bravenrace
bravenrace UberDork
4/30/12 8:37 a.m.

I've been out of competition (in a car) for a while, but am now getting our CRX ready to play. Back in the day, I tried virtually every brake fluid available, and settled on Castrol LMA because it was inexpensive and lasted at least as long as many of the more expensive brands. But I can't find it now, so I'm looking for recommendations. I'm not a cheap skate, so I don't mind spending more as long as I'm getting more. What do you guys recommend?

DaveEstey
DaveEstey Dork
4/30/12 8:47 a.m.

I use Motul RBF 600 in my Miata. Is it good? I dunno, I haven't managed to boil it.

Sonic
Sonic SuperDork
4/30/12 9:00 a.m.

I use valvoline synpower in everything I have, including the lemons cars. We had never had any fluid issues with any of them. It is available is most any parts stores, is reasonably priced, and has boiling points very close to that of the expensive stuff.

bravenrace
bravenrace UberDork
4/30/12 9:17 a.m.

In reply to Sonic:

So are you saying that it lasts an entire lemons race without boiling or significantly degrading? I've used it also, but it's just been in my daily drivers that don't get driven hard enough to give it a work out.

HStockSolo
HStockSolo Reader
4/30/12 9:21 a.m.

Is Valvoline still selling the SynPower brake fluid? It is not on their website.

I am out and was trying to find it. I may order some Ate, which doesn't seem too expensive.

Tom_Spangler
Tom_Spangler GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
4/30/12 9:25 a.m.
Sonic wrote: I use valvoline synpower in everything I have, including the lemons cars. We had never had any fluid issues with any of them. It is available is most any parts stores, is reasonably priced, and has boiling points very close to that of the expensive stuff.

Same here. I just put it in the M3 last week and did a track day yesterday. No boiling or face whatsoever. It's the only fluid I've used for 7-8 years in various car I've tracked, with no problems. And I can get it anywhere. I see no reason to use anything else.

Sonic
Sonic SuperDork
4/30/12 9:48 a.m.

In reply to bravenrace:

Yup. We bleed in between races just for good measure, but have never had an issue.

It looks like they just call it synthetic brake fluid now, not synpower any more. I just checked the specs, dry boiling is 480, wet is 311.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand UberDork
4/30/12 9:58 a.m.

I just had exactly the same question re my Miata and settled on ATE Super Blue - fairly inexpensive for what it is (~ $15 at tire rack for 1L). So far it seems to be holding up well.

amg_rx7
amg_rx7 Dork
4/30/12 10:27 a.m.

ATE Super Blue is a good option for a dual purpose car. The Castrol is hard to find. Only the local NAPA has it.

If memory serves correct, I think the new-ish Ford Motorcraft brake fluid is supposed to be pretty awesome. Google it.

bravenrace
bravenrace UberDork
4/30/12 11:38 a.m.

Can you buy ATE locally, or just online?

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand UberDork
4/30/12 11:56 a.m.

I can't out here, but that goes for pretty much everything that isn't NAPA own brand or similar.

bravenrace
bravenrace UberDork
4/30/12 1:31 p.m.

I think all my local auto parts stores carry the Valvoline. Anyone had a bad experience with it? Summit sells Wilwood dot 3 and dot 4. Anyone had any experience with either of those?

former520
former520 Reader
4/30/12 6:48 p.m.

I just grabbed some Pentosin Super DOT 4 from the local import part place. 509 Dry, 329 Wet, about $9/ quart. Cheap and pretty good specs, no track use to review.

http://www.pentosin.net/pressreleases/CRP-116_Pento_SuperDOT4_2.pdf

MCarp22
MCarp22 HalfDork
5/1/12 12:58 a.m.

I use castrol GT LMA 509 dry 311 wet

car39
car39 HalfDork
5/1/12 7:29 a.m.

I use the ATE in blue and gold. If you're flushing a system, the color change lets you know when you have fresh fluid. I've been tol the blue is illegal in some states.

iceracer
iceracer UltraDork
5/1/12 8:24 a.m.

i used the Valvoline for years and never had any brake fade doing track days. Or coming down the mountain after a hill climb run.

bravenrace
bravenrace UberDork
5/1/12 9:18 a.m.

In reply to iceracer:

I really like Castrol LMA, but since the Valvoline stuff is readily available and I can't find LMA anywhere, I picked up some Valvoline last night based on experiences in this thread. Thanks guys!

chknhwk
chknhwk HalfDork
5/1/12 11:28 a.m.

Another vote for ATE. I found it cheapest if you buy it by the case through Raceshopper, lol.

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