Could someone explain why I need OEM tranny fluid from the dealership? Why cant i just go to the auto parts store and get tranny fluid?? I dont really feel like paying five bucks a quart for tranny fluid... you know?

you dont it need it, all you need is 10w-30 motor oil.

ok, but ive seen several threads where people state that you "must" use tranny fluid or bad stuff will happen. Any truth to this?

Also, if I "dont need it" what exactly is it? Are you talking transmission fluid or the OEM stuff?

If you're just pulling the drain plug, and filling it up, it only takes like 3 quarts, more like 2.5. And for optimum transmission life I'd recommend using the honda stuff, it's not that bad considering how often it needs to be done.

ive used regular mobil 10-30 on my moms civic. she hasnt complained about it.

i personally used mobil 1 fully synthetic and honda mtf.

a $15 transmission fluid change isnt alot of money to me though. all you need is 3 quarts and it goes a long way.

bc autopart store dont sell manual transmission oil only automatic. u can go go gm and get their synchromesh oil which is the best but 8$ a quart i think. i went to honda got the 5$ a quart. i dk y ur whinning its not like u have to change that oil ever 5k or w/e. u could put motor oil in ur trans but personaly i wouldnt do it. im not sayign that it could be bad bc it could or it could not idk but im not gona take a chance(just a personal choice)

All you have to is read a Honda repair manual for manual trans fluid specs and it says -

Recommended Manual Transmission Oil
API Service Grade: Use SF or SG grade oil.
10w-30 or 10w-40 preferred.

GM synchromesh is best suited for hard driving conditions such as racing. Otherwise non-synthetic 10w-30 is fine. Honda MTF is only 10w-30 motor oil with a friction additive, basically plain old 10w-30 Valvoline oil with a Honda MTF sticker on it.