Got the serious (and costly) fluids changes done!
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Got the serious (and costly) fluids changes done!
I bought my 1992 convertible with 9400 miles on it about a month ago. Since the previous owner apparently traded it in on an Audi, there were no service records and no owner to talk with. Naturally, I assumed that in the absence of records, on a 21 year old car, I should change all the fluids.
So, within the past 2 weeks or so, I have made the rounds to 3 specialist shops (I have no garage and have a 7% sloped gravel driveway )
Here's what I got done:
- The brake system flushed, and the best brake fluid I could get to replace it (That brake specialist shop had synthetic Amsoil)
- the automatic transmission flushed entirely AND the pan dropped and the filter changed, and synthetic Mobil 1 fluid as the replacement fluid. A local Aamco was the only place that seemed to understand I was serious about wanting the full flush AND the filter changed, and the Mobil 1 ATF. It took them about 2 3/4 hours while I waited! They actually ran out of Mobil 1 ATF and had to run out and get more
- the engine oil and filter changed, using Mobil 1 oil of course, and the chassis lubed at the few points where there are zerks. The local Corvette shop did that for me
- the engine coolant changed (properly - pulling the knock sensors, etc, and keeping the Optispark DRY!) The local Corvette shop did that for me too
- The rear axle fluid changed to Mobil 1 synthetic with limited slip compound added. Again the local Corvette shop
So now I feel like I have gotten the real basics done. Next on the planning cycle: a rear axle ratio change, if I can find a shop that can do it and do it competently
Moving towards "even better" . . .
Jim G
So, within the past 2 weeks or so, I have made the rounds to 3 specialist shops (I have no garage and have a 7% sloped gravel driveway )
Here's what I got done:
- The brake system flushed, and the best brake fluid I could get to replace it (That brake specialist shop had synthetic Amsoil)
- the automatic transmission flushed entirely AND the pan dropped and the filter changed, and synthetic Mobil 1 fluid as the replacement fluid. A local Aamco was the only place that seemed to understand I was serious about wanting the full flush AND the filter changed, and the Mobil 1 ATF. It took them about 2 3/4 hours while I waited! They actually ran out of Mobil 1 ATF and had to run out and get more
- the engine oil and filter changed, using Mobil 1 oil of course, and the chassis lubed at the few points where there are zerks. The local Corvette shop did that for me
- the engine coolant changed (properly - pulling the knock sensors, etc, and keeping the Optispark DRY!) The local Corvette shop did that for me too
- The rear axle fluid changed to Mobil 1 synthetic with limited slip compound added. Again the local Corvette shop
So now I feel like I have gotten the real basics done. Next on the planning cycle: a rear axle ratio change, if I can find a shop that can do it and do it competently
Moving towards "even better" . . .
Jim G
#2
Team Owner
gee... that's a lot of stuff...
I hope you didn't use a fram filter.
Did you replace the fuel filter? If not, do so, get a WIX. Very good filter.
Amsoil brake fluid? I am sure it's fine. I use ATE.
IIRC, the synthetic fluid already is compatible with the LSD. Then again, the recommendation from Gordon Killebrew is to use 2 bottles with conventional lube, so one bottle with synthetic should be about a wash.
Do you currently have 2.59 or 3.07? Whatever you do, the D36 won't take more than a 3.73, and I don't suggest much more than 3.54 with an A4.
If you had a 6spd, I would do a 3.73. (I do, and that's what I will do when I get the rear rebuilt).
On final thought... that is a cherry ride, low miles and original. I would almost keep it that way. Get into NCRS and let them give it awards. It will help value.
I hope you didn't use a fram filter.
Did you replace the fuel filter? If not, do so, get a WIX. Very good filter.
Amsoil brake fluid? I am sure it's fine. I use ATE.
IIRC, the synthetic fluid already is compatible with the LSD. Then again, the recommendation from Gordon Killebrew is to use 2 bottles with conventional lube, so one bottle with synthetic should be about a wash.
Do you currently have 2.59 or 3.07? Whatever you do, the D36 won't take more than a 3.73, and I don't suggest much more than 3.54 with an A4.
If you had a 6spd, I would do a 3.73. (I do, and that's what I will do when I get the rear rebuilt).
On final thought... that is a cherry ride, low miles and original. I would almost keep it that way. Get into NCRS and let them give it awards. It will help value.
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
gee... that's a lot of stuff...
Did you replace the fuel filter? No. Where is it located and how hard to replace?
Do you currently have 2.59 or 3.07? Whatever you do, the D36 won't take more than a 3.73, and I don't suggest much more than 3.54 with an A4.
I have a 2.73. I want a 3.42 ideally or a 3.07 at minimum.
Get into NCRS and let them give it awards. It will help value.
What is "NCRS"?
Did you replace the fuel filter? No. Where is it located and how hard to replace?
Do you currently have 2.59 or 3.07? Whatever you do, the D36 won't take more than a 3.73, and I don't suggest much more than 3.54 with an A4.
I have a 2.73. I want a 3.42 ideally or a 3.07 at minimum.
Get into NCRS and let them give it awards. It will help value.
What is "NCRS"?
Jim G
#4
Premium Supporting Vendor
AMSOIL does make two good brake fluids. I use the Series 600 in both my brakes and clutch at the track:
AMSOIL Series 500 High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid (Product Code BF3SN)
Dry Boiling Point - 525F, Wet Boiling Point - 313F
AMSOIL Series 600 DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid (Product Code BF4SN)
Dry Boiling Point - 580F, Wet Boiling Point - 410F
AMSOIL Series 500 High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid (Product Code BF3SN)
Dry Boiling Point - 525F, Wet Boiling Point - 313F
AMSOIL Series 600 DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid (Product Code BF4SN)
Dry Boiling Point - 580F, Wet Boiling Point - 410F
__________________
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Ordering Information (Retail sales using reference #1206638 benefit the forum.)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
AMSOIL Catalog
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Ordering Information (Retail sales using reference #1206638 benefit the forum.)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
AMSOIL Catalog