How reliable are the ATX and MTX on the Tempo/Topaz?
The manual transaxle is pretty solid and should have a very long life if not subjected to repeated clutch drops or other stressful conditions. Installing a performance clutch is highly recommended, as is the use of synthetic manual transaxle fluid such as GM’s synchromesh. Due to the differences in gearing, the MTX typically offers both better performance AND better mileage. The ATX, like any other automatic transmission, works best if the fluid is changed on an as needed basis. Flushing ALL of the fluid is best whenever possible, especially if the vehicle has been running hot on a consistent basis and / or been severely overheated. While not the best performing automatic transmission, the ATX has been shown to be a reliable piece of the Tempo / Topaz drivetrain for 200,000+ miles when properly maintained. Obviously, results will vary depending on driving conditions, driving styles and the terrain and temperatures encountered.
