How many of you separated the clutch reservoir? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

adam0311 · 04-05-2016, 05:20 PM

Well guys like it says I'm interested in hearing your opinions, ive heard alot of mixed reviews plus most are old threads like 10-13 .

Wondering if it's still worth it on a 15 1le
Hoping I will be attending some hdpe events this summer if work permits and dates line up

Yes I will be upgrading to ss lines which also brings up another question ,do you guys upgrade both front and rear? Is there a kit for both?
And lastly which fluid ?brand? our most of you using and how was your experience with it

Thanks for the help guys

cdb95z28 · 04-05-2016, 06:01 PM

I separated, you can read my thoughts in my build (which needs updated), listed in my sig. I don't think there is any harm in doing it. I went with a large capacity reservoir. It is probably more important to flush than it is to separate. But why not do both?!

I believe some issues are a result of the brake reservoir cap diaphragm.

I use Motul RBF 600. Using in clutch and brakes. So far it's been great, only one all out track day. Castrol SRF is the undisputed champ, but is more expensive. I do not think you can go wrong with the Motul, just flush before every track day.

Haven't done the SS brake hose yet, but I will when I do a brake upgrade. Yes, do both front and rear. Goodridge has a kit

adam0311 · 04-05-2016, 06:20 PM

Thanks for the help bud. Did you change pads at all. I won't need to as I'll still be in the learning phase but just interested in what has been used by others
Thanks

XxScottxXN · 04-05-2016, 06:22 PM

I separated also...and use Motul 600 as well. Works fantastic and I change my fluid about once a month or so!!!

adam0311 · 04-05-2016, 06:26 PM

Thanks Scott for the feedback
What kit did you guys go with?
Any complaints?

XxScottxXN · 04-05-2016, 09:24 PM

I got the kit from JDP and I really like it, easy to put in and works great!!!

Kcchiefscraig · 04-05-2016, 09:29 PM

I separated my also. I change the fuild every other oil change, or every auto cross event. It was an easy swap.

camguynj · 04-05-2016, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XxScottxXN

I got the kit from JDP and I really like it, easy to put in and works great!!!

What he said ^^^^^ I flush ~1@mo using the "Ranger method"

805camaro · 04-05-2016, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camguynj

What he said ^^^^^ I flush ~1@mo using the "Ranger method"

I just did the ranger method on mine this past weekend for the first time and replaced with Lucas synthetic DOT 3. I feel like the pedal might be softer? Maybe I'm crazy. Is there any way that I could have got air into the lines? I didn't touch the pedals while the cap was off or anything of that sort. Do you think I'm just imagining the problem?

FunkedOut · 04-05-2016, 10:52 PM

only negative I can see is that you may have less fluid on the clutch, resulting in increased contaminant to fluid ratios quicker.

positives are, you need less fluid to flush the clutch more often and your brake fluid (and system) never gets clutch contaminants.

camguynj · 04-06-2016, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkedOut

only negative I can see is that you may have less fluid on the clutch, resulting in increased contaminant to fluid ratios quicker.

positives are, you need less fluid to flush the clutch more often and your brake fluid (and system) never gets clutch contaminants.

re: your first comment -the clutch still gets all the fluid it needs its just drawing it from a smaller reservoir. The rest of what you said is all correct.

FunkedOut · 04-06-2016, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camguynj

re: your first comment -the clutch still gets all the fluid it needs its just drawing it from a smaller reservoir. The rest of what you said is all correct.

agree. I wasn't trying to say it gets starved of any fluid. just less clean fluid to contaminate.

and I said "may" have less fluid, because that depends on the size of the reservoir.

ron123 · 04-06-2016, 07:20 AM

The Owners Manual calls for replacing the clutch/brake fluid every 150,000 miles or 10 years. Both the "Normal" and "Severe" chart show 150,000 miles ... what were they thinking? Seems the trend these days is to try and make it appear like their cars are maintenance free, as a sales gimmick.

Did split out the clutch circuit to a separate reservoir and empty/fill every 3 months - also bleed the brakes once a year to keep that system looking clear.
Amazing how quickly the fluid starts to look sooty from clutch dust and gets darker from water absorption.
Ron

camguynj · 04-06-2016, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkedOut

agree. I wasn't trying to say it gets starved of any fluid. just less clean fluid to contaminate.

and I said "may" have less fluid, because that depends on the size of the reservoir.

Even the small <2oz GTO,JDP type reservoirs supply enough but they do get contaminated quickly.
I was looking at the Tilton 4oz reservoir but can't find a way to mount it as it'll be too heavy to use the JDP bracket I have.

