'19 Z06 track fluids
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 227
Likes: 107
From: Crummy NY
'19 Z06 track fluids
Thoughts for 19 Z06 M7 (about 1000 of its 4000 total miles on the track) I want stuff that warranty safe but the best protection I can get on the track (but I think as long as we use stuff that's the same certifications it's fine)
Manual Transmission
Redline D4 ATF? - this is on my todo NOW a little over 10 hours of track time (per the manual do it at 10 - but a bunch of these were in rain/snow track time - so temps were irrelevant) This weekend had the transmission gauge get a "yellow block" around it in one session - so it was quite warm... no limp mode - but close.
Rear Diff
I replaced after my first event per the manual with the fluid from the dealers parts counter - that good or should I run something else?
Brake
Flushed with GM's DOT4 stuff in April... but just went to XP12/XP10 pads and making a lot more heat and figure this should go too...
Clutch
gonna do the "ranger method" - but what's the recommendation here for fluids?
Anything else I'm missing? Recommendation on blinker fluids?
Manual Transmission
Redline D4 ATF? - this is on my todo NOW a little over 10 hours of track time (per the manual do it at 10 - but a bunch of these were in rain/snow track time - so temps were irrelevant) This weekend had the transmission gauge get a "yellow block" around it in one session - so it was quite warm... no limp mode - but close.
Rear Diff
I replaced after my first event per the manual with the fluid from the dealers parts counter - that good or should I run something else?
Brake
Flushed with GM's DOT4 stuff in April... but just went to XP12/XP10 pads and making a lot more heat and figure this should go too...
Clutch
gonna do the "ranger method" - but what's the recommendation here for fluids?
Anything else I'm missing? Recommendation on blinker fluids?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
I am in an identical situation with the exception that I have GS instead of Z06.
After first event, I replaced the diff fluid with OEM fluid, and I am going to continue to us the OEM fluid. I am using SRF brake fluid since the first event. It held up very well for 5 events and 8 months. I am going to flush and replace prior to next event. I going to use either Redline or Amsoil for the trans fluid. As for clutch, I tried to use the Ranger method with OEM fluid, but the fluid was always clean. Curious on how difficult it is to flush and replace clutch fluid in a traditional way.
Let us know which way you are going to go.
After first event, I replaced the diff fluid with OEM fluid, and I am going to continue to us the OEM fluid. I am using SRF brake fluid since the first event. It held up very well for 5 events and 8 months. I am going to flush and replace prior to next event. I going to use either Redline or Amsoil for the trans fluid. As for clutch, I tried to use the Ranger method with OEM fluid, but the fluid was always clean. Curious on how difficult it is to flush and replace clutch fluid in a traditional way.
Let us know which way you are going to go.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
Z51 here...
Rear Diff = Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS 75w-90
M7 tranny = Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF Multi Vehicle (Dexron III Spec)
Brakes = Motul RBF660 (with Raybestos ST-43 pads)
Clutch = Pentosin DOT 4 LV (ranger method flush)
I had a "service rear axle" message on my first track day. The car cooled off during lunch and the message went away, but came back during the next session. So to be safe I changed out the rear diff fluid for my next track event and had no more issues.
I've used Redline and Royal Purple fluids in my previous track car (Nissan 350Z), but for the C7 the fluids above are in spec and available locally.
Rear Diff = Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS 75w-90
M7 tranny = Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF Multi Vehicle (Dexron III Spec)
Brakes = Motul RBF660 (with Raybestos ST-43 pads)
Clutch = Pentosin DOT 4 LV (ranger method flush)
I had a "service rear axle" message on my first track day. The car cooled off during lunch and the message went away, but came back during the next session. So to be safe I changed out the rear diff fluid for my next track event and had no more issues.
I've used Redline and Royal Purple fluids in my previous track car (Nissan 350Z), but for the C7 the fluids above are in spec and available locally.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,553
Likes: 1,549
From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
We have a lot (like 100+) local track guys we take care of and 90% of us/them run Amsoil in the diff and trans. SRF is the only brake fluid I recommend if you're an intermediate or advanced driver. It will also work great in the clutch.
I would also recommend shorter intervals for rear diff and manual transmission fluids. You'd be surprised to see what 8-10 hours on track will make the fluid look like. Based off the hundreds of cars we maintain for track use, I'd cut that back to 5-6 events (~5-6 hours) of track time between changes if you're an intermediate or advanced driver.
SRF is usually good for once per year or 6-10 events, depending on driver and how hard you are on the brakes.
I would also recommend shorter intervals for rear diff and manual transmission fluids. You'd be surprised to see what 8-10 hours on track will make the fluid look like. Based off the hundreds of cars we maintain for track use, I'd cut that back to 5-6 events (~5-6 hours) of track time between changes if you're an intermediate or advanced driver.
SRF is usually good for once per year or 6-10 events, depending on driver and how hard you are on the brakes.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
Richi:
In the other thread, you recommend to follow the owner manual for oil change to 15W50 for track use to keep the warranty. If I may ask, why aren't you recommending following the owner manual for diff and trans fluid?
