Newbie Maintenance Questions/Advice?

[zvtxguy]

I just recently took ownership of a 95 Z without T's, 116,000, A4, bone stock. Naturally I want to go through and change all of the fluids oil, tranny, rear end. I'm not going to ask what kind of engine oil to go with, i've already put way to much thought into that subject. In fact I've decieded on the new Valvoline Synthetic for High Mileage in 5w30. But I have some questions on some of the other areas. Assuming that this 4l60e has never seen synthetic tranny fluid, does adding syn to a higher milage tranny cause problems? And what is the best tranny fluid? As far as the filter, I cant seem to find an improved aftermarket filter, only fram, wix, etc.. I assume this will work. Would it be wise to change the tranny pan to a aftermarket type with drain plug for future fluid changes? Also I've heard that the flush you can get done at the quick change type place is actually better because it gets all of the fluid evac'd, is this true? And just two more quick questions, does anyone make a improved fuel filter without going to something that uses different connectors and what fluid would be best in the rear end? Thank you for any advice anyone offers.

Jeremy

[Dave M]

Stock fuel filters and tranny filters are fine, especially with a bone stock car. Your choice of fluid won't make a huge difference, but synthetic is usually best, and you tend to get what you pay for.

One note of caution: if maintainance on the car was neglected before you got it, specifically the tranny fluid, it may be best not to change it. It sounds weird, but going to brand new fluid in a tranny that has gone 100,000 miles on the same fluid can cause problems. My 97 Grand Prix owners manual suggests changing the tranny fluid every 50,000 miles (I think) for severe use, but under normal use it reccomends never changing the fluid. It's not neccessary. If you don't know what type of care the tranny got, I'd probably leave it alone until you do a high-performance rebuild or it needs rebuilt on it's own, etc...

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Stock fuel filters and tranny filters are fine, especially with a bone stock car. Your choice of fluid won't make a huge difference, but synthetic is usually best, and you tend to get what you pay for.

One note of caution: if maintainance on the car was neglected before you got it, specifically the tranny fluid, it may be best not to change it. It sounds weird, but going to brand new fluid in a tranny that has gone 100,000 miles on the same fluid can cause problems. My 97 Grand Prix owners manual suggests changing the tranny fluid every 50,000 miles (I think) for severe use, but under normal use it reccomends never changing the fluid. It's not neccessary. If you don't know what type of care the tranny got, I'd probably leave it alone until you do a high-performance rebuild or it needs rebuilt on it's own, etc...

My tranny was acting weird so I changed the fluid. It got much worse. It doesn't make sense to me either but it seams to be true.

I use Mobil 1. Period.

[95TransAm]

I agree with the other guys on this one with the tranny fluid, just leave it alone. As far as oil, always make sure that you get good oil, lubrication is so important and so many people don't understand that. I always go with Royal Purple 10w30 with a K&N oil filter. If you used the "search" feature, I'm sure you could come up with some old threads on different types of oil filters...if i remember right, fram was no good.

Don't forget about a coolant flush as well.
Just put in good fluids and keep them at where they should be and she'll thank you for it.

As for fuel filters, from what i know our stock ones are good, but i could be wrong and there could be something better for the $$$.

I'm sure some smarter guys will get their .02 in on this one.

Enjoy your new z and drive safe

[zvtxguy]

Thanks for the Advice. Question about coolant flush

Thank you for all of the advice. Isnt the cooling system different than typical cars, reverse flow? Does this require a different technique when flushing? Would this be something that would best left to a shop to do?

Thanks
Jeremy

[Dave M]

The system is reverse flow, but as far as I know, this doesn't affect the flushing. Use a commercial flushing product and follow it's directions, then keep the system changed every 1-2 years and you should never have to flush again.