IBrockZ

iTrader: (3)

Lube recommended: Manual Transaxle Oil / Synchromesh ; Part Number 1052931 or Equivalent.

Lube Capacity (Approximately) 3.1 Litres / 3.3 QTS

IBrockZ

iTrader: (3)

I called my local Chevy dealer parts department and asked about the part number I listed above (1052931) and he informed me that part number is now (12345349)

It can be purchased from a Chevy dealer for about 15.99 a quart. However upon researching these part numbers I read that the GM part number synchromesh was actually manufactured by Pennzoil for GM then is sold as a GM product. Other people online were saying that Pennzoil Synchromesh Manual Tranmission Fluid is the exact same product GM sells and it is about half the price @ $7.99 a quart from my local Pepboys. I am going to be picking this fluid up and filling my 1987 5 speed transmission tomorrow. When I had my transmission changed we noticed that my trans had red fluid which I am assuming is ATF. My trans is also low on fluid as well so I will be addressing that tomorrow as well as replacing the ATF with Synchromesh as noted in the GM Shop Manual I have for 1987 Camaros.

From what I have been able to gather researching the correct fluid for my 87 5 spd trans this is a one year thing for this type of trans (manual). 85 and up can take ATF EXCEPT FOR 1987 MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. I believe it had something to do with having brass parts such as brass bearings I believe is what I read. The Pennzoil Synchromesh that I read was suggested on Pepboys website lists "Excellent yellow metal compatibility" under the Description/Features section.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

The 87 transmission is IDENTICAL IN EVERY WAY to 83-86 in these cars and longer in some others. Every single part used in it is IDENTICAL, part number for part number, to all the other 1st design T-5s. Bearings, brass rings, thrust washers, bushings, you name it it's the same.

They waffled back and forth in different years and different body styles, between ATF and gear lube. Different manufacturers who bought that transmission from B-W and later Doug Nash and even later Tremec were equally inconsistent. I suspect it boiled down to which department had the best PowerPoint whiz that could wow the conference room crowd and convince them of their point better that year in each company; the gas mileage dept, or the warranty risk dept. The introduction of that new fluid gave them a 3rd choice to argue about. It is not dictated by the parts themselves, or the year model, or anything else based in "reality", in any manner way shape form or fashion. Which is NOT to say, "don't use it", or "they're wrong", or "you're wrong", or anything of the kind; it's probably a better choice than either of the other; only, that you seem to be reading too much into it.

My fluid formula for that kind of T-5 was half ATF and half STP. Of course I had already tore up a few before 87 anyway, so, go figure. Didn't too much matter though; the fluid wasn't ultimately what they died from, it was ALWAYS the case stretching across the front and both allowing the gears to misalign and the fluid to all leak out (except for one where the end of the mainshaft, where it goes up into the clutch gear, spalled and brinnelled). NO choice of fluid can stop the case from stretching.

IBrockZ

iTrader: (3)

I see. Thanks for the insight Sofaking. I just thought id share what I found. I think I will feel most comfortable using the stuff they recommend in their shop manual. Just thought I'd share my findings. I think with the screen shots I supplied will help people get the correct answer for the questions like what trans fluid should I use for my 87 T5? And how much fluid goes in a T5? Those 2 questions u will get a different answer from almost every person so I hope this provided some conference answers to those questions. The rest was just me ranting about what I think you should use if you wanted to use the factory recommendation but don't want to pay the GM prices for the fluid. I do also like the fact that the Pennzoil lists that it is good with yellow metals in its features since I know the nwcT5 does have brass parts internally. Non of the other brands version of this part # lists that as a feature. So that is my selling point.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Another thing to remember is, the fluids themselves have changed over the years; they're getting better all the time. People come on here and want to find "Dexron 3" for example, because that's what the FSM calls for; only thing is, Dex 3 hasn't been sold for over 25 years now, they're up to like Dex 6 or something these days.

I'll also tell you, that brass blocker rings have been in manual transmissions since the 50s, and the fluids have all been fine with them. Nothing unique there. That would be about like putting "OK for use with aluminum bearings" on motor oil... virtually every motor has had that kind of bearings since they quit pouring Babbitt metal into the journals and went to removable shells, nothing special there either. Just good ad copy.

But, good info all the way around; we can just add one more choice to the list of "factory recommended" fluids.

The Synchromesh stuff is probably better than any gear lube for that transmission, I don't think you can go wrong with it. Go for it, it'll be fine. And not a bad price either, that's not too different from either ATF or gear lube these days.

The T-5, as installed in one of these cars with the plug rotated up higher than normal, takes about 3 quarts to fill up. Takes less in other cars because we have the only ones that are rotated like that.

IBrockZ

iTrader: (3)

The word that throws me off is APPROXIMATELY 3.2 quarts. Do you think I should shoot for 3.2 quarts or just round it down to 3 quarts?

Barlow8869

iTrader: (1)

i always take the plug out of the side, and fill it till it comes out that hole

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

The exact amount will depend on the angle the car sits at.

.2 quarts = about 3 oz. ... quite a bit less than a spray paint can top.

IMO 3 quarts will be fine; especially since unless you've had the trans out of the car, it won't fully drain anyway. The drain plug isn't at the lowest point.

IBrockZ

iTrader: (3)

Ya I've done it that way before too. Hmm. I'm just gonna buy 4 quarts. I was gonna fill through the shift boot this time ..