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ive been thinking about changing to GM syncromesh tranny fluid. i heard that the initial results with this fluid is good and noticeable, however, now i hear that with long term usage, the fluid isn't good for honda trannys. now i am doubtful about switching. many of the honda guys around here swear by this stuff. but just today i heard from one person that its harmful in the long run.
what is a guy to do?

I know with auto trannies it is important to stay with Honda. I assume the same would apply to manual transmissions.

if your going to swap go all out. Amsoil or Redline. I am getting the redline tranney fluid soon. Cost me 33 bucks, but in the long run its better then paying 3300 for a new tranney.

Use Honda MTF.  Using non-Honda MTF is not recommended.  GM Syncromesh is good stuff, but I wouldn't run anything but Honda MTF because other fluids will cause negative long term effects.  Skippy can explain this stuff a lot better than I can since he's certified to work on Honda transmissions.  He recommended sticking with Honda MTF, so that's what I do since he has more knowledge and experience than I do.

DAMN IT!!!  

I just bought the GM Synchromesh...but my buddy didn't grab the FM, so I am going to take it back to him.  Should I just scrap that idea and get the Honda MTF then?  When did Honda redo their MTF???  I heard it was redone sometime in the recent past, but I haven't changed mine for a while, actually since Feb...but that is when they replaced my 1st gear cause it was popping out...so if it has been changed/modified since then, then I still have the older stuff, and I didn't notice any better shifting in regards to the knotchiness...

Dang I just bought the redline motor oil and tranny fluid. I need skippy to chime in on this.

Fucking ay! I just recently changed my oil and used syncromesh. I've had success with it in the past but if there's ill effects, I may have to change my oil again. Fucking wak ass bullshit.

I'm still pissed about this cause I was going to change fluid today!  so what the fuck should I do then, I'm perplexed!  I talked to my boy at stealership and he didn't keep receipt!

How often do we need to change the MTF?

every 30k or so depending on how you drive.

I would think your ok running it this time. But in another 30k or so miles just change it back to Honda MTF, no worries. Like Tim said, long term effects...I would consider 30k short term. What wtf do I know. Dont listen to me  

I know nothing about MT fluid, but in the original post was there any type of proof stating why it would be harmful in the long run. The only way you'll really know if there's any long term effects is by doing an analysis I would think and not by hearsay. Otherwise, I would just stick to what the manual recommends.

interesting. but I read on V6P that people switch to GM or redline the 3rd gear stop popping out. So I was thinking since it is a syn it would better lube the gears since the molecules are smaller and can go where regular tranney oil during cold start and whatnot

the manual for the 4cyl MT says 96kms... for the first change. not sure after that..

I'll chime in on this topic.  

Honda/Acura MTF was recently reformulated in the past two years.  If you want a definite reason, I can get it for you, but I personally do not know why it was changed.  I'm willing to bet they added some friction modifiers to combat the 3rd gear situation.  But still, I'm not sure that was the reason for the reformulation.  All new honda MTF has a white cap to signify it is the reformulated version.

About using other brands of MTF, it's all preference.  If you want to use it, it's your car, and I'm not going to stand in your way.  HOWEVER...if your car is under warranty (which most of ours are well out of by now), you can be denied coverage because you used aftermarket performance transmission fluids IF IT IS DEEMED THAT IT CAUSED A TRANSMISSION FAILURE.  

I've used two brands of transmission fluid in the time that I've owned my car: Honda MTF, and GM Synchromesh FM.  Both are quality transmission fluids and I can vouch for the effectiveness of both.  I am not recommending that you use off-brand transmission fluid in your vehicle.  I recommend the use of Honda/Acura MTF because it was designed for the transmission and Honda/Acura have strict quality control specifications that the fluid used in the transmissions will not cause failures.  The same cannot be said about other transmission fluids.  Sure, all the performance people are going to say "but this is super racing rated 900% safe and will give you 140 horsepower to the right front wheel".  I don't care...it's not honda branded, and I don't use it.  I don't trust anything that wasn't made and endorsed by honda.  It's amazing that I considered using aftermarket brake rotors and pads....there was a time that I didn't even want to do that...

I'm not trying to say that I'm brand loyal, but I do try to cover my butt whenever I get the chance.  By choosing only HG fluids and supplies, I limit the amount of variables that my car needs to deal with.  I don't need to worry about juggling the maintenance schedules of 10 different fluids and enhancers, and I don't need to worry about future incompatibilities with new products or complications with old products meeting new ones....and if you sicko's are wondering....YES...I DO use Honda Genuine windshield washer fluid.

As for fluid change intervals, Paul is right on the money.  The book says every 30k miles.  That's good for your average driver that doesn't beat the hell out of their car.  If you're one of those (and I'm not pointing fingers because I'd rather not point a loaded finger at myself), change your tranny fluid at 15k intervals.

shit

that's all I got

Guess its honda MTF until I get the TBS for the tranney fixed first. I am still in the process or transferring the extended warranty over.

have to go pick it up at dealership. have to change it when i change my oil. i only used honda MT oil, its not made by same manufacturer that honda uses for auto trany and engine oil. as far as i heard. honda has similar formulation to GM synthromesh. i didnt even buy amsoil synchromesh for trany oil

skip thanks for your advice and input on this. i didn't know honda reformulated their MT fluid. but i will try that first, if im not satisfied with it i might try GM syncro. as for the intervals i have never changed my MT fluid and im at 96km!!! better hop on this soon.

edit: just to go a little bit more in depth on what the manual says for MT and AT
normal conditions
MT: 192kms (129miles)  
AT: 192kms (129miles) or 6 years, then every 144kms (90miles) or 5 years.

severe conditions
MT: 96kms (60miles)
AT: 96kms (60miles) or 3 years, then every 48kms (30miles) or 2 years

i run penzzoil synchromesh in my 5spd trans. Haven't had any problems so far and i am happy with the shifting.

Anybody want to give this dumb dumb a lesson on how to change your own MTF on a V6 6speed?

this is for the i4 auto but shouldnt be too much different for u. http://elitecm.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=156

Searching owns you Arie. (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~G~C40355~R0~OD~N/0/41746505/41746506/41746536/41746537/34853741/34860071/34860212/34860638/34860655) Found it in this thread (http://elitecm.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=428) in the v6 side of the house.

Damn.

looks like its similar to the 4cyls. you have to drain it from the bottom bolt. then refill using a pump, to pump back in new fluid. i think honda charges like $90 before taxes up here to do the change. im just gonna have them do it..

i had my mt fluid changed today with the newly formulated honda mtf. and it did make a difference. engaging 1st gear is alot smooter, and so is 2nd into 3rd. over all im happy with the results. maybe next i will get the corsport bushings..

how about the general knotchiness???

its slightly better. i like the feel of it for now. but i know i will get used to that too.