Thread: F vs FA Transmission Fluid

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I needed a couple more quarts of ATF for my C4. I already have 8 quarts of Valvoline Type FA in it now. The local parts store ordered some up for me - but it came in as Type F. Doing a search on the Valvoline website didn't give me much. Are these ATF's interchangeable? My recollection is that they are virtually identical. Does anyone have an on line reference that I can look at for a warmer and fuzzier feeling?

Surprised at no response - I'll go elsewhere as I do need this help now

Try Rodding Roundtable: http://www.roddingroundtable.com/for...58ef376a531d46


Crosley is our resident trans expert.

There's some others that will know as well.

Originally Posted by C9x

Try Rodding Roundtable: http://www.roddingroundtable.com/for...58ef376a531d46


Crosley is our resident trans expert.

There's some others that will know as well.

Thanks - I "found" that site the other day then "lost" it (and saw your name there ). I just posted on the HAMB - maybe..........my luck there has never been good. I'm trying for first start by Wednesday - assuming I don't make another screw up. Then if not, then I'll try your suggestion.

Napa brand stuff is Valvoline, and they sell type FA.. I don't belive there is a diffrence. at the time I bought some last year, My local Napa didn't have a listing for type F

"Valvoline Type FA is a high-quality transmission fluid specifically engineered to protect and prolong the life of automatic transmissions. It is designed for use where Ford specifications M2C33-F, M2C33-G and Ford Type F fluids are recommended."
Provides excellent resistance against clutch slippage for extended transmission life.
Provides excellent resistance to fluid oxidation/breakdown at high temperatures.
Approved for 1980 and earlier Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
Approved for use in Mazda, Saab, Toyota, Volvo and other Japanese and European vehicles requiring a Type F fluid.
Basically, friction modifier add packs, same base to start with.

Originally Posted by nitrowarrior

"Valvoline Type FA is a high-quality transmission fluid specifically engineered to protect and prolong the life of automatic transmissions. It is designed for use where Ford specifications M2C33-F, M2C33-G and Ford Type F fluids are recommended."
Provides excellent resistance against clutch slippage for extended transmission life.
Provides excellent resistance to fluid oxidation/breakdown at high temperatures.
Approved for 1980 and earlier Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
Approved for use in Mazda, Saab, Toyota, Volvo and other Japanese and European vehicles requiring a Type F fluid.
Basically, friction modifier add packs, same base to start with.

I too had found that but unfortunately, it doesn't tell me a thing about compatibility with the Type F that I just got. Think I need to go on a search of auto parts stores.

Matt, I know NAPA, a repackager, sells their many house branded items but they are like the gov't - they buy the best priced stuff with Valvoline today, Castrol the next and so on.

F and FA are compatible. If you feel comfortable with running a non mixed setup, great. If you can't find the stuff you're looking for,don't be afraid to mix. The only thing is FA has a friction modifier add pack that is a considerable protection for the material in your clutch discs.

Originally Posted by nitrowarrior

F and FA are compatible. If you feel comfortable with running a non mixed setup, great. If you can't find the stuff you're looking for,don't be afraid to mix. The only thing is FA has a friction modifier add pack that is a considerable protection for the material in your clutch discs.

I am going out tomorrow morning to find the FA. That TCI transmission was just too dang expensive to try the mix. A C4 in a DD - no problem!!!





Got the FA fluid this morning - only had to drive 40+ miles RT in my Guzzle 10 to get it from the place I got the original fill - that stuff got expensive @$3.77plus 8% tax/qt

Hey there,
The FA is the way to go. F was used for years and in some cases will give you a firmer shift, BUT as stated the Fa fluid protects your tranny better. I have a TCI street fighter in my T and TCI did a great job of NOT telling us what other fluids to use. I debated and went with a valvoline FA and have had great luck. Don Jr.

Originally Posted by Mr Blue

Hey there,
The FA is the way to go. F was used for years and in some cases will give you a firmer shift, BUT as stated the Fa fluid protects your tranny better. I have a TCI street fighter in my T and TCI did a great job of NOT telling us what other fluids to use. I debated and went with a valvoline FA and have had great luck. Don Jr.

I have the FA in it now - unfortunately my TCI tranny, also a Street Fighter has a bad leak that I thought was a pan gasket(3 different pans, 5 gaskets) but now feel that more likely to be an internal crack to a pan bolt hole though haven't spent enough time trying to find it yet. The 11 pan bolt holes may get a set of studs glued in forever with J-B Weld or similar epoxy