7 Best Racing Transmission Fluid

Reviewed By: Joses Peter

High-performance or racing cars require proper maintenance and the right transmission fluid to ensure a smooth and long-lasting performance. With several available brands, types, and versions, starting from Valvoline to Castrol and many more, finding the perfect transmission fluid for racing cars often turns out to be a challenge.

Well, I’m here to turn the challenge into a piece of cake for you. Now, while there are hundreds of transmission fluid options available in the industry, not all of them are suitable for racing cars.

Best Racing Transmission Fluid

But how do you determine which is the right fluid for your high-performance vehicles? Join us in the guide where I’ll discuss some of the best racing transmission fluids along with several other factors to make the decision easier for you.

Comparison of Top 5 Racing Transmission Fluids

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS PRICE
Valvoline Multi-Vehicle ATF
★ OUR #1 PICK! ★
  • Size: 1-Quart
  • Type: Full Synthetic ATF
  • Compatibility: Suitable for use in a broad range of ATF applications including most Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, VW & Audi.
  • Country of Origin: USA
ACDelco GM Original 10-9395 Dexron VI
  • Size: 1-Gallon
  • Type: Dexron VI ATF
  • Compatibility: Recommended for use in GM transmission model years 2006 and newer calling for DEXRON-VI ATF (replaces DEXRON-III and DEXRON-II(E).
  • Country of Origin: USA
Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE 20W 50 Motor Oil
  • Size: 5-Quart
  • Type: High-Performance High Zinc Motor Oil
  • Compatibility: Most popular engine lubricants in all types of racing, including paved and dirt ovals and drag racing.
  • Country of Origin: USA
Red Line RED42804 V Twin Transmission Oil
  • Size: 1-Quart
  • Type: V-Twin Transmission Oil
  • Compatibility: N/A.
  • Country of Origin: USA
Maxima Racing Oils 41901 3PK MTL R 80W
  • Size: 1-Quart
  • Type: MTL-R 80w
  • Compatibility: For all air and water-cooled 2-cycle and 4-cycle transmissions with wet clutch systems. Also, designed and tested for wet brake systems.
  • Country of Origin: USA

7 Best Racing Transmission Fluid Reviews

Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

Valvoline is one of the most trusted names in the world of automobiles and does not require any separate introduction. The Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic ATF is a perfect representation of the performance and quality offered by the brand.

Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF)

This transmission fluid ensures a topnotch performance in your vehicle and you will notice an instant change in the functionality of the transmission. Due to the fully synthetic base and top quality formulation of the fluid, the product makes sure that it meets all the requirements of the high performing cars on the road.

One of the most attractive features of this liquid is the additives or agents that are included in it. The formulation includes several working agents such as cleaning, anti-rusting, anti-foaming, and many more to make the transmission work smoothly and without any trouble.

Not only that, but it also makes sure that the gears are clean of contaminants and dust, allowing them to operate smoothly without making any noise or vibration. You do not have to worry about the compatibility of the fluid as it works effortlessly with several automobile brands and models easily.

If you take a look at the price of the liquid, it is highly affordable but the fluid requires replacement after a few weeks or months.

Pros

  • Ensures excellent transmission performance
  • Affordable price
  • Highly compatible
  • Includes top performing additives

Cons

  • Transmission fluid requires replacement frequently

ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-9395 Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

The next item on the list is an amazing transmission fluid manufactured by ACDelco. The ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-9395 Dexron VI ATF is an ideal choice for both racing and regular cars.

ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-9395 Dexron VI

One of the top features of this high quality transmission fluid is that it comes with backward compatibility. This means that the liquid works on the current or recent vehicle models along with the transmissions of the older racing or performance car models available in the automobile industry.

While this does not seem like much to several users, it helps the vehicles to run efficiently even after their recommended transmission fluid is no longer in the run. This liquid also improves the overall fuel economy of the vehicle by keeping the harmful contaminants away from the transmission.

Improved fuel economy results in the owners saving money on fuel while reducing the number of visits to the station. In addition to that, the fluid also improves the heat stability of the transmission, making sure that it does not overheat and damage the gears and belts within.

