Castrol GT LMA alternative?

[ERA Chas]

Bob,
Been using LMA since you recommended I do so in the '90's. I flush the system every two seasons and am about to do so now. Problem being-I can't find LMA locally (LI/NY) anymore. Bought it last time in May '08. Been all over Castrol USA's site and can't even find a brake fluid category!

What I do find everywhere (including online) is 'Castrol GT LMA Synthetic Formula'. Did this new formula supercede the original?? I simply will not use a synthetic brake fluid. I see this new one has a wet boiling point of 324 deg vs. 310 deg of original. Not a huge improvement, especially not in just hard street use.

A (very) few online vendors show the non-synth. original but the handling/shipping charges are more than the cost of 3, 12 oz. bottles that I use. (Example-Jegs is $13, Summit $10)

So-do you guys like a different brand of fluid that is friendly to the Girling seals and has a 'performance' rating and good boiling point? Valvoline, for example? I am not talking about Wilwood or SRX type performance or prices. LMA has always been a bargain all these years.

Failing that, what's a smart way or good place to buy the good old LMA?

[Excaliber]

As I understand this synthetic thing, and I've been researching just lately as I too am getting ready to flush my system, it's all about the "glycol" base that comprises brake fluid. You got your organic glycol base or your synthetic base. More manufacturers are moving toward synthetic glycol because it's easier to maintain tight control of the manufacturing process than it is with organic glycol. Other than the base, they are the same thing.

One thing I did come across was that metal cans preserve the brake fluid longer/better than plastic cans. That could be important if your storing the fluid on the shelf in the garage for another year or so. I haven't seen metal can's for a long time though...

I'm looking at 5.1 synthetic myself, which is NOT silicone. 5.1 fully compatible with DOT 3 or 4.

[strictlypersonl]

As the Ex-Man stated, if you stick with DOT 3,4 or 5.1, things should be OK. We now use ATE Blue because we are more confident that the BMW clutch slave will be happy, but I suspect that most others are quite compatible.

And I'm glad you guys reminded me. The fluid in my street car is due for a flush.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

. We now use ATE Blue because we are more confident that the BMW clutch slave will be happy, ...

That would be the ATE Super Blue Racing Dot 4? I'll hunt for it but is there a chain retailer that carries it?

BTW, The LMA never hurt my slave.

[strictlypersonl]

Yes. ATE Super Blue. Sorry, but we get it from a foreign car parts wholesaler. Don't know of any retailers.

[patrickt]

Chas, just order it from Pegasus. It will be shipped to your door before you know it.

[ERA Chas]

Thanks to all.