04-05-2016, 05:20 PM	#1
adam0311 Drives: 15' red hot 1le Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Michigan....from South Texas Posts: 94	How many of you separated the clutch reservoir? Well guys like it says I'm interested in hearing your opinions, ive heard alot of mixed reviews plus most are old threads like 10-13 . Wondering if it's still worth it on a 15 1le Hoping I will be attending some hdpe events this summer if work permits and dates line up Yes I will be upgrading to ss lines which also brings up another question ,do you guys upgrade both front and rear? Is there a kit for both? And lastly which fluid ?brand? our most of you using and how was your experience with it Thanks for the help guys

04-05-2016, 06:01 PM	#2
cdb95z28 Drives: 2022 1SS 1LE A10 BCD WCT+PDR Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 3,207	I separated, you can read my thoughts in my build (which needs updated), listed in my sig. I don't think there is any harm in doing it. I went with a large capacity reservoir. It is probably more important to flush than it is to separate. But why not do both?! I believe some issues are a result of the brake reservoir cap diaphragm. I use Motul RBF 600. Using in clutch and brakes. So far it's been great, only one all out track day. Castrol SRF is the undisputed champ, but is more expensive. I do not think you can go wrong with the Motul, just flush before every track day. Haven't done the SS brake hose yet, but I will when I do a brake upgrade. Yes, do both front and rear. Goodridge has a kit __________________ 2022 1SS 1LE A10 BCD WCT+PDR2014 1SS 1LE NPP RECARO SIM-SOLD1995 Z28 M6 GSC PGM-SOLD1975 NOVA COUPE 300HP 350 TH350 FLASH RED-SOLD

04-05-2016, 06:22 PM	#4
XxScottxXN Huge Chevy Fan Drives: 14' 2SS/RS 1LE built 4/22/14 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 838	I separated also...and use Motul 600 as well. Works fantastic and I change my fluid about once a month or so!!! __________________ 2014 2SS/RS Red Rock Metallic, Recaro seats, sunroof, NPP, Nitto Motivo 275/40/20 front 315/35/20 back, Cold air inductions intake, elite catch can, Stainless Works 1 7/8" long tube headers w/hiflow cats, 20% tint, Intake rod mod by Gwatney Performance, Bo White ported & polished throttle body, powerbond 25% UDP, Howards Cam 226/236 duration- 525/525 lift 110 ....with a WHOLE bunch of fun added!!

04-05-2016, 09:24 PM	#6
XxScottxXN Huge Chevy Fan Drives: 14' 2SS/RS 1LE built 4/22/14 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 838	I got the kit from JDP and I really like it, easy to put in and works great!!! __________________ 2014 2SS/RS Red Rock Metallic, Recaro seats, sunroof, NPP, Nitto Motivo 275/40/20 front 315/35/20 back, Cold air inductions intake, elite catch can, Stainless Works 1 7/8" long tube headers w/hiflow cats, 20% tint, Intake rod mod by Gwatney Performance, Bo White ported & polished throttle body, powerbond 25% UDP, Howards Cam 226/236 duration- 525/525 lift 110 ....with a WHOLE bunch of fun added!!

04-05-2016, 09:29 PM	#7
Kcchiefscraig Drives: 2010 LT synergy green Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sparta, MO Posts: 199 View My Garage	I separated my also. I change the fuild every other oil change, or every auto cross event. It was an easy swap. __________________ Mods so far Monster Clutch,first ever! Hurst shifter, RS Headlights with halo always on harness, Heritage Grill, Cold Air Inductions CAI, 20% tint, RX catch can, RX clean side seperator, Vmax Iceolator. BBK long tube headers, high flow cats, Magnaflow exhaust, gill stripes, GTO Clutch resevoir, plastic dip wheels emblems.

04-05-2016, 06:20 PM	#3
adam0311 Drives: 15' red hot 1le Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Michigan....from South Texas Posts: 94	Thanks for the help bud. Did you change pads at all. I won't need to as I'll still be in the learning phase but just interested in what has been used by others Thanks

04-05-2016, 06:26 PM	#5
adam0311 Drives: 15' red hot 1le Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Michigan....from South Texas Posts: 94	Thanks Scott for the feedback What kit did you guys go with? Any complaints?

04-05-2016, 10:52 PM	#10
FunkedOut Drives: Black 2010 SS Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: FL Posts: 447 View My Garage	only negative I can see is that you may have less fluid on the clutch, resulting in increased contaminant to fluid ratios quicker. positives are, you need less fluid to flush the clutch more often and your brake fluid (and system) never gets clutch contaminants.

04-06-2016, 07:20 AM	#13
ron123 Drives: 2014 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,053	The Owners Manual calls for replacing the clutch/brake fluid every 150,000 miles or 10 years. Both the "Normal" and "Severe" chart show 150,000 miles ... what were they thinking? Seems the trend these days is to try and make it appear like their cars are maintenance free, as a sales gimmick. Did split out the clutch circuit to a separate reservoir and empty/fill every 3 months - also bleed the brakes once a year to keep that system looking clear. Amazing how quickly the fluid starts to look sooty from clutch dust and gets darker from water absorption. Ron __________________ 2014 2SS/RS, Z28 CAI and High Wing Spoiler, ZL1 5.1:1 Ratio Short-Throw Shifter, ZL1 Pedals, ZL1 splash guards, NPP Dual-mode quad tip exhaust, Z28 strut tower brace, Camaro LED Cup-holders with footwell Lighting option, Leather visors, and Leather E-brake boot. Chevy dealer sponsored 67 retro SS nose stripe package.