I am planning on taking my 03 G 6MT for a track day at the bluegrass in spring. I've never tracked cars before... I did a search on this forum to see if there is a track prep thread already... no luck.

So, what kinda prep do I have to do for the coupe? tape up the lights and mirrors, remove the spare tire and...?

Are there any "essential" upgrades that need to be done on the G to make it more track friendly?

Edit: The ride is currently bone stock. got Eagle All season tires

Thanks!

 

How much money are you willing to spend, because the possibilities are endless when it come to making a car track-ready. This might seem a bit obvious, but make sure you have a good race helmet (Arai, Bell, Schuberth, etc.) because most tracks will turn you away without one.


John

 

I'd get a nice helmet, and some higher temperature brake pads. That'll be more than enough for your first track day.

Also, have your dealer or mechanic check your car and make sure everything is in good working condition.

Fresh fluids don't hurt either (oil, brake fluid, diff, tranny)

 

Thanks for the response John,

I want to spend enough money to pass the tech-inspection (and maybe ~$500 more if there is such an upgrade that's essential for track) and spend less amount of money to fix it when I wreck it. Nothing more than that, for now alteast... I ride/track motorcycles, so I have a DOT and SNELL approved full face helmet, will that work? Is there a special driving suit/boots/gloves for cars? I can't imagine wearing my motorcycle track suit inside the car

 

Your motorcycle helmet might work, but I've heard of people trying to use them in cars and the tracks weren't ok with it. Checking with the track is always a good thing to do. As for the racing suit, gloves, etc., Sparco, OMP, and a few other notable companies make just about everything you will need. Even Puma makes very good racing gear these days. Also, it pretty highly recommended that the helmet you get supports a HANS device, which has saved numerous lives by restraining the head and neck from big, abrupt movements during a crash, and has been mandated F1, Le Mans, and other racing series for years now.

Heres one: http://www.sparcoracing.com/HANS-Sport-Series-p582.html

and here one saving a life:


John

 

I recently had my mechanic change the brake pads, he told me that its time for the rotors replacements. I was thinking about getting this and installing on my own. Any feedback about these? Are there preffered brakepads/rotors for high temperatures ala EBC HH?

 

its a track day! not a 24hour le mans endurance race or something from the pro circuit. a helmet and maybe some gloves if your hands sweat profusely.

brakes, brakes brakes...depending on the condition, maybe some pads and fluids including oil, brakes, and coolant. make sure your tires are in good shape. since your stock there's not much to adjust or change. make sure to buy parts from reputable companies (brembo, project mu, endless, etc.) don't cheap out on your breaks, its a small difference.

bike trackdays are much more hands on. tightening every bolt, checking safety wiring, tires, temperature, and gear. just drive it like you stole it and if you come out like you came in, its all good.

 

Bluegrass? are you from lexington ky?

 

Hey, he asked and I answered.

 

+1. You might wanna get some different wheels and tires for the track, but suits you won't need. Fresh fluids is fairly optional. Can't hurt really. There isn't a whole lot you'll need to do because you still plan on driving the car on a daily basis and you're stock. Actually, as far as a helmet, many track events provide rental helmets. If they do not, your bike helmets SHOULD work at many of them. They're **** (for insurance purposes) but not to the point of WTF-edness. Really, a lot of people drive up, grab a helmet, track-it, and drive home assuming nothing broke. So, whatever prep you do, you're ahead of the curve.

 

Definitely get some new tires. Those tires that you have on there are going to be destroyed and chunked to hell after one day at the track... plus all-seasons won't hook up anywhere near as good as a top-flight performance summer tire and will offer less sidewall stiffness.

 

Whats the Bluegrass?

 

Thanks koksik, do you have any suggestions for brake pads that are track friendly (high temperature)?

I am from Indiana, but I am planning on doing a track day there... new track

Thanks SixOneFive, that's good info... I might need it some day


Thanks driftsucky & partyman, the tires I have on right now have ~5K miles on them. They have uneven wear due to some unknown suspension reasons I was thinking about shredding them at the track and getting new ones but, I guess the track day will be a lot more fun if I have sticky tires I will look for some summer tires

 

A new track in KY:
http://www.drivebluegrass.com/

 

Is that brake package any good? Anyone pick this up before?