2 Questions

[harrymay]

We have a 2003 Impala Base 3.4L. My Fiance drives it mostly, but we will be sharing the car a little more soon. It has ~61000 miles on it right now. here are the two questions...

1: I want to go ahead and start using Synthetic oil in the car. Is this advised? As far as I know, the car has always used dino oil. I recently changed to synthetic in my Celica a month ago and it feels much better. I was planning on using the Mobil1 full synth. I use Bosch/Denso filters mostly, what is the general concensus on filters here?

2: Checked the transmission fluid last night. Looks like I am going to have to change it. I think it smells burnt, and the residue coming from the dipstick was black. I hope this isn't something bad. What kind of filter/fluid should I use here? I will not be getting a flush.

[bigrod118]

good choice on the oil, and with that I also recommend the Modil premium filters.

As far as tranny fluid, if you want, go with royal purple, stuff it supposed to be excellent with keeping temps down and parts wel lubricated. but I have not tried it yet, that's just what other respected people have said in their experience.

[harrymay]

Originally Posted by bigrod118

good choice on the oil, and with that I also recommend the Modil premium filters.

As far as tranny fluid, if you want, go with royal purple, stuff it supposed to be excellent with keeping temps down and parts wel lubricated. but I have not tried it yet, that's just what other respected people have said in their experience.

Royal Purple is a little pricey, I won't even put something that costs that much in my celica. Either way, does the trans take regular dexron or something different.

[bigrod118]

Dexron III, like 99% of the other trannys out there. nothing special from GM.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by bigrod118

Dexron III, like 99% of the other trannys out there. nothing special from GM.

Check the owners manual, it seems some 2003 GM cars recommend Dex 1111, which really never hit the market and Dex 111 fluid rated for H usage is recommended now.

[bigrod118]

Well in my 02 manual it says Dexron III, and I did hear they had developed dexron IIII, and only recently did I hear it had been released. It is supposed to be better in some way, and compatible with Dexron III specifications.