In the other thread, you recommend to follow the owner manual for oil change to 15W50 for track use to keep the warranty. If I may ask, why aren't you recommending following the owner manual for diff and trans fluid?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,553
Likes: 1,549
From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
They do recommend how often you should change the fluids, but based on our experience I recommend changing that stuff much more often if you want to take good care of the car. GM doesn't mind if you perform maintenance more often while you're under warranty.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
GM doesn't have a requirement to use their factory fill fluids for the trans and diff fluids. They do require the car is prepped for track per their instructions, which includes running 15w50 engine oil. When we had our C7Z I changed the engine oil much more frequently than GM or the oil life monitor recommended.
They do recommend how often you should change the fluids, but based on our experience I recommend changing that stuff much more often if you want to take good care of the car. GM doesn't mind if you perform maintenance more often while you're under warranty.
They do recommend how often you should change the fluids, but based on our experience I recommend changing that stuff much more often if you want to take good care of the car. GM doesn't mind if you perform maintenance more often while you're under warranty.
I see, now, that the magic word is Recommended not required.
Which Amsoil do you recommend for the manual transmission? All I see on their website is for automatic.
Thanks again,
Lurker
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 651
From: Denton, TX
St. Jude Donor '19-'20
If you were gonna just do 6 or 8 hot laps in a 2019 GS would it make sense to change the stock brake fluid to SRF? I'm just taking advantage of this one opportunity to run a few laps on this track and dont intend on tracking the car after that.
Also, my '19 manual says to keep the 0W-40 in the engine but run it about 1/2 qt high during the session and remove the 1/2 qt after the session.
I'm running stock tranny and diff fluids, all with about 1000 miles since putting them in.
Thanks for any advice, a rookie here I am.
Also, my '19 manual says to keep the 0W-40 in the engine but run it about 1/2 qt high during the session and remove the 1/2 qt after the session.
I'm running stock tranny and diff fluids, all with about 1000 miles since putting them in.
Thanks for any advice, a rookie here I am.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
If you were gonna just do 6 or 8 hot laps in a 2019 GS would it make sense to change the stock brake fluid to SRF? I'm just taking advantage of this one opportunity to run a few laps on this track and dont intend on tracking the car after that.
Also, my '19 manual says to keep the 0W-40 in the engine but run it about 1/2 qt high during the session and remove the 1/2 qt after the session.
I'm running stock tranny and diff fluids, all with about 1000 miles since putting them in.
Thanks for any advice, a rookie here I am.
Also, my '19 manual says to keep the 0W-40 in the engine but run it about 1/2 qt high during the session and remove the 1/2 qt after the session.
I'm running stock tranny and diff fluids, all with about 1000 miles since putting them in.
Thanks for any advice, a rookie here I am.
Your trans and diff fluid should be fine, but you may need to switch your brake fluids to something that can withstand very high temp. Motol 600 is cheaper alternative.
Lurker
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 651
From: Denton, TX
St. Jude Donor '19-'20
I know how I was on the brakes at Spring Mountain in their cars and I doubt it would be any different @ COTA.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50,281
Likes: 518
From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
CASTROL SRF
The SRF is the absolute best brake fluid on the market, period. If you want the best the Castrol SRF is it. Due to it’s extremely high dry & wet boiling points.
Boiling Point:
Dry: 310°C (590°F)
Wet: 270°C (518°F)
Size Per Bottle:
1 Liter
Castrol SRF Brake Fluid’s unique silicon ester technology absorbs less water than conventional glycol ether fluids and prevents the fluid’s high temperature performance from deteriorating. Its wet boiling point of 270°C is vastly superior to the minimum requirement of 155°C demanded by the current US DOT 4 specification. Its ability to withstand temperatures in excess of 300°C and superior resistance to the effects of absorbed water have established Castrol SRF Brake Fluid as the world’s premier fluid for the hydraulic brakes used in all forms of motorsport and racing.
The SRF is the absolute best brake fluid on the market, period. If you want the best the Castrol SRF is it. Due to it’s extremely high dry & wet boiling points.
Boiling Point:
Dry: 310°C (590°F)
Wet: 270°C (518°F)
Size Per Bottle:
1 Liter
Castrol SRF Brake Fluid’s unique silicon ester technology absorbs less water than conventional glycol ether fluids and prevents the fluid’s high temperature performance from deteriorating. Its wet boiling point of 270°C is vastly superior to the minimum requirement of 155°C demanded by the current US DOT 4 specification. Its ability to withstand temperatures in excess of 300°C and superior resistance to the effects of absorbed water have established Castrol SRF Brake Fluid as the world’s premier fluid for the hydraulic brakes used in all forms of motorsport and racing.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
I wonder what brake fluid they run at Spring Mountain... anyone know?
Lurker
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 651
From: Denton, TX
St. Jude Donor '19-'20
Honestly I don't know how the session will go. Its some class time and then time on the track. I'm sure it will be a couple laps warming up the car and then a few laps at whatever speed I become comfortable with.
