clutch fluid
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
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You can use either dot 3 or dot 4 fluid. They are compatible. The difference is the dot4 has a slightly higher boiling point. Brand is not important unless you want to go with racing type fluid. My local parts place has Prestone brand on sale fairly often so I pick up a couple bottles when it is on sale. Buy a smaller container. The master cylinder for the clutch only holds about 2 Oz. A 12 Oz container will let you use the Ranger methog of replacing the fluid about 6 times. Open bottles of brake fluid tend to extract moisture out of the air so buying a large bottle probably means you will be throwing it away soon.
I personally use the Amsoil DOT4 fluid, it has a boiling point of 593 degrees F. but any brand will work.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
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From: Central Florida
In 2007 GM change the spec to DOT4 for all Corvette clutches, including the C5.
Suggest avoiding Valvoline and any house-brand.
I've used GM-brand Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4 with equal good results.
Ranger
Suggest avoiding Valvoline and any house-brand.
I've used GM-brand Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4 with equal good results.
Ranger
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 764
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From: Arden NC
I've been using Valvoline for a while too.
Good to know.
Last edited by Black04Z06; Sep 13, 2009 at 06:10 PM. Reason: spelling
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
In 2002, I tested one can of Valvoline's so-called "DOT3/DOT4" in my 2001 Z06. In otherwise pristine clutch fluid, the Valvoline leached to black immediately and wouldn't come clear with repeated swaps. It seemed to react badly with the seals. As a conseqence I switched to ATE SuperBlue Amber and the fluid cleaned up to normal.
That's why I don't recommend Valvoline. But if it is working for you, no reason to change.
After testing an assortment of fluids I settled in on GM Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4. They perform equivalently. The Prestone is widely available and 1/5 the price of the GM brand.
Ranger
That's why I don't recommend Valvoline. But if it is working for you, no reason to change.
After testing an assortment of fluids I settled in on GM Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4. They perform equivalently. The Prestone is widely available and 1/5 the price of the GM brand.
Ranger
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From: Maker of Sharp Objects, AL - Roll Tide
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
St. Jude Knife Maker
In 2002, I tested one can of Valvoline's so-called "DOT3/DOT4" in my 2001 Z06. In otherwise pristine clutch fluid, the Valvoline leached to black immediately and wouldn't come clear with repeated swaps. It seemed to react badly with the seals. As a conseqence I switched to ATE SuperBlue Amber and the fluid cleaned up to normal.
That's why I don't recommend Valvoline. But if it is working for you, no reason to change.
After testing an assortment of fluids I settled in on GM Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4. They perform equivalently. The Prestone is widely available and 1/5 the price of the GM brand.
Ranger
That's why I don't recommend Valvoline. But if it is working for you, no reason to change.
After testing an assortment of fluids I settled in on GM Super DOT4 and Prestone DOT4. They perform equivalently. The Prestone is widely available and 1/5 the price of the GM brand.
Ranger
OP- and everyone else for that matter - If Ranger is replying you can bet he knows what he's talking about. He knows a C5 clutch and how to drive one as well
