How To Find The Right ATF For Older Cars

If you are looking for an automatic transmission fluid for that classic car or truck, finding the correct ATF product may be confusing. Modern ATF labels likely do not list ATF specifications that have been obsolete for decades. But we can help. We carry a selection of ATF products that meet most all vintage ATF specifications for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler automatic transmissions. Contact us for pricing using the form on this page.

In this article, we will list obsolete ATF specifications from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors cars from the early 1950’s to the 1990’s. We will also show the release year for each ATF spec along with a high-quality AMSOIL ATF replacement option that meets these older specs.

Related: Can Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid Be Used In Older Cars? 

AMSOIL Products For Obsolete ATF Specifications

AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF– This is AMSOIL’s elite ATF formula. Designed to provide world-class heat, deposit and wear resistance. Offers smooth shifts and long-service life. Meets numerous vintage specs from Ford, Chrysler and GM.

AMSOIL OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF– Meets the same Ford, Chrysler and GM specifications as Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF at a lower price point. Delivers an upgrade in performance and protection over regular ATF products.

AMSOIL Super Shift Synthetic Racing Transmission Fluid– Designed for Ford Type “F” applications. Provides exceptional wear protection and heat-fighting capabilities. Delivers the correct frictional properties for Ford transmissions that require Type “F” ATF.

Obsolete Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth ATF Specifications

Chrysler borrowed GM ATF specs though the 50’s and into the mid-60’s. They released their own ATF standards starting in 1966. Here are AMSOIL ATF replacements for each legacy Chrysler ATF specification.

MS-3256 (released 1966)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
MS-4228 (released 1968)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
MS-7176 or ATF+ (released 1973)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
MS-7176D or ATF+2 (released 1980)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
MS-7176E or ATF+3 (released 1993)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
MS-9602 or ATF+4 (released 1998)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF

Obsolete Ford/Mercury/Lincoln/Edsel ATF Specifications

Ford took a different path through the decades. The Ford Type “F” spec was introduced in 1967. Eventually Ford made the Type “F” specification the standard for most of their automatic transmissions backward to 1953 and up to 1979. The only exception being transmissions requiring the Ford Type “CJ” specification. Type “CJ” was used was in the mid-to-late 1970s and it does not use Type “F”. Ford Type “F” replaces Ford Type A (M2C33-A), Type “B” (M2C33-B), Ford Type “D” (M2C33-D) and Type “G” (M2C33-G).

Many ATF’s during the 1960’s and 1970’s had similar properties to GM Dexron. Ford Type “F” differed in that it did not contain friction modifiers. Therefore, this formula allowed shifting clutches to engage quickly.

Here are Ford’s outdated ATF specifications along with the correct AMSOIL replacement ATF for each.

Ford Type A (M2C33-A) (released 1958)– Super Shift Synthetic Racing Transmission Fluid
Type B (M2C33-B) (released 1959)– Super Shift Synthetic Racing Transmission Fluid
Type D (M2C33-D) (released 1960)– Super Shift Synthetic Racing Transmission Fluid
Type F (M2C33-F) (released 1967)– Super Shift Synthetic Racing Transmission Fluid
Type G (M2C33-G) (released 1972)– Super Shift Synthetic Racing Transmission Fluid
Type CJ (M2C138-CJ) (released 1974)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
Type H (M2C166-H) (released 1981)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
Mercon (M2C185-A) (released 1987)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
Mercon V (M2C202-B) (released 1996)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF

Obsolete Chevrolet/Buick/Cadillac/Oldsmobile/Pontiac ATF Specifications

General Motors pioneered many automatic transmission technology concepts. They also lead the way with transmission fluid industry standards. All major manufacturers used the GM Type “A” fluid spec through the 1950’s. In fact, several Chrysler and Ford transmission fluids over the decades closely mimicked various iterations of the GM Dexron spec.

Here are General Motor’s obsolete automatic transmission fluid specifications along with an AMSOIL ATF substitute.

Type A (released 1949)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
Type A Suffix A (released 1957)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
Dexron (B) (released 1967)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
Dexron II (C) (released 1973)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
Dexron II (D) (released 1975)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
Dexron II (E) (released 1990)- Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF

In conclusion, we’ve got high-quality ATF options for your classic automatic transmission. Contact us for a wholesale price list using the form on this page.