About 6000 miles ago and 40 degree warmer weather, I took a shot at using Amsoil's MTF after a mildly disappointing experience with Hondas MTF, which seemed to cause harsh 1st gear pop outs and very notchy shifts. Here's what I've come to learn about the Amsoil:

After the change, I noticed a much better shift. Fluid warmed up quickly and shifts were exactly what they should be, clean and smooth. And best of all, I haven't gotten a pop out yet. Overall, the feel was comparable to OEM, yet more refined.

Now, the fluid has mileage.. My shift feel has gotten noticeably worse and 2nd gear has become a nightmare to not grind, especially with the cold weather(30 degrees F)and even still when the tranny has warmed up. This fluid seems to have a short life span for a full synthetic fluid and/or can't handle extreme temperature changes well. Either way, daily use has proved to be too much for the fluid in my 2004 AP2 with 39k miles as I can't handle the poor shifting at this point.

Since it was pretty good to me in the beginning and other users have had luck with it, I'd say give it a shot and see where it takes you since its a relatively cheap experiment, especially in warmer weather locations.

Next up, GMSFM. I'll note my experiences with it and update in another 6,000 miles!

Cheers

 

Interested in seeing how the GMSFM works, just make sure to get the friction modified version as it is a better fluid and there is a non-friction modified vesion of it. That fluid has a good reputation and I would try it if I was having issues.

It is odd that the Amsoil fluid didn't last much past 6k miles. I'm always tempted to try a different fluid, but I have to say that my 2002 tranny with 60k miles on it shifts like the car just rolled off the lot, not a single issue with it, and I run Honda MTF2. I do change it every 3k-4k miles though, but I view it as cheap maintenance. I think past 4k miles the viscosity drops/shears due to the meshing action of the gears and you will find many fluids changing after a certain mileage.

Not related to fluid, but I found adjusting/extending the clutch rod helped with 2nd gear shifting on my car shortly after I purchased the vehicle. I've never had an issue since, and it is only a 2 minute adjstment, if you dont like it you can put it back to where it was. No harm. Swapping in fresh clutch fluid is helpful for 2nd gear shifting as well, make sure the clutch master cylinder is clean of any black residue and swap in new fluid. I do mine every few months as it dirties up pretty quick.

 

I've tried oem, redline, motul and found amsoil to offer the smoothest shifts for my ap1 trans.

 

Good info, I may try switching to amsoil on my next change just to see how it goes.

 

Hmmm, I've got it in my AP2 and love it. Started using it in my 04 TSX long before I picked up my S2K. It does work better once it's warmed up.

 

Amsoil and GMSFM both sucked in my transmission. honda mtf has worked best for me.

 

Had Honda MTF in mine. Switched to Amsoil Synchromesh. Feels the same to me.

 

i ran my amsoil for 30k of hard driving and it was perfect in every way... very interesting results

 

Like I said, it's going to be a hit or miss with most, as I know many have enjoyed this fluid in their cars. The only thing we can do is try and provide detailed input on our experiences and hope we can narrow down what would work best for you and your car specifically.

Amsoil was my first aftermarket choice after becoming very uncomfortable with the pop outs I was experiencing occasionally with OEM fluid. I ran Amsoil in my Civic SI 6 speed and loved it! And I truly did enjoy it in the first few thousand miles, but as it aged and the Winter season set in, it got worse.

JFusion, I will look into that clutch rod adjustment tonight. I actually wanted to do this on my Civic a while back but a friend and Acura master tech advised against it. He said even though it may fix your issue, you now risk not fully disengaging the clutch just enough to keep the throw out bearing spinning and wearing it prematurely. So I'll have to see how much adjustment I have, if any. Also, I may be replacing my clutch in a month or so(tax return, Yeah!!) for future HP mods and may wait till then.

Also, I managed to switch the GM Synchromesh FM in last night. And yes, it is the Friction Modified. It comes under the AC Delco brand name now and it's about $13 a quart. Expensive, but the reviews have been more consistent than most of non Honda brand fluids. I only have about 25 miles on it and it has already proven to be upgrade from the Amsoil. Smooth shifts and 2nd hasn't grinder yet. Also, this morning was below freezing. Let's remember that it's still new fluid and the real test comes in upcoming mileage.

I'll keep you guys updated.

 

1 quart amisol and 1 quart honda and its worked for me for 20-30k miles now. Using the amisol has stopped the 2nd gear pop