Rocket

Ajit... this is a commonly expressed concern by many who like to be mechanically sympathetic to their cars. Certainly what is not advised is to change up for a few seconds to then have to bang quickly down the box whilst hard on the brakes.

If you are racing its probably quickest to hold the engine on the limiter for a second or two, but otherwise for trackdays etc either short shift to a higher gear earlier, so that you are not near the redline at the end of the straight, or just round the throttle out to hold the engine below the rev limiter.

I think the latter option is the best one, and into the bargin I find that the transition from throttle to brake is much smoother and you end up making a better job of the braking and turning the car into the corner.

Rocket

Edward

Ajit,

Agree with Rocket. You'll save the tranny/clutch from more undue wear (after all, we're not getting paid to win ) and I've found that being less "busy" at turn in results in better concentration/control, allowing me to carry more momentum throughout the entire turn. My thoughts, FWIW

Edward

A.J. - 95 993

I agree with Rocket. There were times at Putnam Park, my first DE, that I was hitting the rev limiter before the brake point (into turns 1 and 5). I only "bounced" on the limiter one or two cycles. But as I got quicker, my shift point came sooner and I knew I would be on the limiter longer than I wanted. I shifted to 4th (before turn 9), wasn't in gear long enough, and here comes the brake point. This feels different than last lap - oh yeah, now I gotta downshift. Oops, I should be in 3rd... OOPS! Geez, I just about missed my turn-in...by the way, where's that apex? Is this what the marbles feel like...? This turn is REALLY off camber way out here! Glad I'm in the beginner's group. For the rest of the day I left it in 3rd through there.

Needless to say, I got myself all tangled up, out of rhythm, and wasn't mentally prepared to change my strategy. Makes me appreciate watching a race more and more!!

Turn 5 was a different story. I started redlining early in 3rd gear (which, by the way, is around 100 mph!). I shifted well before red line into 4th gear just after exiting turn 4, then concentrated on what I needed to do for the braking point. That worked very well for the rest of the day.

Edward

[quote] This feels different than last lap - oh yeah, now I gotta downshift. Oops, I should be in 3rd... OOPS! Geez, I just about missed my turn-in...by the way, where's that apex? Is this what the marbles feel like...? This turn is REALLY off camber way out here! Glad I'm in the beginner's group. <hr></blockquote>
<img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> Been there, done that!!! Nothing like experience as your teacher, eh?

Edward

Joe@Fabspeed

Hi Oleg
basically we all just do as much preventative maintenance as is possible. After alot of tracktime and road usuage people should disassemble and replace certain components like CV/axles and wheel bearing. Even if they look good....youll be screwed when they let go.

The only thing that is important to add....is a "spares list". A spares list have saved me a couple times and most fellow trackpeople.
I bring many spare parts to the track for "just in case". Examples
1) fan belts
2) brake pads
3) wheel bearings
4) Antiroll bar links 1 front & 1 rear
snapped these several times in the past
5) rear toe arm
6) hardware, safety wire, oil & filters and alot of other things.

Richard C2S

Oleg,

I presume you have already followed the link provided by Kim. The special tool wasn't very much - maybe $12 if I remember correctly. Make sure to carry at least a fan belt and an alternator belt. They appear to be the same but are not. The a/c belt is not a must carry item unless you want to have a/c on your way home. I always carry brake pads, brake fluid, oil, electrical and duct tape and a credit card!

Richard

os993

What great feedback! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Joe, if you have the anti-roll bar F & R link part numbers, I would be very grateful if you posted them (am I gonna hear from Ray about this one??)

I plan on purchasing the mentioned belts, as well as update my tool kit - just seems smart.

Lastly, how can I tell if I have (or don't have_ the alternator pulley updated kit?