It also allows the vehicle to perform without any hassle at both high and low temperatures. The cost of the liquid is affordable and even though it is highly compatible, there are a few models that do not fit well with the fluid.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Improved fuel economy
  • Prevents overheating
  • Features backward compatibility

Cons

  • Does not fit a few vehicle models

Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE 20W-50 High Performance High Zinc Motor Oil

If you are in search of the best automatic transmission fluids for drag racing, the Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE 20W-50 High-Performance High Zinc Motor Oil is an extraordinary choice for you.

Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE 20W-50 High Performance High Zinc Motor Oil

With an outstanding formulation using phosphorus and high zinc formula, this transmission oil significantly improves the performance of the transmission in high-performing or racing vehicles. The increased functionality makes sure that the transmission is working faster and does not get damaged easily due to wear or tear.

In the formulation, there are several additives and agents included with the base to make the fluid more efficient and impactful. Cleaning additives are added to the liquid to prevent the accumulation of contaminants such as dust particles, dirt, acid, grime buildup, and many more.

Not only that, but it also comes with several additional agents such as anti-foaming, anti-rusting, coolants, and many more to improve the overall working capacity of the transmission. You will find this motor oil in a wide range of sizes, so you have the freedom to choose the required size depending on the requirements of your transmission.

The transmission fluid is also available in quite a few viscosities and this allows the vehicle to adjust easily to the weather conditions without jamming the engine. If you talk about the cost, it is highly reasonable but the lack of a fully synthetic base makes it incompatible with quite a few automobile models.

Pros

  • Topnotch formulation
  • Includes cleaning additives
  • Enhances overall transmission performance
  • Reasonable cost

Cons

  • The oil base is not fully synthetic

Red Line RED42804 V-Twin Transmission Oil

Performance, longevity, and quality are three factors that every good transmission oil must provide. The Red Line RED42804 V-Twin Transmission Oil provides all of these factors along with many more.

Red Line RED42804 V-Twin Transmission Oil

Due to the friction between the gears and belts in the transmission, the internal parts collide together while moving and get damaged via wear or tear. While this damage looks insignificant, it reduces the performance of the transmission by a notch.

The use of transmission oil lubricates the internal pieces and prevents the damage caused by wear or tear significantly. This prevention of damage results in a smoother gear shifting, allowing the drivers to operate the gears on the road swiftly and without any trouble.

In addition to that, this liquid formulation uses quite a few high-performing additives and agents that ensure top-notch performance. Cooling, cleaning, and anti-rusting additives are a few of the common agents present in the fluid.

The work of these additives is to make sure that the transmission operates effortlessly and lasts for a long time. If you take a look at the compatibility of the liquid, you will notice that it is quite different than the products I’ve discussed above.

This transmission fluid has been specifically formulated for racing bikes, ATVs, and so on. While the price of the product is reasonable, it is not suitable for regular or racing cars.

Pros

  • Improve shift performance
  • Reduces friction
  • Prevents wear and tear
  • Includes outstanding additives and agents

Cons

  • Not particularly suitable for cars

Maxima Racing Oils 41901-3PK MTL-R 80w Motorcycle Transmission/Clutch Fluid

Are you looking for an high performance transmission fluids for racing bikes? If yes, then the Maxima Racing Oils Motorcycle Transmission Fluid is an ideal choice for you.

Maxima Racing Oils 41901-3PK MTL-R 80w

Manufactured with advanced technology and an outstanding formulation, this transmission liquid improves the performance of the transmission by a notch. Not only that, but it ensures that the clutch is operating perfectly and there are no issues regarding clutch slippage or leakage of any sort.

In addition to that, this liquid also improves the functioning temperatures of the vehicle, allowing it to work properly in either hot or cold weather conditions. This makes sure that the engine does not get jammed due to the temperature or affect the movement of the vehicle.

Another attractive feature of the transmission fluid is that it improves the fuel efficiency of the bikes. While this does not seem like a big deal to many, it is an extremely helpful factor to the riders.

An improved fuel economy is not only good for the longevity of the bike, but it also allows the riders to save money on fuel by reducing fuel consumption and decreasing the number of trips to the gas station.

If you take a look at the price, it is quite affordable compared to many motorcycle transmission liquids available on the market. Since it is specifically designed for motorcycles, it does not fit racing cars or other high-performance vehicles.

