[Shotimes] ATF choices, help

[Bill Murray]

As some may remember, I have been having clutch issues since June that I
have finally resolved.  After dropping the transmission for the 5th time, I
replaced the TOB again and polished the quill sleeve using 0000 steel wool.
I now have a smooth operating clutch and combined with the Fidanza flywheel,
it works very well.  I am running the Mid-West SHO/Clutchmasters Stage 1 and
the $20 AdvanceAuto TOB kit.



Each transmission removal has required a draining of the fluid as well.  So
far I have run Mobil 1 synthetic, generic/Wolfshead ATF, and now Castrol ATF
+3.  I had recently changed the Mobil 1 so when I put the trans back up the
first time, I reused the fluid.  Shifting was very notchy and a double
clutch was the only way to get the lever fully into gear, sometimes it
wouldn't go at all.  Before the initial removal the engagement was nice and
smooth.



I removed the Mobil 1 and used generic ATF for the next few removals and
shifting was back to normal, though the clutch pedal was still gritty.  Not
wanting to keep it in for long, I went to the parts store looking for a
better fluid and purchased the Castrol.  I am currently running this fluid,
but I am not happy with the shifting.  7 out of 10 times, it shifts fine,
the other 3 are very notchy and sometimes require a double clutch to engage
the gear.  I have missed the shift a couple times completely too. I noticed
that this fluid is +3 and not the Mercon/Dexron III/IV that I had thought it
was.  The bottle says that it is formulated for Chrysler and Hyundai
transmissions specifically, and has a "shock resistant" logo.



Today at NAPA I was looking at their fluids and noticed they had Valvoline
Mercon V formulated for 96+ Fords, also with the "shock resistant" logo.
Before I spend more money on fluid that won't work well, has anyone tried
this?  I'm thinking that maybe the shock resistant additive is a friction
modifier that is causing the sometimes rough shift action.  Should I keep
searching for III/IV?  I've been to 4 parts stores and none of them have the
III/IV.  I'm even contemplating buying more Mobile 1, but at ~$25 for 3
quarts I'd rather not have to dump it in the used oil container at Pep Boys
again if it doesn't work.



The tranny has roughly 50k on it since it was rebuilt with new "paper"
blocking rings and the Quaife.  I'm doing a track event in September, and
I'd like to run a decent fluid there that can take some heat, but still
shift well.



Thoughts, ideas, comments, should I go get my Nomex suit?? ;)



Bill