How often do you guys change...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
How often do you guys change...
The Spark Plugs?
The Tranny Fluid?
The Coolant?
The brake Fluid?
The power steering Fluid?
It would be cool if you guys can tell me the brand of fluid you use with each one.
Thanks,
Paul
The Tranny Fluid?
The Coolant?
The brake Fluid?
The power steering Fluid?
It would be cool if you guys can tell me the brand of fluid you use with each one.
Thanks,
Paul
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg MS
Re: How often do you guys change... (zelement)
The Spark Plugs? Every 3 months (need to replace valve stem seals) :D
The Tranny Fluid? Don't really need to change it unless it is brown/burned smelling
The Coolant? Haven't changed it since I fixed the leak in the heater valve (it changed itself) :D
The brake Fluid? every year or so??
The power steering Fluid? same as brake
It would be cool if you guys can tell me the brand of fluid you use with each one.
[Modified by DTor85, 1:40 AM 9/27/2001]
The Tranny Fluid? Don't really need to change it unless it is brown/burned smelling
The Coolant? Haven't changed it since I fixed the leak in the heater valve (it changed itself) :D
The brake Fluid? every year or so??
The power steering Fluid? same as brake
It would be cool if you guys can tell me the brand of fluid you use with each one.
[Modified by DTor85, 1:40 AM 9/27/2001]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 42,934
Likes: 18
From: Sydney, Australia
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17, '22
Re: How often do you guys change... (zelement)
I probably go a bit overboard with these things but here goes...
The Spark Plugs?
Way too often. About every 11,500 miles if you average out the changes in the time I've had the car. Each time I've tried different plugs but at the moment I'm running Champion Gold plugs.
The Tranny Fluid?
Lately, around every year. I use the GM ZF transmission fluid.
The Coolant?
Every six months to a year. I use Valvoline coolant concentrate mixed two parts distilled water to each one part coolant.
The brake Fluid?
About every year or less if I'm tinkering with the brakes. I have Valvoline Dot 3 brake fluid in there at the moment.
The power steering Fluid?
Haven't changed this for quite a while. I've been putting this off until the next time I pull the car off the road when I'll be looking to remedy the whining noise that I get at the track. I'll be replacing the fluid with some brand of synthetic PS fluid.
Way too often. About every 11,500 miles if you average out the changes in the time I've had the car. Each time I've tried different plugs but at the moment I'm running Champion Gold plugs.
The Tranny Fluid?
Lately, around every year. I use the GM ZF transmission fluid.
The Coolant?
Every six months to a year. I use Valvoline coolant concentrate mixed two parts distilled water to each one part coolant.
The brake Fluid?
About every year or less if I'm tinkering with the brakes. I have Valvoline Dot 3 brake fluid in there at the moment.
The power steering Fluid?
Haven't changed this for quite a while. I've been putting this off until the next time I pull the car off the road when I'll be looking to remedy the whining noise that I get at the track. I'll be replacing the fluid with some brand of synthetic PS fluid.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Re: How often do you guys change... (zelement)
Spark plugs: 60k miles on a platinum plug, could go 100k if it weren't a vette.
Trans fluid: Let me get on my soapbox here. 30k with backflushing by Turbo Tech or similar system that replaces all the fluid and backflushes the filter as well. Think of the anti wear additives like dish soap; after a few dishes, the suds are all gone. Unless you are going to spend the bucks for the new "Japanese" long interval fluids like those now required by Toyota and some FWD Chryslers, The Decron III poops out at about 30k from a chemical standpoint. Also consider that the microscopic wear particles that these fluids keep in suspension for 30k accumulate and can become a source of abrasion themselves. The Backflushing service cost $80 at the local Jify lube, etc. The number one reason for premature trans failure is lack of preventative maintainance. Thank you, thank you,( remove soapbox)
Power steering fluid: Replace with Valvoline synthetic, good for 100k, not a high wear item
Differential: Synthetic Mobil 1 or Valvoline, good for 100k or more.
Coolant: 3 years or 30k. See soap suds above. Because the life of the water pump determines the life of the Optispark, I top it up with fresh anti wear additive yearly.
Trans fluid: Let me get on my soapbox here. 30k with backflushing by Turbo Tech or similar system that replaces all the fluid and backflushes the filter as well. Think of the anti wear additives like dish soap; after a few dishes, the suds are all gone. Unless you are going to spend the bucks for the new "Japanese" long interval fluids like those now required by Toyota and some FWD Chryslers, The Decron III poops out at about 30k from a chemical standpoint. Also consider that the microscopic wear particles that these fluids keep in suspension for 30k accumulate and can become a source of abrasion themselves. The Backflushing service cost $80 at the local Jify lube, etc. The number one reason for premature trans failure is lack of preventative maintainance. Thank you, thank you,( remove soapbox)
Power steering fluid: Replace with Valvoline synthetic, good for 100k, not a high wear item
Differential: Synthetic Mobil 1 or Valvoline, good for 100k or more.
Coolant: 3 years or 30k. See soap suds above. Because the life of the water pump determines the life of the Optispark, I top it up with fresh anti wear additive yearly.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 16
From: Little Elm TX
Re: How often do you guys change... (zelement)
The Spark Plugs?
The Tranny Fluid?
The Coolant?
The brake Fluid?
The power steering Fluid?
It would be cool if you guys can tell me the brand of fluid you use with each one.
Thanks,
Paul
The Tranny Fluid?
The Coolant?
The brake Fluid?
The power steering Fluid?
It would be cool if you guys can tell me the brand of fluid you use with each one.
