its been about 15 months since i changed the clutch and hydros.. fluid is black and the pedal gets mushy after some hard acceleration.

 

If the fluid is black.... It's time.

I use Valvoline synthetic brake fluid. It's available at AutoZone for about $6 for a big kegger of it.

 

You use brake fluid for clutch fluid? I thought you had to use Dextron III or something like Redline synchromesh?

 

Yes, I use brake fluid for clutch fluid (hydraulics).

I use Dexron III for *transmission* fluid (lubrication).

 

I thought synthetic fluid was bad for the seals of the hydraulics and would cause leaking; am I wrong? What is the best fluid to use?

 

GM makes a fluid specifically for clutches. It's about $12 a bottle, and much further away than AutoZone. What can I say, I'm lazy. I ran it when I first installed my Cartek clutch (back in '01). Switched to synthetic sometime last year. Can't say I noticed any difference (except $6 left over for beer ).

I've been running the Valvoline synthetic for a while. No problems here. With either the stock master or the McLeod.

 

I use the Valvoline Synpower stuff as well... I use their power sterring fluid, brake fluid, etc.
I like the fact that the stuff is clear, I can easily see if my fluids are 'contaminated' or 'funky' looking. Then it's time to change...
So far I have had NO leaks or other problems using their stuff, and I guess it is ok to use in the Camaro because it does have a GM spec number on it.
Brake pedal 'feel' improved after flushing with the stuff too... They felt a slight bit more aggressive.