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Hi guys. Bought a new 718 Cayman (currently my daily driver) not that long ago and just got through the Break/Run-In period.
So now I’m prepping & looking to hopefully get on the track for the first time soon (even got my helmet & gloves ready). Anyways just looking at beginner stuff: maybe some hpde & basically just want to drive & enjoy the car on some corners in the track (no fun back roads here in South Florida) and just get the feel of the car, not really concerned or thinking about competing or comparing laptimes at this point.
With that said just wondering what recommendations you guys have for affordable wheels (prefer 18s same as the stock wheels and new vs used for reliability’s sake although open to a used set in excellent condition) and tires (looking for dedicated track tires that are just “streetable” enough for them to get me to the track and back home where I can re-swap to the factory goodyear eagle 1’s which I want to keep seperate for everyday driving).
Regarding paint protection prep for the track, was thinking about a clear bra/film for the front bumper, hood, mirrors and maybe a ceramic coat as well (so it’s easier to keep the car clean as well). However, is all this paint prep really necessary or a bit of overkill?
Know I’d have to switch out the stock brake pads and fluid as well or it’ll get fried.
OZ wheels from tire rack and the appropriate size Bridgestone RE71-R tires and you will be good to go tire and wheel wise.
Xpel, or equivalent, on the front of the car and side impact areas will protect the paint. You can start with stock fluid and pads then when you need to upgrade talk to Clark at Apex Performance and he can set you up with appropriate brake pads.
Same question as OP but with a twist - bone stock 718 CS heading to first HPDE. Wheels are 20 inch. If I become a HPFE regular, I will buy track specific wheels. What size recommended? Keep 20"? Down to 19" or 18"? Thinking of Michelin PS2S as streetable track tires . Opinions welcome, pardon the noobness.
Same question as OP but with a twist - bone stock 718 CS heading to first HPDE. Wheels are 20 inch. If I become a HPFE regular, I will buy track specific wheels. What size recommended? Keep 20"? Down to 19" or 18"? Thinking of Michelin PS2S as streetable track tires . Opinions welcome, pardon the noobness.
At least 19's as the tire selection is much better. The Michelin PS4S is the best all around street/track tire as it does really well in the wet and decent in the dry. Not as fast as the RE71-R, R-S4, in 19" sizes but these are pretty sketchy grip in standing water.
I just did an HPDE with my base cayman and the only thing beyond stock I did was bumping up the brake fluid (which included a full flush - which you should do before any track day / HPDE).
To be honest, the Cayman wasn't the limiting factor (even in stock form) it was my bravery
It was on/off rain/sun all day so I had multiple sessions in both damp / dry track conditions and I could barely even get the traction control to kick in.
In summary: this car is insanely capable on the track in stock form. Especially if this is just your first time, you really don't need to do much with it other than the aforementioned high-temp brake fluid flush. You most likely will not (unless you're brave, talented, or stupid) reach beyond the limits of the car.
Originally Posted by ldamelio
Same question as OP but with a twist - bone stock 718 CS heading to first HPDE. Wheels are 20 inch. If I become a HPFE regular, I will buy track specific wheels. What size recommended? Keep 20"? Down to 19" or 18"? Thinking of Michelin PS2S as streetable track tires . Opinions welcome, pardon the noobness.
Keep the bone stock tires for your first day. Do a brake fluid flush. You most likely won't reach anywhere close to the limits of the cayman on your first day (the stock brakes are even great) - and you'll also then know what you need going forward.
That being said, if you know you're gonna do this a lot / slide around a lot (you really have to try to) - invest in 19" lightweight wheels + 19" tires. They are a cheaper consumable than your 20" tires, + you'll keep your street tires clean of the mountains of brake dust from a track day.
The front lip is from TechArt and we decided to keep it black. It's a track car and from September to May we do about two events a month so we don't want to have to keep repainting it.
The lip sits 4 1/8" off the ground in the front and a bit lower at 3 3/4" on the sides by the wheel well.
At least 19's as the tire selection is much better. The Michelin PS4S is the best all around street/track tire as it does really well in the wet and decent in the dry. Not as fast as the RE71-R, R-S4, in 19" sizes but these are pretty sketchy grip in standing water.
Peter
What do you think the time difference would be between the Michelin & RE-71, R-S4 would be on a two mile track?
I am contemplating the same tire questions myself and am considering these as well as the SportCup 2s.
What do you think the time difference would be between the Michelin & RE-71, R-S4 would be on a two mile track?
I am contemplating the same tire questions myself and am considering these as well as the SportCup 2s.
Thanks.
Robert
Depends on the track but... probably only a few seconds at most at a high skill level (on a dry track).
On a wet track, I wouldn't run sticker than PS4S
A friend went with 19" OZ Ultraleggera 8.5" (53 offset) and 10" (40 offset) along with 245x35x19 and 295x30x19 Sport Cup 2's on his 718 Cayman. He says his wrench recommended to go with adj. rear toe links to help fit the wheels.
I am thinking this has more to do with his tire selection size in the rear versus the wheel size. Any opinions? Thanks.
I am going to use my new to me 2018 Boxster S on the track.
I just did an HPDE with my base cayman and the only thing beyond stock I did was bumping up the brake fluid (which included a full flush - which you should do before any track day / HPDE).
To be honest, the Cayman wasn't the limiting factor (even in stock form) it was my bravery
It was on/off rain/sun all day so I had multiple sessions in both damp / dry track conditions and I could barely even get the traction control to kick in.
In summary: this car is insanely capable on the track in stock form. Especially if this is just your first time, you really don't need to do much with it other than the aforementioned high-temp brake fluid flush. You most likely will not (unless you're brave, talented, or stupid) reach beyond the limits of the car.
Keep the bone stock tires for your first day. Do a brake fluid flush. You most likely won't reach anywhere close to the limits of the cayman on your first day (the stock brakes are even great) - and you'll also then know what you need going forward.
That being said, if you know you're gonna do this a lot / slide around a lot (you really have to try to) - invest in 19" lightweight wheels + 19" tires. They are a cheaper consumable than your 20" tires, + you'll keep your street tires clean of the mountains of brake dust from a track day.
Did my first track day in my base 718 at Watkins Glen last weekend. It was mainly wet conditions, but I did have a dry session. I was pushing it pretty hard and traction control didn’t cut in once. I’ll echo how insanely capable this new generation is. For reference, I used to track my 981 GTS. The power was fantastic and a nice change from the previous model. The weather was chilly, so naturally no heat issues. But am curious about the brakes on a hot day...
06-10-2018, 06:14 PM
718 track prep (affordable wheel/tire suggestions)
