C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Fluids?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 06:25 PM
  #1  
jmacc5's Avatar
jmacc5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Massapequa NY
Default Fluids?

I purchased a 2002 6 speed triple black vert w/ 6800 on the clock. All original including tires. I have put almost 6k on it since I purchased it in 2012! Love it!!! I have read multiple posts about the need to replace tires(rf vs reg). Still on the fence about which way to go…and when.

I am not sure about the need to have the fluids changed. I do the oil changes and have done the brake fluid.(ranger method). My question is:

How important is it or is it necessary to change radiator, trans, rear and any other fluids I haven't mentioned. And is it a DIY project?



Thanks for any input!

John
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 07:17 PM
  #2  
corvette77's Avatar
corvette77
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Whitesboro Texas
Default

I would change those tires ASAP! I went with Hankooks, and have been very happy with them.

I would suggest NOT using the ranger method for brake fluid. I did that once, and it tripped the sensor in the reservior, and had to replace the entire master cylinder. Lucky for me, it was covered under warranty. I now bleed them as you normally would.

However, I do use the ranger method for the clutch fluid, which should probably be done.

I would suggest taking it to a dealership to change the coolant ($100), because if you drain it yourself, not much actually comes out of the radiator. They can hook it up to their machine, which should give it a good flush.

It is an easy DIY job to change the trans and rear fluids too. I went with Amsoil on those. With that low of miles, I would say these two would be a judgement call.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 07:41 PM
  #3  
Impulsive goat's Avatar
Impulsive goat
Racer
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 346
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville N.C.
Default

I went with amsoil in my trans and rear as well, there's a vendor on here for amsoil I signed up for the discount, cuts the cost down a good bit.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2015 | 04:28 PM
  #4  
dtorc4's Avatar
dtorc4
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,302
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Would you put transmission or differential fluid into your car that had been sitting on a shelf for 13 years?

I didn't think so. Change those fluids. If you have a floor jack and stands or a lift, you can DIY in just a couple of hours.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2015 | 11:54 PM
  #5  
BigGun's Avatar
BigGun
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 67
From: Bahama North Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by dtorc4
Would you put transmission or differential fluid into your car that had been sitting on a shelf for 13 years?

I didn't think so. Change those fluids. If you have a floor jack and stands or a lift, you can DIY in just a couple of hours.
Yes. Do you see an expiration date on the bottle? Those fluids don't go bad just sitting on the shelf or in the car if not driven. I would just replace the antifreeze. It is recommended every 5 years. I think the dif and trans fluid is good for at least 100k.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2015 | 12:45 PM
  #6  
Ray 2000 C5 FRC's Avatar
Ray 2000 C5 FRC
Instructor
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Lees Summit Missouri
Default

You guys missed one other important fluid, the power steering fluid also get changed. Not many people think that is important to change, but on GM cars the power steering fluid gets very hot!!! Just as the differential and transmission fluid.

Enjoy you new toy,
Ray
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2015 | 03:56 PM
  #7  
jmacc5's Avatar
jmacc5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Massapequa NY
Default

Thx for the reply and advice. However; I misspoke. I meant the clutch fluid, not the brake fluid.

I will probably get it done prior to the "spring launch".

Thanks again, John
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2015 | 04:53 PM
  #8  
bjones7131's Avatar
bjones7131
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 855
From: Walhalla South Carolina
Default

OM states that the M6 trnsmission does not need to be changed altough I did. Go figure
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

 Brett Foote
story-5

9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 18, 2015 | 11:31 AM
  #9  
C66 Racing's Avatar
C66 Racing
Premium Supporting Vendor
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 37
From: King George VA
Default

Originally Posted by Impulsive goat
I went with amsoil in my trans and rear as well, there's a vendor on here for amsoil I signed up for the discount, cuts the cost down a good bit.
Thanks for the mention.

For the OP, I'd recommend the same fluids I use in my 02 Z06 at the track:
AMSOIL Torque-Drive Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (Product Code ATD1G)
AMSOIL Severe Gear Extreme Pressure Synthetic 75w90 (Product Code SVGQT)
AMSOIL Slip-Lock Differential Additive (Product Code ADATB)
AMSOIL Hand Pump (Product Code G2039)

More than happy to get AMSOIL products for forum members at dealer wholesale pricing, about 25% below retail, via the AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program. Drop me a PM if interested.
__________________


C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)





Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Fluids?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:47 AM.

story-0
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Slideshow: Check out these easy-to-install upgrades from Extreme Online Store that reshape the look and feel of the C6 Corvette.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-03-23 17:00:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

There may be some big changes on the horizon.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-18 06:55:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

Slideshow: 9 best Corvettes you can buy for half price (and 1 you shouldn't!)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-17 10:20:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

Slideshow: 8 best Corvette of Amelia Island 2026

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-11 09:28:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

Slideshow: Top 10 worst Corvette engineering failures

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-10 17:38:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

Slideshow: 10 records the C8 Corvette generation has SMASHED (& 1 glaring failure).

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-02 11:16:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

Out of the many Corvette concepts that exist, these are by far the wildest of the bunch.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-02 11:03:54


VIEW MORE