Transitioning to the track
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 284
Likes: 33
Transitioning to the track
I am wanting to start doing some track days in my car. I'm a total newcomer as far as track days go and wondering what I should do to prepare my car for track use. Here's a little about the car. 2001 C2 with 103xxx miles on it. I've owned it since it had 88k and in that time it's gotten:
-IMS upgrade
-new clutch
-RMS
-AOS
-all new coils/ plugs/ wires
-all new rotors/ pads
-replaced suspension with factory plus H&R sport springs
-today it's getting new front wheel bearings and strut tops
What steps should I take to ensure a good track experience?
-IMS upgrade
-new clutch
-RMS
-AOS
-all new coils/ plugs/ wires
-all new rotors/ pads
-replaced suspension with factory plus H&R sport springs
-today it's getting new front wheel bearings and strut tops
What steps should I take to ensure a good track experience?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 1,268
From: Northern Colorado, USA
As a beginner you don't need much beyond a car that is all up on it's maintenance. The M96/97 engine is prone to oil starvation so at least an X51 oil baffle, or better yet a deep sump is a good idea. Also make sure your engine mounts are good. Joe Gibbs XP9 racing oil is recommended but maybe not needed at first.
Get a good helmet. Driving shoes are not required but nice to have and you can get a decent pair for $100-150. A nice set of driving gloves too. I like Sparco stuff personally.
Other than that get out there and have fun! As you gain experience you can modify the car further as your skills dictate.
Get a good helmet. Driving shoes are not required but nice to have and you can get a decent pair for $100-150. A nice set of driving gloves too. I like Sparco stuff personally.
Other than that get out there and have fun! As you gain experience you can modify the car further as your skills dictate.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Agree with everything Nickshu said.
X51 baffle or similar at a minimum.
Long right handed sweepers can be particularly hard on the M96. Monitor for oil pressure drops in long sweeping turns during warm up laps, even if you install the X51 pan or deep sump.
Also, make sure your brakes are properly bled and your fluid is fresh. Braking on the track will create way more heat than anything you can do on the street.
I would guess this is the case based on the recent brake job, but I want to be thorough.
Have fun and remember, "Smooth is fast".
X51 baffle or similar at a minimum.
Long right handed sweepers can be particularly hard on the M96. Monitor for oil pressure drops in long sweeping turns during warm up laps, even if you install the X51 pan or deep sump.
Also, make sure your brakes are properly bled and your fluid is fresh. Braking on the track will create way more heat than anything you can do on the street.
I would guess this is the case based on the recent brake job, but I want to be thorough.
Have fun and remember, "Smooth is fast".
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 284
From: Edmond, OK
Upgrade to Motul 600 brake fluid and make sure you have the brake ducts installed. Invest in a motive power bleeder and genesis bleed cup and it's a very simple DIY. But only use the Motive to pressure the system, don't actually put the fluid in it. I didn't have the break ducts on for the last track day and brake fade is no bueno. +1 for the X51 baffle.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 936
Likes: 240
The best thing to do for the track is to tighten up the nut behind the wheel; and I mean that in the nicest possible way.
To get ready for a big track and depending on where you are located, a AutoX in a large car park would be a great way to start. Learning the limits in a place where you can't hit anything or hurt the car is a great start to driving at (your) limit. Porsches, right out of the box, are ready for a day of racing, sounds like you take good care of yours; any good DE will require a tech inspection to make sure the car is safe.
POC and PCA have excellent schools, a day with an instructor will improve your skills and give you the confidence to tackle traffic and a big course. Which can be intimidating for a newcomer suddenly thrust into a venue where folks are towing their track cars; albeit that they are in more advanced run groups. Far more fun to get your feet wet when you can concentrate on having a good time instead of not F8cking up.
To get ready for a big track and depending on where you are located, a AutoX in a large car park would be a great way to start. Learning the limits in a place where you can't hit anything or hurt the car is a great start to driving at (your) limit. Porsches, right out of the box, are ready for a day of racing, sounds like you take good care of yours; any good DE will require a tech inspection to make sure the car is safe.
POC and PCA have excellent schools, a day with an instructor will improve your skills and give you the confidence to tackle traffic and a big course. Which can be intimidating for a newcomer suddenly thrust into a venue where folks are towing their track cars; albeit that they are in more advanced run groups. Far more fun to get your feet wet when you can concentrate on having a good time instead of not F8cking up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 757
Likes: 83
I am wanting to start doing some track days in my car. I'm a total newcomer as far as track days go and wondering what I should do to prepare my car for track use. Here's a little about the car. 2001 C2 with 103xxx miles on it. I've owned it since it had 88k and in that time it's gotten:
-IMS upgrade
-new clutch
-RMS
-AOS
-all new coils/ plugs/ wires
-all new rotors/ pads
-replaced suspension with factory plus H&R sport springs
-today it's getting new front wheel bearings and strut tops
What steps should I take to ensure a good track experience?
-IMS upgrade
-new clutch
-RMS
-AOS
-all new coils/ plugs/ wires
-all new rotors/ pads
-replaced suspension with factory plus H&R sport springs
-today it's getting new front wheel bearings and strut tops
What steps should I take to ensure a good track experience?
Have fun and don't try to do too much!
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,286
Likes: 1,514
From: Ormond Beach, FL
Want to know one of the weakest points? Mine blew again today, and I used a brass hose bib fitting. That's twice that damn thing has blown. This will absolutely ruin a track day, and a drive home from the track. Time for the Solution. I just ordered one. See Part 18 here, and get the upgraded Rauch & Spiegle Improved Coolant Hose Connector http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=104-10
Last edited by DBJoe996; Nov 28, 2017 at 03:15 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 757
Likes: 83
Want to know one of the weakest points? Mine blew again today, and I used a brass hose bib fitting. That's twice that damn thing has blown. This will absolutely ruin a track day, and a drive home from the track. Time for the Solution. I just ordered one. See Part 18 here, and get the upgraded Rauch & Spiegle Improved Coolant Hose Connector http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=104-10
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 159
From: Indiana
Good advice about car prep on this board. Equally (if not more) important is to approach it with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and most of all......listen to your instructor. Don't worry about other cars passing you - everyone gets passed - it's all relative. Learn the lines and be smooth and speed eventually comes. Don't drive beyond your comfort level as your ability and experiences increases. PCA has great DE events with instruction for beginners. Most of all, have fun and enjoy it.
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,286
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From: Ormond Beach, FL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 757
Likes: 83
Here's a nice evening session cut short by somebody making a mistake in a big-hp car (go to 10:00 to see the results).
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 1,268
From: Northern Colorado, USA
+1 on better brake fluid. I have boiled mine on the track, not fun coming to the end of a straight and the pedal goes to the floor. I am running Castrol SRF which is the best one out there, but also very expensive. Motul 600 is cheaper, not as good, but as a beginner should be fine.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15,862
Likes: 1,631
From: Clifton, NJ
+1 on better brake fluid. I have boiled mine on the track, not fun coming to the end of a straight and the pedal goes to the floor. I am running Castrol SRF which is the best one out there, but also very expensive. Motul 600 is cheaper, not as good, but as a beginner should be fine.
