Refresher: DOT 3 and 4 are both traditional brake fluids, while DOT 5 and
5.1 are synthetic. DOT 5 can not be mixed with the other three.
My experience: I use Motul 600 in my CRX track car due to high heat
problems and it's a DOT 3 or 4 but gets flushed about 8 times a season.
Never use DOT 5 in a race/track car, as it can't handle the heat and
bubbles. My TR6 has DOT5, which resists moisture (unlike DOT 3 or 4), but
does pick up air bubbles which can give you a soft pedal. I find DOT 5 is
great for long-term storage due to less corrosion worries. I rebuilt my
brake and clutch systems in 1992, and no corrosion yet (and this is
Cleveland, the home of rust). And, Dick, I put the Valvoline DOT 5.1 in my
BMW two years ago (which formerly held DOT 3 or 4) as it came out here in
Cleveland at that time...it still looks fairly clear and I've had no brake
pedal problems. I haven't had the BMW on the track, but if you are not
rebuilding the whole brake system (recommended with DOT5), the new DOT 5.1
might be the answer...although I haven't tested it in a LBC.
William Whitmoyer
North and South Americas Sales Manager
Samsonite Consumer Electronics
Division of Photoco Inc.
T: 800-955-5505/ 440-996-0880
F: 800-321-1329/ 440-996-0892
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