Pros

  • Enhanced fuel economy
  • Improves operating temperatures
  • Affordable cost
  • Prevents leakage in the transmission

Cons

  • Does not work with vehicles except for bikes

AMSOIL FULL SYNTHETIC Dominator 2-Cycle Oil

Another outstanding product that I’ll now discuss is the Amsoil Full Synthetic Dominator 2-Cycle Oil. Known for its superior performance and durability, this product is a favorite all over the world.

AMSOIL FULL SYNTHETIC Dominator 2-Cycle Oil

This transmission fluid features a fully synthetic base that works with the gears, belts, and other internal pieces of the transmission to reduce the effect of friction. This lubrication allows the transmission of the vehicle to last for a long time without going through any replacement or repair.

The friction reduction allows prevents damage caused by wear or tear and the additives and agents present in the fluid keep the transmission clean from dust, acid, grime, and other contaminants. These agents ensure a pleasant transmission performance and outstanding durability.

It is mainly compatible with racing or performance motorcycles in the automobile industry and makes sure that they run efficiently on the road. Not only that, but it also improves the heat stability of the bikes and significantly prevents damage caused by overheating.

Pricing of the liquid is extremely budget friendly but you will have to use it cautiously as the fluid causes irritation to the eyes and skin.

Pros

  • Improves heat stability
  • Prevents overheating
  • Reduces the impact of friction
  • Budget friendly

Cons

  • Causes skin and eye irritation

Mobil 1 55221 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid

Last but not least, I’ll talk about one of the most trusted transmission fluids of all time. The Mobil 1 55221 3309 ATF is an extraordinary choice for vehicle owners all over the world.

Mobil 1 55221 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid

Do you often hear a buzzing noise or experience a constant vibration while driving? The reason behind this is the collision between the metal parts presents inside the transmission. To reduce noise or vibration, this transmission fluid comes in handy.

Due to the topnotch formulation of the liquid, it properly lubricates the internal parts of the transmission, and prevents the impact of friction which in turn ensures a quiet ride on the road. In addition to that, the presence of agents and top-quality additives in the formulation will make sure that the transmission is clean of harmful contaminants, including dirt, dust, and so on.

Not only that, but this transmission liquid also improves the overall performance of the vehicle by increasing heat stability and fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency helps to save money on fuel by reducing consumption while heat stability makes sure that the automobile operates without overheating.

While the price of the liquid is quite reasonable, it requires a fluid replacement after every few months.

Pros

  • Topnotch performance
  • Reduces noise and vibration
  • Prevents overheating
  • Reasonable cost

Cons

  • Requires frequent fluid replacement

How to Choose The Best Racing Transmission Fluid

When it comes to choosing the best racing transmission fluid, there are several options available from multiple brands and manufacturers. While this is a tough decision to make, there are quite a few factors that make the decision easier for you. Let us take a look at the factors you must take into account to choose the right transmission fluid for racing vehicles.

Type Of Fluid

To choose the right transmission fluid for your racing vehicle, the first factor that you have to take into account is the type of fluid. In the automobile industry, there are usually two types of transmission fluids available: synthetic and conventional.

Each of these types has a specific formulation and additive packages present and provides a slightly different performance. The type of fluid you choose will depend on the transmission you have and the requirements of your vehicle.

Between these two types, conventional fluids are the oldest and work with a wide variety of cars and bikes, including the older models. On the other hand, synthetic fluids are a recent formulation and ensure a better and long-lasting performance.

Transmission Requirements

In the automobile industry, there is a wide range of different transmissions available, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. While the main purpose of each and every transmission is the same, the requirements slightly vary on quite a few factors.

While purchasing a transmission fluid, you will have to consider the requirements of the transmission and make sure that the liquid matches all the standards to ensure proper and accurate service.

Brand

Even though it is not an independent decision factor for transmission fluid, taking the manufacturing brand into account tells a lot about the product and its qualities. While there are more than a hundred brands available in the market, not all of them sell quality transmission fluids.

Each brand has a slightly different formulation and this formulation plays a major role in the service provided by the fluid. Make sure that you take the formulation and the reputation of the brand into consideration properly.