I'll try and find out what the agenda is from the source edgeaddicts.com
Also emailed Spring Mountain to see if they'll tell me what they are running.
I think I will swap over to the Motul or SRF just to be on the safe side. Any issues mixing that with factory fill just in case I don't get every single drop of factory fluid out?
The Owners Manual says that if high performance brake fluid is used, replace it with GM approved fluid before driving on public roads. I don't think I will have that ability as I don't live where the track is (3.5 hrs from home).
I may have to skip this if requirements get too restrictive.
Thanks guys for your help. Excuse my ignorance on the subject.
I'll try and find out what the agenda is from the source edgeaddicts.com
Also emailed Spring Mountain to see if they'll tell me what they are running.
I think I will swap over to the Motul or SRF just to be on the safe side. Any issues mixing that with factory fill just in case I don't get every single drop of factory fluid out?
The Owners Manual says that if high performance brake fluid is used, replace it with GM approved fluid before driving on public roads. I don't think I will have that ability as I don't live where the track is (3.5 hrs from home).
I may have to skip this if requirements get too restrictive.
Thanks guys for your help. Excuse my ignorance on the subject.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 227
Likes: 107
From: Crummy NY
You are fine not switching back - the REASON they say to switch back on public roads is the higher temp fluids absorb water in the air - so after like 6 months-ish... they are not as good... so to prevent you from leaving the DOT 4 / high temp stuff in and potentially losing brakes on the street - they want you to go back to a DOT 3 fluid.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
I think it it good idea to replace brake fluid to increase the safety margin. I drive to and from the track with high performance brake fluid. In fact, I have been using the same SRF for 5 events without a problem. SRF has very high wet boiling point. Other cheaper fluid should work just as good, however it can't be used on street for as long as SRF. If you are not going to track your car, and this event is just one off, I would use cheaper alternative like Motol 600, then replace it with OEM recommendation at the first opportunity.
Being on the track could turn to be an addiction; be ready for that. Be safe, and have a good time.
Being on the track could turn to be an addiction; be ready for that. Be safe, and have a good time.
Last edited by GoatHead; Jun 12, 2019 at 09:52 AM.
Lurker
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 651
From: Denton, TX
St. Jude Donor '19-'20
Thanks fish and goathead….
Sounds good! Think I will acquire the Motive Bleeder set up and swap it out before I go and then change it when I get back.
"Being on the track could turn to be an addiction; be ready for that"
Yeah thats what I am afraid of! We do have a local track here and I would like to try that some time. After doing Spring Mountain and then having this opportunity to run the F1 course I didn't want to pass it up. I'm sure the local track will be a must do at some point!
A friend of mine runs the Big Bend Open Road Race every year and has been bugging me to do that as well. Who knows, maybe some day.
Sounds good! Think I will acquire the Motive Bleeder set up and swap it out before I go and then change it when I get back.
"Being on the track could turn to be an addiction; be ready for that"
Yeah thats what I am afraid of! We do have a local track here and I would like to try that some time. After doing Spring Mountain and then having this opportunity to run the F1 course I didn't want to pass it up. I'm sure the local track will be a must do at some point!
A friend of mine runs the Big Bend Open Road Race every year and has been bugging me to do that as well. Who knows, maybe some day.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 676
Likes: 111
Thanks fish and goathead….
Sounds good! Think I will acquire the Motive Bleeder set up and swap it out before I go and then change it when I get back.
"Being on the track could turn to be an addiction; be ready for that"
Yeah thats what I am afraid of! We do have a local track here and I would like to try that some time. After doing Spring Mountain and then having this opportunity to run the F1 course I didn't want to pass it up. I'm sure the local track will be a must do at some point!
A friend of mine runs the Big Bend Open Road Race every year and has been bugging me to do that as well. Who knows, maybe some day.
Sounds good! Think I will acquire the Motive Bleeder set up and swap it out before I go and then change it when I get back.
"Being on the track could turn to be an addiction; be ready for that"
Yeah thats what I am afraid of! We do have a local track here and I would like to try that some time. After doing Spring Mountain and then having this opportunity to run the F1 course I didn't want to pass it up. I'm sure the local track will be a must do at some point!
A friend of mine runs the Big Bend Open Road Race every year and has been bugging me to do that as well. Who knows, maybe some day.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 9
GM doesn't have a requirement to use their factory fill fluids for the trans and diff fluids. They do require the car is prepped for track per their instructions, which includes running 15w50 engine oil. When we had our C7Z I changed the engine oil much more frequently than GM or the oil life monitor recommended.
They do recommend how often you should change the fluids, but based on our experience I recommend changing that stuff much more often if you want to take good care of the car. GM doesn't mind if you perform maintenance more often while you're under warranty.
They do recommend how often you should change the fluids, but based on our experience I recommend changing that stuff much more often if you want to take good care of the car. GM doesn't mind if you perform maintenance more often while you're under warranty.