As much as I want to run a synthetic ATF as of today I don't think any of them meet the T-IV spec (Amsoil is compatible). Keep us posted if you switch and how it works. My wife drives a Lexus ES330 which I believe shares the same motor/tranny as the camry SE and the Solara.

[FrankS44]

After more searching on this site, I see that T-IV is synthetic. Think I'll do a flush & replace with more T-IV.

Thanks!
F.

[todds21]

Originally Posted by FrankS44

After more searching on this site, I see that T-IV is synthetic. Think I'll do a flush & replace with more T-IV.

Thanks!
F.

Actually I don't think it is synthetic. But there is not a sythetic that meets the specs either......Just keep to a schedule where you keep fresh fluid in there and you should be fine. I replaced the tranny filter and gasket on my wifes this weekend and replaced 4 qts T-IV from the drain.

[lelandstanford]

T-IV is not synthetic.

Valvoline Maxlife claimed to be T-IV compatible.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/Maxlife%20ATF.pdf

Or you can homebrew T-IV with Lubegard HFM-ATF with Dexron III.

International Lubricants, Inc. > Transmission Products

[HOGWILD]

Mobil ATF 3309 they have nothing to replace Toyota WS ATF yet but i think from the way i read this that this could be a player if ya wanted a quality Syn ATF! just check the manual specs and i think it meets you specs!

[lelandstanford]

Mobil 3309 is not synthetic.

[HOGWILD]

my bad!!