brake fluid

[James Neal]

Some of you folks seem to be pretty well versed on the subject of brake fluid,my knowledge iss from hard knocks. I owned and crewchiefed a Top Alcohol Dragster in the late 80's and early 90's mostly U.D.R.A. and a few N.H.R.A. events. The car ran steady 6.20's and ran as fast as a 5.95 in 91' qualifying for the U.S. Nationals,We occasionally had inconsistent braking problems pressure changes and in turn some interesting problems. We were told by one of the leading brake manufacturers that silicone was the only way to go. But from the moment we started using it we experienced pressure problems.These brakes were frequently bled and maintained,we carried rebuild kits for the master as well as replacement masters and calipers. Dragsters dont have any flex lines in them solid all the way to the rear so no line expansion. Handbrake required three pumps to ready for stop just to be sure there was pressure there. Several racers during this time were experiecing these problems, Our solution given to us by a very wise fuel tuner. Get the silicone out and go back to old faithfull end of our problems! I really don't think this applies much to the street crowd but I believe competitive events you have to go with what works. Silicone has its merits , I'll let everybody else mess with it .See ya at the track, I'll be the guy with the leg that isn't shakin' from the lack a brakin. WHAT! THESE THINGS DON'T HAVE CHUTES.