Hi I am a week away from having a local mechanic replace the atf and filter in my 2002 s type. Hopefully it fix gearbox fault. I told him in would supply the oil. Got a big suprise to find the ZF 6sp requires genuine lifeguard 6 atf. Ridiculously expensive if even obtainable in NZ.
My attempts at researching an alternative would suggest either Valvoline max life or Shell spirax s3. Anybody here successfully used an alternative to Lifeguard 6 or have any advice ? Cheers

 

Yep.
Penrite Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic ATF BMV Auto Trans Fluid, see here: https://penriteoil.com.au/products/atf-bmv-full-syn
I couple of weeks ago I did some concerted research into ATF for my F-Type V6 (ZF 8HP70) and found that the Penrite shown above is fully compatible with Lifeguard 6, 8 and 9. But it has gotta be the ATF BMV.
Better still it was available at my local Supercheap Auto store for cheap, waaaaay less than Lifeguard, see here: https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...4l/561468.html
So I bought 3 x 4 litre bottles although I don't plan on changing the ATF for another two or three years yet so I can't report back on how well it works, but if Penrite say right on the bottle that it is a direct replacement for Lifeguard 6/8/9 I believe them.
I assume Supercheap Auto has stores across the pond in the Shaky Isles?

 

mercon sp is 100% identical. unfortunately you’re on the wrong edge of the planet


you can use most multi-vehicle LV fluids like the penrite

 

Agree use Mercon SP. Cheap and easy to get. Maybe not in NZ? I am not sure.
But are you sure you have the 6 speed ZF since you have a 2002 car? Should have the Ford 5 speed?
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If it's a 2.5, in can only have the 6 speed ZF