Long time owner never tracked the car.

It's a 2003 C4 cabriolet, tip, with 85xxx kms on the clock with low temp thermostat, new water pump, LN oil filter adapter, magnetic plug.

It's coming up for its 6-monthly oil change, and I want to do the oil pump piston upgrade (got all the parts ready to go).

So my questions:
- do the oil change before or after?
- what else do I need to do?
- what do I might want to do after, such as changing brake fluid etc.?

 

No deep sump?

 

- do the oil change before or after?: BEFORE

- what else do I need to do? Check brakes, all other fluids, get a torque wrench and be sure to check wheel torque before each session, get a good tire gauge and be sure to check pressures before and after each session, and adjust accordingly, get a good helmet, listen to your instructor, and have fun!

- what do I might want to do after, such as changing brake fluid etc.? Prolly don't need to do anything much afterwards, EXCEPT, be sure and once again inspect tires, brakes, oil level, torque, etc. before you head home.

 

I'm far from expert, but have an '03 C2. I always put fresh oil in before a track day. New oil is always best oil. Many organization require brake fluid be changed within weeks of any track day, so I'd check into that and change it anyway. Make sure coolant is topped up and rads are clear of debris.

 

Changing the oil after tracking the car is definitely locking up the barn after the horses have gone.

The best answer would be "both" - but if not both, definitely "before."

 

I just started doing DE events last year.
All of the suggestions thus far are spot on.
If you have the oil pan off, buy a X51 oil baffle and install, see other RL threads on this.
Watch videos of the track you are going to.
Different PCA chapters have track suggestion lists on their webpages, check them out.
Be safe, listen to the instructor.
GL
David

 

Also do some slow warm down laps

 

And torque your lug bolts/nuts every day at the track

 

you got good advice above.
check the tires for any issues. bring a good tire pressure gauge. check tire pressures before and throughout the day, the pressures will go up. make small incremental adjustments as needed. make friends at the DE event, there are typically guys that are knowledgeable that will help during the day.
you can ask your P shop to do a tech inspection to check for fluids, tires, and any loose suspension parts.
check the fluids before and after.
check the lug torque before and after.
change the oil and brake fluid before. especially if oil is 6+ months or brake fluid is 12+ months old. if you use good quality fluids, they should hold up for more than one day. I use torco motor oil and brembo brake fluid and they hold up well.
check brake pads. if they are low, change them. consider pads that are good for street/track.
get your tow hook out and availalble.
bring thin painters tape for numbers. some without PPF bring wide painters tape to cover headlights and other parts.
buy or reserve helmet.
check youtube for turn by turn instructions for your track. youtube also has good videos on what to do and what to expect at DE day.
clean out your car of anything loose.
reserve an instructor if available.
in beginner group find your own line. when you move up to intermediate, you can learn a lot from the better drivers.
work on your line, not your speed. faster time will naturally come once you know the track and your line.
watch your spacing, especially in beginner group. treat it the same as road driving, and avoid anyone pushing it too much.
good luck and have fun.

 

Thanks all for your suggestions. I haven't seen the need to take the oil pan off, but will definitely put an X51 pan.

Will need to:
- book oil, filter and oil pump piston change
- buy an overall
- buy a helmet

The event is organised through an outfit at Manfeild.

The Club in NZ only organises regular DEs in Auckland, 600kms away.

 

Oh, I almost forgot. DON'T do this:

 

Or this:

 

Nope, not planning to ....

 

Pretty sure our fellow RLers didn't plan too either.

 

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...heck-list.html

Lot's of info about track days if you use the search feature.

I would add to the above link. Check you tire's manufacture date. If you are riding on tires 4 years old or more they will suck at the track. Fresh tires are extremely important.