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Car is as done as I wanted it to be and ready for the track tomorrow. I have to say - in reflection, a lot to get to this point. Really happy I'm not thrashing away on the car the night before and can rest easy. A lot of people have really helped get me to that spot and I am super thankful - Randy, Skip, Aaron, Matt @ Aim, Rick for hooking me up with the cat last minute at a stupid low price, guys at Flat-Out for working on my schedule when they were super busy, etc... Point is, I'm just a guy working on a car for fun - occasionally my ambition oversteps my skill or ability to make it happen and these dudes were a huge part of where I am now, thank you to all that have helped the car get to this point and to everyone supporting the build in this thread and the YT channel. Beyond what I want for me and the car, I want those that have followed along to enjoy the ride with me.
As mentioned, I loaded up the track oil the other day - got the level exactly where i wanted it over the past couple days - add a little, check back 24HRS later - to get to just over 1/4 full on the dip stick.
I went over every nut and bolt in the suspension, steering and brakes. Re-checked brake fluid, power steering and coolant levels. Checked the run-in on the new AC-less serp belt.
Loaded the track map in the AIM. GPS will tell it when its at the track and it will start logging and recording lap times automatically.
Have GoPro and other electronics and spaghetti cables set aside ready to grab and go.
Loaded my tools, bringing more than I generally would for first time out in new setup, really trying to make sure nothing small catches me unprepared.
Driver gear in the front seat and we are done !
Planning to roll in with Aaron (theprf) and my Dad is coming to give me a hand if needed and is bringing some of the tools that won't fit easily in the frunk.
I think our rule in CT is that if don't have holes to mount a front plate, you aren't required to have one. Hasn't been an issue for me, but my buddy's dad filled the front holes on his Cayman just in case.
Well, if by all - you mean me and Aaron - Yeah ! we had a blast. The track is unforgiving for mistakes or hubris though, so the same cannot be said for all attendees. Some pretty nice hardware left the track in bad shape.
Originally Posted by yaz996
I think our rule in CT is that if don't have holes to mount a front plate, you aren't required to have one. Hasn't been an issue for me, but my buddy's dad filled the front holes on his Cayman just in case.
I already had been pulled over once on the way there - wasn't going to push my luck
I feel pretty invisible with my work truck. At this point still more comfortable throwing that thing around above the speed limit. Don't want to push my luck.
So, the car did awesome on the hour long drive to the track, gave me some additional confidence things were working as they should, no dash lights or overly weird noises. With all the sound deadening material I have removed, rubber taken out of the suspension, the LSD, it's just a noisy machine.
1st track session I am both excited and nervous. The group we were running with does the first 3 laps of the day under yellow which was really nice to be able to feel the car out at a progressively spirited pace while making sure to get the tires and brakes up to temp before any real pushing.
By the time we went green the car was feeling really good and I could tell the difference in grip from last year. By the end of the session I was back to pushing pretty hard and the car felt perfect. So much capability. When I came into the paddock after the session I got a noise warning - weird as this was the last track I ran last year with no issues, and no changes to the exhaust setup.
I got some intel on where the mic likely was and for the remainder of the day went through the suspected corner one gear higher than I would prefer, 3rd instead of 2nd - no more warnings.
So, some muffler work may be in my future... have some ideas so stay tuned for that.
Faced mild to severe traffic all day - did not get a clean lap. I did take 2 seconds off my best lap here from last year, despite running this lap with some point bys required vs a clean one last year - so the car is seconds faster... its a huge difference. I did not have to give a single point by all day, it really is amazing how fast the car is, for what it is...
Next up will be going over the data, going to give me a lot of info to review, should be fun. Also, will make some edits to the alarm settings I have on the dash now that I have some real world experience to go on.
Just an amazing day and an awesome way to start off the season.
Here's the video from the day.... just a wee bit of talking and a bunch of track footage - hope you all enjoy !
ETA... Tires did not rub in the back at all !!! did not have to break out the Milwaukee dremel I bought... 305/35 work !
Strong effort on the track, the car looks perfectly settled. You will be able to push more once you see the data (“go, go, go”)! Hey, was there a final weight reported?
Strong effort on the track, the car looks perfectly settled. You will be able to push more once you see the data (“go, go, go”)! Hey, was there a final weight reported?
Thanks Randy - I was pushing, but with the traffic and first day out - was not going to turn it to 11, did not work out for some of the folks running that decided to punch above their weight.
Yeah... she was fat...2950 I think...its back a bit in the thread - QC was right.
Originally Posted by Jnelso
Great video, very smooth driving. Glad the car performed as expected. Look forward to seeing you at Thompson.
Me too - for me, short drive, home track and you and Aaron will both be there... I think Aaron said he'll be driving the VW, we'll still let him hang out with us, right ?
04-09-2021, 09:09 PM
