Latest consensus on using Silicone Brake Fluid
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
I've used DOT 5 in my '71 since 1999 and never looked back. Never had any of the problems some have with DOT 5. Nice strong pedal (manual brakes) and my Vette will still stops better than any of my modern cars. Another cheap and good upgrade is braided steel flex lines. They won't swell under pressure and of course they look cool.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
In a nutshell don't use it.
LONESTAR voids the warrantee for a reason, Silicone soaks into EPDM (and other rubbers) lip seals and o-rings....causes them to swell and become non-functional.
My two cents...for a C-3 nothing but DOT4 should do.
You can mix dot 3 and dot 4....but dot 4 has a higher boiling point.
Unkahal
LONESTAR voids the warrantee for a reason, Silicone soaks into EPDM (and other rubbers) lip seals and o-rings....causes them to swell and become non-functional.
My two cents...for a C-3 nothing but DOT4 should do.
You can mix dot 3 and dot 4....but dot 4 has a higher boiling point.
Unkahal
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 36
Likes: 24
From: Buckeye AZ
I have been using DOT 5 silicone fluid in my 68 since I installed stainless sleaved calipers in 1978. I autocrossed the car for years and still have the same fluid in the brakes right now. Everytime I bleed the calipers (maybe once every two years) I get no air out and the pedal is firm. I have switched to a hydroboost unit when I installed my 540 big block and I am still using the same fluid from 78 with no master or wheel cylinder leakage at all.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
Welcome Big Block C3 to the Corvette Forum!
This is the best place to get answers or Information on anything Corvette Related.
I too have a 1968 Early October 427 Convertible Corvette equipped with a Holley Fuel Injection. It has Power Brakes, Power Steering, Power Windows. I rebuilt my 427 into a Torque monster. The 427 runs well with the high compression and I rarely have to use any fuel additives as long as the air is cool and I do not have to work the engine too hard. On a mountain trip I activate the water/Ethanol mixture into the air flow. This very quickly makes the fuel become 116 Octane which stops limiting.
Good Luck with your Corvette and if you have any questions "we can help"
This is the best place to get answers or Information on anything Corvette Related.
I too have a 1968 Early October 427 Convertible Corvette equipped with a Holley Fuel Injection. It has Power Brakes, Power Steering, Power Windows. I rebuilt my 427 into a Torque monster. The 427 runs well with the high compression and I rarely have to use any fuel additives as long as the air is cool and I do not have to work the engine too hard. On a mountain trip I activate the water/Ethanol mixture into the air flow. This very quickly makes the fuel become 116 Octane which stops limiting.
Good Luck with your Corvette and if you have any questions "we can help"
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 36
Likes: 24
From: Buckeye AZ
Welcome Big Block C3 to the Corvette Forum!
This is the best place to get answers or Information on anything Corvette Related.
I too have a 1968 Early October 427 Convertible Corvette equipped with a Holley Fuel Injection. It has Power Brakes, Power Steering, Power Windows. I rebuilt my 427 into a Torque monster. The 427 runs well with the high compression and I rarely have to use any fuel additives as long as the air is cool and I do not have to work the engine too hard. On a mountain trip I activate the water/Ethanol mixture into the air flow. This very quickly makes the fuel become 116 Octane which stops limiting.
Good Luck with your Corvette and if you have any questions "we can help"
This is the best place to get answers or Information on anything Corvette Related.
I too have a 1968 Early October 427 Convertible Corvette equipped with a Holley Fuel Injection. It has Power Brakes, Power Steering, Power Windows. I rebuilt my 427 into a Torque monster. The 427 runs well with the high compression and I rarely have to use any fuel additives as long as the air is cool and I do not have to work the engine too hard. On a mountain trip I activate the water/Ethanol mixture into the air flow. This very quickly makes the fuel become 116 Octane which stops limiting.
Good Luck with your Corvette and if you have any questions "we can help"
When I built the new engine about 6 years ago, I used 10.5/1 pistons with open chamber heads so I could finally run pump gas. During all my autocrossing days I had a 454 LS6 block with closed chamber factory replacement L88 heads which gave me 12.5/1 compression. Once the gas got bad, I always had to use octane booster. I have a melted piston sitting over my desk to remind me of what happens when I didn't use it.