Additives And Agents

Each and every transmission fluid have a different set of additives and agents included in the formulation to enhance the overall performance and protect the transmission. The most common agents used in a liquid are cleaning, cooling, anti-friction, anti-rusting, and many more.

All of these additives play a specific and significant role when it comes to improving the durability or performance of the transmission oil. Before making a final decision, make sure that you are aware of the friction modifiers additives required by the transmission of your vehicle and whether the transmission fluid includes all of the necessary agents or not.

Pricing

Last but not least, I’ll have to take the pricing of the transmission fluid into account. Vehicle maintenance is undoubtedly expensive and you need a decent amount to ensure that your transmissions are running smoothly.

In cases like these, it is essential to stick to a budget so that it does not put a dent in our wallets. The cost of transmission fluid varies depending on several factors, including price, availability, durability, and so on.

There are options available in the market that start from as low as $20 per quart and go as high as $50 or more. Conduct proper research before purchasing a transmission oil and make sure that it fits your budget.

As discussed earlier, there are typically two types of transmission fluid available in the market: synthetic and conventional. While both of these types ensure proper performance, there are slight differences between the two due to formulation.

When it comes to racing cars, both of these types of transmission fluids are suitable depending on the transmission requirements. However, experts and enthusiasts typically prefer the use of synthetic transmission fluids as it provides improved performance and durability compared to conventional fluids.

How And When to Change Racing Cars Transmission Fluid

There is no proper or accurate time for replacing the transmission fluid in a racing car. Experts or racing car drivers usually change the transmission fluid by conducting a fluid check before the race.

Not only that, but a regular checking schedule will also indicate whether the fluid of your racing car requires replacing or not.

When it comes to changing the transmission fluid in a racing car, you typically have two options available. You can either change the transmission fluid on your own for your car, or you can get the replacement done by experts.

I typically recommend the help of experts to replace the fluid in case you do not have complete knowledge about the vehicle, otherwise, this can significantly damage the transmission.

People Also Ask

Is It essential to use transmission fluid in racing cars?

Yes, using transmission fluid in each and every vehicle is essential, including racing cars. The reason behind this is the transmission fluid lubricates and protects the internal gears, belts, and other metallic parts in the transmission.

Not only that, but it also improves the overall vehicle performance, along with fuel efficiency, heat stability, operating temperatures, and many more.

Does the transmission fluid formulation matter?

Yes, the formulation of the transmission fluid plays a major role in the performance and protection that it offers. Each manufacturer has a specific formulation for the transmission fluid along with the addition of specific additives or agents to meet the requirements of the transmission.

What happens if you put the wrong transmission fluid?

The use of the wrong transmission fluid will not do any good to your vehicle, instead, it will ruin the condition of the car. The wrong transmission fluid will not be able to provide the required protection to the transmission and can cause overheating and damage due to friction.

In addition to that, it will affect the overall performance of the car and reduces its longevity by a notch.

What is high-performance transmission fluid?

High-performance transmission fluid is a type of fluid that is designed to improve the performance of your vehicle’s transmission. This type of fluid typically has a higher viscosity than regular transmission fluid, and it is often formulated with special additives that can improve the transmission’s efficiency and longevity.

Is Thicker transmission fluid better?

Thicker transmission fluid is not necessarily better. In fact, using too thick of transmission fluid can actually cause damage to your transmission. The best thing to do is to check your owner’s manual to see what type of transmission fluid is recommended for your vehicle.

Does changing transmission fluid improve performance?

If your car has an automatic transmission, the transmission fluid is vital to the proper functioning of the transmission. The fluid helps to keep the transmission cool and lubricated. Over time, the fluid can become dirty and may need to be changed. Some mechanics recommend changing the fluid every 30,000 miles or so.

Changing the transmission fluid can help to improve the performance of your car. Fresh, clean fluid can help to make the transmission shift more smoothly. If your car has been having trouble shifting gears, changing the fluid may help to fix the problem.

Final Words

There is no doubt that transmission fluids are essential for the maintenance and proper service of your racing and high-performance vehicles. Out of hundreds of available options in the market, there are only a few products that are suitable for racing cars.

The items I’ve mentioned above are some of the best racing transmission fluid options you will find in the industry right now. However, before purchasing one for your automobile, make sure that you properly consider all the factors related to it and choose the right one.

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