Why does everyone bash the 6spd tranny
I've always looked it up with AMSOIL and they do seem to have it backward ... well, one of them does. You'd think the OE would have it printed correctly, but also being printed it can't be updated if it is wrong, where AMSOIL could have made a correction ... I don't know. I'll look in to it with AMSOIL and see what they say.
I've always filled the tranny based on when the fluid tops off ... I've not measured it. I want to say it's taken just under 3 qts in those cases ... but I honestly don't know. I've only used capacities to make sure I had enough fluid. I do know that the 6-speed transmission case is larger than the 5-speed, which would back up a larger capacity, but it really all depends on the internals and the fill level ...
Kind of an odd discrepancy ...
UPDATE :: My AMSOIL guy said that AMSOIL gets their fluid capacity data from a 3rd party source, but he's checking with his contacts to make sure the data is correct. I'll post back when I get an answer.
Last edited by TouringBubble; Aug 23, 2010 at 10:33 AM.
Just checked with a second independent source on the fluid capacities ...
W5M51 (5-speed) - 2.2l (2.3qt)
W6MAA (6-speed) - 2.8l (2.9qt)
This is interesting ... 2 independent sources disagree with the factory manual. I'll wait to see what AMSOIL says about it ... but I'm leaning toward a possible misprint in the factory manual. I know we often think the OE doesn't think much when designing things, but running so much less fluid in the 6-speed would be a huge oversight in the design.
W5M51 (5-speed) - 2.2l (2.3qt)
W6MAA (6-speed) - 2.8l (2.9qt)
This is interesting ... 2 independent sources disagree with the factory manual. I'll wait to see what AMSOIL says about it ... but I'm leaning toward a possible misprint in the factory manual. I know we often think the OE doesn't think much when designing things, but running so much less fluid in the 6-speed would be a huge oversight in the design.
2.8 qt is correct for the VIII/IX 5-speeds. I always did my IX GSR transmission fluid sitting level on the ground and always finished with less than a 1/4 qt remaining in the third bottle.
That's why I'm looking in to it. I mean, it honestly doesn't matter as the fill for the transmission is going to be determined by the level when it starts to spill out of the fill hole. I just think it would be nice to know why there is a discrepancy.
I've seen this mentioned more than once, but I'm not sure why. The fluid capacity is actually higher in the 6-speed. I'm kind of wondering where this piece of info keeps coming from.
Now, this isn't to say that the extra capacity means each gear has the same amount of fluid volume as the 5-speed ... but here is a little basic math to quantify ...
2006 model year capacities
5-speed fill - 4.7 pints/2.35 quarts - .94 pints:1 gear
6-speed fill - 6 pints/3 quarts - 1 pint:gear
I've stated for a while that I feel improper cooling is the main factor of 6-speed failures. This, in my opinion, has a lot to do with removal of the factory undertray which provides cooling to the transmission and TC. But, as people have said, it does have a weaker 4-6 and most anything will fail eventually when pushed hard enough.
Now, this isn't to say that the extra capacity means each gear has the same amount of fluid volume as the 5-speed ... but here is a little basic math to quantify ...
2006 model year capacities
5-speed fill - 4.7 pints/2.35 quarts - .94 pints:1 gear
6-speed fill - 6 pints/3 quarts - 1 pint:gear
I've stated for a while that I feel improper cooling is the main factor of 6-speed failures. This, in my opinion, has a lot to do with removal of the factory undertray which provides cooling to the transmission and TC. But, as people have said, it does have a weaker 4-6 and most anything will fail eventually when pushed hard enough.
You're correct it seems ... which is weird. The manual specifically states 3qt for the 5 speed and 2.3qt for the 6-speed.
I've always looked it up with AMSOIL and they do seem to have it backward ... well, one of them does. You'd think the OE would have it printed correctly, but also being printed it can't be updated if it is wrong, where AMSOIL could have made a correction ... I don't know. I'll look in to it with AMSOIL and see what they say.
I've always filled the tranny based on when the fluid tops off ... I've not measured it. I want to say it's taken just under 3 qts in those cases ... but I honestly don't know. I've only used capacities to make sure I had enough fluid. I do know that the 6-speed transmission case is larger than the 5-speed, which would back up a larger capacity, but it really all depends on the internals and the fill level ...
Kind of an odd discrepancy ...
UPDATE :: My AMSOIL guy said that AMSOIL gets their fluid capacity data from a 3rd party source, but he's checking with his contacts to make sure the data is correct. I'll post back when I get an answer.
I've always looked it up with AMSOIL and they do seem to have it backward ... well, one of them does. You'd think the OE would have it printed correctly, but also being printed it can't be updated if it is wrong, where AMSOIL could have made a correction ... I don't know. I'll look in to it with AMSOIL and see what they say.
I've always filled the tranny based on when the fluid tops off ... I've not measured it. I want to say it's taken just under 3 qts in those cases ... but I honestly don't know. I've only used capacities to make sure I had enough fluid. I do know that the 6-speed transmission case is larger than the 5-speed, which would back up a larger capacity, but it really all depends on the internals and the fill level ...
Kind of an odd discrepancy ...
UPDATE :: My AMSOIL guy said that AMSOIL gets their fluid capacity data from a 3rd party source, but he's checking with his contacts to make sure the data is correct. I'll post back when I get an answer.
Well, you were right that people aren't just assuming that the fluid level is less in the 6-speed ... I've just seen too many "updates" to factory manuals to just accept that it's the end all be all of the discussion. I hope to find out something from AMSOIL soon. I might not, but I'd really like to ... crossing my fingers.
Like I said, there isn't an issues really ... it's just that many people say one reason for failure of the transmission is the lower fluid level. I'm looking in to it just to clear that up ... if I can get a definite answer, then we can at least confirm or deny that specific issue as a cause of failures.
The only place to get some quality gear oil in town is Petterson Motorsport out on Hwy 32. They carry Redline.
I dont have a direct fluid recommendation as I have never own a 6sp and have never got to test out different fluids for one. But I'd have to say, the only 3 companies fluids I'd let go into my EVO drivetrain are OEM, Redline and Amsoil. Im sure TouringBubble and the other 6sp owners can help recommend you some good 6sp fluid.
Also, if you need anything else, dont hesitate to give me a call, email or PM.