Looking for advice from experienced track go-ers

[Random Asshole]

Another "emergency option" for cc'ers is Pentosin. For whatever reason it's behind the counter at O'Reiley's. The numbers are pretty good (509*F/329*F. Dry/Wet) for 14 bucks a liter and readily available.

 

[Department Of Boost]

Brakes are over-rated. All they do is slow you down.

 

[PLee]

Brakes are over-rated. All they do is slow you down.

Haha nice!

I'll share this- up until recently I've only ever track-day'd full built race cars- race brakes, fluids, slicks, etc. Not too long ago I had the pleasure of taking a bone stock 2013 Mustang GT to the track (Gingerman) with an auto trans and Brembo brake option. It was a blast!!! The stock parts will do amazingly pretty well out there on the track... BUT... (and this is a big butt)... you have to know & understand when you're approaching the limitations of the car and its parts. If you run full-bore for 45 minutes, you're probably going to have a hard time stopping near the end (or somewhere in the middle, lol). But if you go out on the track and run for 10-15 minutes at a time, not necessarily as hard as you can, I'm pretty sure the car will hold up just fine. Just take it easy and learn the feeling of brake fade setting in, so you know when to call it quits and let things cool down. You're not 'racing' anyone, so just go have fun and keep yourself in check.

Oh- I take that back, I did run a 'stock' '05 V6 coupe at Hallet- stock brakes, but was lowered on FRPP stuff w/ slicks I borrowed off one of the race cars. Man was that hilarious to drive on the track. We beat the living crap out of that car on the track. After probably 3 days of driving off and on at Hallet, we drove it the entire 16-hours home to Michigan without a single hiccup.

Edit- I should add... if this weekend track-time thing becomes a habit of yours, you WILL have to follow the others' advice on here and upgrade fluids/parts/etc!

 

[Renesis07]

Well went out yesterday. What an incredible experience! The car held up just fine. As we all knew, the stock brakes were the biggest setback. The car had enough power, and gripped very well, but after a few laps, the smell of burning brakes filled the cabin and the pedal started to get spongy. As mentioned above... it seemed like 30-45 minutes of HARD driving was what the brakes could take. I was overly cautious lol.... first sign of the brakes not being perfect I would pull off and let the car cool down.

I did get a go pro video on my last 'session', so as soon as I get that I will post it up! Thanks again guys.

 

[Renesis07]

Got the video, just need to get it hosted somehow and link it here.... 16 minutes long lol...

Just timing off the video, seems like I was running consistent 2:00 - 2:10 lap times, best being 2:00 even. Talking to the guys there, a 'good' lap time is 1:40 or better, my boss was able to cut a 1:38 on his best lap for the day in his GT3. Considering the fact that it was my first time out, and I was braking SUPER easy and early, I'm very happy with the results. My boss was confident that I could get my car into the 1:40 range with better brakes and tires.

Can't wait to go again!

 

[Department Of Boost]

My boss was confident that I could get my car into the 1:40 range with better brakes and tires.

20sec with brakes and tires?!?!

Where do I get brakes and tires like that!!!!!

 

[steveespo]

20sec with brakes and tires?!?!

Where do I get brakes and tires like that!!!!!

Drivermod.com

 

[Philostang]

20sec with brakes and tires?!?!

Where do I get brakes and tires like that!!!!!

Nope. On a 2-ish mile track, just tires and brakes, not going to get those results. If they existed, we'd all be running them.

Now 20 sec with seat time (and better brakes/tires) - that's another story. He can definitely pull that off. I've run 1:40.777 there on Conti scrubs with an ailing diff, so I'm sure with better tires (Hoosiers! ) and the new T2R that just went in mine that we'll break into the high 1:30s. Remember, this was Ren's first time on track.

Best,
-j

 

[Renesis07]

Nope. On a 2-ish mile track, just tires and brakes, not going to get those results. If they existed, we'd all be running them.

Now 20 sec with seat time (and better brakes/tires) - that's another story. He can definitely pull that off. I've run 1:40.777 there on Conti scrubs with an ailing diff, so I'm sure with better tires (Hoosiers! ) and the new T2R that just went in mine that we'll break into the high 1:30s. Remember, this was Ren's first time on track.

Best,
-j

Exactly! I have no shame in admitting it was my first time out there, because it was. Although I did very well, there was still a lot more I could've done to shed time off. For my first time out, I focused on technique more than anything. Hitting the line, entry/exit points, etc. Towards the end as I shook off the jitters and actually gave some effort, I was running 2 min laps.

On the straight away after 'patience' (for those who know the track), I was letting off the throttle SUPER early and braking from the '7' marker. On the corner after the 'kink', I was also braking super early. I was mindful of my brakes and was being very cautious. 20 seconds seems like a lot, but with capable brakes (and more confidence in my brakes), better tires, and most importantly, SEAT TIME... I feel like I can accomplish a 1:4XX run.

I will say however, I'm hooked. I've been really torn on what direction to go with my car. Drag car? Corner carver? Street car? After this experience, I'm definitely sticking with cornering and handling characteristics. I actually signed up for my first autocross event next month! Really looking forward to getting out there again. Granted, autocross is different, but at least it's some seat time and will help me improve.

Thank you to everyone in this thread, sincerely. The responses here helped me prepare my car and made it a fun day, and most importantly a SAFE day. Thanks again guys.

 

[Renesis07]

20sec with brakes and tires?!?!

Where do I get brakes and tires like that!!!!!

Drivermod.com

 

[Department Of Boost]

Drivermod.com

If I go to drivermod.gov can I get Obummer to pay for it?

 

[Department Of Boost]

I will say however, I'm hooked.

Your SCREWED! Time to mortgage the house and sell the kids!

 

[Renesis07]

Your SCREWED! Time to mortgage the house and sell the kids!

Ha! that's what I've heard!

 

[claudermilk]

Got the video, just need to get it hosted somehow and link it here.... 16 minutes long lol...

http://www.youtube.com/


Autocrossing will let you take the car to the limits at a slower speed, and still works on the all-important driver mod! Yes, you are screwed now. Once the bug has bit, there's no cure. Welcome to the club.