Suggestions for alternatives to Z1

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youdontwannaknow

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Now that Z1 is $8.37/qt (!!) what are my options ?

Its for a '99 Accord 4cyl at 92k miles.

I really don't want to compromise or risk my transmission for the sake of a few bucks but I'd really like to see what else is out there that will take care of this transmission, and better.

I'd also like to get feedback from owners of honda/acura with auto trans especially between the years 98 and 02, and have used something other than Z1 for atleast 10-15k miles or more without any kind of problems.
 
If you want something for that same price, Amsoil ATF is a great replacement, AND don't let anyone scare you by saying it does not work in the transmission or that it will harm anything. As Pablo has said, and many others, there are plenty of people who love it in their Honda transmissions.

If you want something half the price of the Z-1, Valvoline Maxlife Dexron III/Mercon, Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle, and Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle are recommended to replace Honda Z-1.

You won't be risking anything, no matter what anyone tries to tell you.
 
Thanks I will check those out.
While I was searching I did run into a few posts from members that were using "additives" - like Lubegaurd etc..with other ATFs. How good an idea is that ?
 
Specialty Formulations (a site sponsor here) makes a Z1 replacement. However, they are in the process of moving so they aren't taking orders right now. I've got a gallon of that stuff. I think the price is the same but at least it is a synthetic. The Honda Z1 really has shown me that it is just a good quality conventional fluid and nothing more. I don't think it is worth the price. You want sticker shock, price their power steering fluid...

Amsoil ATF is also a good choice.
 
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Sometimes the conversion products work. Other times, not so much. I think the verdict is still out. I do, however, think Lubegard red bottle generic additive is the real thing and helps fluid a little bit.

Anyhow here's the link to reading the spec and procuring: Amsoil ATF
 
Z1 is only $4.75 at HandA accessories. Order some filters and wiper blades ect to offset the shipping Here in KC the dealers are between $6 and 6.50.
There are alternatives to the stealers.

Happy motoring to all
driving.gif
 
will the AMSOIL atf or SF atf do anything better for the transmission than the Z1 ?
I anyway don't intend to stretch the change interval. In fact I might even go for a shorter one (~15k) since you can never really get only about 1/3 fluid out of this transmission when you change the atf.
 
I've been running 80% amsoil ATF (20% Honda z1) in my '02 Accord transmission (new transmission installed about 5k miles ago) and am fairly happy. I think the shifts are *slightly* firmer, but still very good. Can't wait until I get on a regular routine with this stuff.
 
Quote:

will the AMSOIL atf or SF atf do anything better for the transmission than the Z1 ?
I anyway don't intend to stretch the change interval. In fact I might even go for a shorter one (~15k) since you can never really get only about 1/3 fluid out of this transmission when you change the atf.

Click to expand...


A full synthetic is typically more resistant to heat stress then a conventional. I am talking in generalities here to avoid sparking a debate. I live in high temperatures and I tow with my Honda Odyssey. That's hard on an AT. I did a UOA at 7600 miles on the AT and you can see for yourself. UOA

For me, the extra margin of synthetic is important in my particular application. I buy the SF ATF because I like the idea of a fluid that is not universal like the Amsoil ATF. SF has friction modified the Z1 replacement to line up better to the Honda Z1. Not dogging the Amsoil, I use it in my Tundra. But the Tundra just specs Dex II or III so a universal fluid doesn't bother me as much.

twocents.gif
 
Does anyone know if Amsoil Synthetic ATF will work in DEXRON-II applications? It states DEXRON-III on the bottle, or Z-1 (Z-1 wasn't invented yet, when my car was built)
 
Quote:

If you want something for that same price, Amsoil ATF is a great replacement, AND don't let anyone scare you by saying it does not work in the transmission or that it will harm anything. As Pablo has said, and many others, there are plenty of people who love it in their Honda transmissions.

If you want something half the price of the Z-1, Valvoline Maxlife Dexron III/Mercon, Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle, and Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle are recommended to replace Honda Z-1.

You won't be risking anything, no matter what anyone tries to tell you.

Click to expand...


the product sheet mentions nothign about replacing Z1...where did you read that?
http://www.valvoline.com/products/Dexron III Mercon.pdf
 
Quote:

Quote:

If you want something for that same price, Amsoil ATF is a great replacement, AND don't let anyone scare you by saying it does not work in the transmission or that it will harm anything. As Pablo has said, and many others, there are plenty of people who love it in their Honda transmissions.

If you want something half the price of the Z-1, Valvoline Maxlife Dexron III/Mercon, Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle, and Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle are recommended to replace Honda Z-1.

You won't be risking anything, no matter what anyone tries to tell you.

Click to expand...


the product sheet mentions nothign about replacing Z1...where did you read that?
http://www.valvoline.com/products/Dexron III Mercon.pdf

Click to expand...


Valvoline Maxlife ATF states as "Suitable for use in Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 (except in CVTs) applications"

Valvoline Maxlife ATF
 
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