I've got stock '88 Z52 calipers.
13" fronts, 11" rear, cross drilled, GT big brake rotors, stainless lines.
I'm flushing the fluid this week while doing a mild resurface/new pads brake job.
Question is.: I've got DOT 4 in there now. Should I keep it dot 4 in it? I know DOT 5 WILL NOT WORK! So DOT 4 or DOT 3?
This car is drag race/street strip. No road courses. Also, any pad recommndations?
Thanks! :confused:

 

There is only 2 types of fluid I use.

1) Ford Blue DOT 3, 550* dry boiling point
2)Valvoline Synthetic DOT 4 502* dry boiling point

The valvoline actually has a much higher wet boiling point. Which means it doesn't absord as much water and therefore, retains a higher boiling point at it saturation point. I use Ford Blue in the Vette and the Valvoline in the Jeep.

Josh

 

I am using the Vavoline. No problems.

 

Valvoline works well for me. :steering:

 

So the question now would be.....Is it OK to switch to Dot3 after using Dot4?
Also what hi perf pads. if any , are you guys using?
Thanks! :chevy

 

I'm running DOT 4 with Stillen rotors and Ceramix pads..I have no trouble at the track.... :D

 

Believe it or not, that is not true! There is currently no way to determine the "propensity" of a brake fluid to absorb water by looking at specifications.

The wet boiling point is simply a % of water, not the time it takes to get there or a terminal point.

Makes the number sort of impossible to compare. The standards (engineers) organizations are working on this specification. Today, we have no way to know by looking at a bottle or a web sight.

Original question:

You can use DOT 3 or 4 => forward or backward. Flush every two years and you will have no worries on the street or strip. On a road course requires more attention.

FORD HD DOT 3 is great, but flush often (two years max).
Have no opinion on Valvoline.
I am using ATE (pronunced Ah-Tay) which is a very good fluid (Blue, Gold)
If you want the best use Castrol SRF, but get the check book out.

Buy brake fluid fresh, only in a metal can. Plastic allows small amounts of water to enter. Plastic / rubber is how water gets into your brake system (MC and brake lines mostly). Point is, who knows how long a plastic bottle of brake fluid has been in some store or warehouse. Metal cans are good.

Good luck with your choice,

Pete

 

Castrol LMA is my choice.
the LMA says it all, and I can't boil it no matter how hard I try :D