Thanks,
Paul
Spark Plugs --- roughly every 2000 miles, not out of necessity, but performance and experimentation. Currently AC Delco R43TS
Trany fluid - Typically once a year in the spring. Pennzoil
Coolant- Typically flush and change once a year in the Spring right before the heat arrives. Brand is whatever is on sale when I buy it.
Brake Fluid - When necessary only, never change just for sake of changing, typically during brake pad change, which happens about once a year with my application. I pay to have this one done, not sure what they use for brand.
Power steering fluid - When necessary, I have an invisible ps leak, so I have to add a splash once every 3-4 months.
Oil - Every 1000-1500 miles depending on how much racing I've been doing. Typically Penzoil.
later
Beach
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: How often do you guys change... (zelement)
The Spark Plugs?
More often than I need to. Always because it is easier to throw new plugs in since I am working on it anyway. Autolite 103 (colder than stock for nitrous)
The Tranny Fluid?
Change it everytime I pull the tranny. Which seems to be often lately. Once a year makes the shifting feel smooth again.
The Coolant?
About once a year. Prestone.
The brake Fluid?
When it starts to darken in color, usually because of track day events. I use the Halvoline you can get at Pep Boys or Autozone in the Gold plastic bottle. Probably switch to the Ford blue stuff sometime.
The power steering Fluid?
Never touched the stuff. Have some GM fluid to do the swap but never got around to it.
More often than I need to. Always because it is easier to throw new plugs in since I am working on it anyway. Autolite 103 (colder than stock for nitrous)
The Tranny Fluid?
Change it everytime I pull the tranny. Which seems to be often lately. Once a year makes the shifting feel smooth again.
The Coolant?
About once a year. Prestone.
The brake Fluid?
When it starts to darken in color, usually because of track day events. I use the Halvoline you can get at Pep Boys or Autozone in the Gold plastic bottle. Probably switch to the Ford blue stuff sometime.
The power steering Fluid?
Never touched the stuff. Have some GM fluid to do the swap but never got around to it.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 1
From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: How often do you guys change... (Vette92)
Spark Plugs-15K, AC Delco FR3LS
Tranny-30K or 10 hard shifts(whichever comes first :reddevil )
Coolant-Every two years, whichever's cheepest, with Sparklets Distilled water
Brake Fluid-When it looks dark :eek: Valvoline DOT-4
Power Steering-When it looks dark :eek: NAPA brand
Tranny-30K or 10 hard shifts(whichever comes first :reddevil )
Coolant-Every two years, whichever's cheepest, with Sparklets Distilled water
Brake Fluid-When it looks dark :eek: Valvoline DOT-4
Power Steering-When it looks dark :eek: NAPA brand
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Re: How often do you guys change... (zelement)
The Spark Plugs?
Every time they're screwed up. Just once so far. AC/Delco RAPIDFIRE
The Tranny Fluid?
Only once, and it ruined my transmission. Standard GM ATF
The Coolant?
Every 4 days.. damn thing has a "mystery leak." Garden Hose brand Tapwater Coolant, generic antifreeze.
The brake Fluid?
Every 10k miles. Pyroil Dot 3
The power steering Fluid?
Just once so far. Plan on doing it again soon. Valvoline Syntehtic.
Every time they're screwed up. Just once so far. AC/Delco RAPIDFIRE
The Tranny Fluid?
Only once, and it ruined my transmission. Standard GM ATF
The Coolant?
Every 4 days.. damn thing has a "mystery leak." Garden Hose brand Tapwater Coolant, generic antifreeze.
The brake Fluid?
Every 10k miles. Pyroil Dot 3
The power steering Fluid?
Just once so far. Plan on doing it again soon. Valvoline Syntehtic.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Re: How often do you guys change... (Smash)
Thanks for all of your input guys. I guess I am right along the line with most of you guys on changing this stuff.
Anyone running NGK TR55 plugs? How are they?
Anyone running NGK TR55 plugs? How are they?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 1
From: McKinney Texas
Re: How often do you guys change... (zelement)
The Spark Plugs?
Changed when I got car, put on Rapidfires, havent changed yet
The Tranny Fluid?
Every Spring
The Coolant?
Once a year, AND clean the radiator (while no coolant is in it, remove radiator, and follow the "tech tips" for cleaning it. This will keep your car cool 24/7. Use Red Line Water Wetter/Water mixture. Water Wetter actuallydoes run about 10 degrees cooler than coolant.
The brake Fluid?
havent changed... only when really dark.
The power steering Fluid?
havent changed... only when really dark.
Changed when I got car, put on Rapidfires, havent changed yet
The Tranny Fluid?
Every Spring
The Coolant?
Once a year, AND clean the radiator (while no coolant is in it, remove radiator, and follow the "tech tips" for cleaning it. This will keep your car cool 24/7. Use Red Line Water Wetter/Water mixture. Water Wetter actuallydoes run about 10 degrees cooler than coolant.
The brake Fluid?
havent changed... only when really dark.
The power steering Fluid?
havent changed... only when really dark.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna BC
Re: How often do you guys change... (Andy1983)
I noticed a couple of you guys are using the Rapid Fires. I was talking to my parts guy, and he said that the platinums are better for the Vette, and that they were designed for the LT1. Is there any truth to this? Will there be a noticeable difference between the two?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 0
From: Il
Re: How often do you guys change... (zelement)
I put in a set of the NGK TR55 plugs about a month ago. Car has never run better, but what I took out was bad..one of the plugs was loose, took it out with my fingers, found it was gapped at around 80 :eek:
I like em...
I like em...
