Hi all, I did some seaches about preparing a car for couple of track days this year and over the next year, but I just got a few posts regarding my topic. I have a 99 Coupe DX with engine swap and other mods as shows in my signature. Now, I want to go to a track day on Street of Willow of Buttonwillow race track in the next couple of events. However, this will be my first time doing it and I don't think my car is prepared for it.

As for my understand, I need a few bars to reinforce my chassis and the body of the car, but I am not really sure which I need and someone please explain to me which installs to where as I am confused of their installation locations. Please list a list of bars and body and/or chassis reinforcement I need to handle the suitation on track althought this will be my first time.

Also, my another concern is that I only have 1 set of rims and the stock wheels that I had before the engine swap. Since that will be my first time on track or circuit, I am not familiar with the condition of the tires after my first day of learning on track. I was suggested to have another set of rims ready as spare, but I don't want to spend the money as this is only my first try on track. Please suggest what I can do about the tires and possibly if I can use the stock wheels on the way to track and back home and use the aftermarket rims and pre-mounted tires for track only?

I am located in San Diego and as some of you know, the tracks that I will be going to in up in north and approximately about 2 and 1/2 hrs to 3 hrs driving from SD to there. So, tires are my main concern and I don't have a tow truck or SUV for it.

Please advise and thanks in advance.

 

good post

You dont need any bars or chassis reinforcments at all. As long as the tires are in good shape and have good tread you wont need another set.

You will need better brake pads and brake fluid - stock civic brakes werent designed to stop a car with 200+ hp. If you decide you want to keep doing events, you will probably want bigger brakes (ITR brakes or Fastbrakes kit) to handle track use. I would recommend calling Carbotech for pads.

 

Yeah you don't NEED all that stuff, but its nice to have. Just make sure all of your fluids are good, and make sure your bake pads and tires will last you. Tires are the most important thing to have, because you don't want to have to cut your day short because your tires are going bald. Just know that since you don't have the chassis reinforced you will need to rotate the tire a few times, because of uneven wear. A few weeks ago I took an enterprise chevy cavalier out to Thunderhill and had a blast.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by coos &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just know that since you don't have the chassis reinforced you will need to rotate the tire a few times, because of uneven wear.</TD></TR></TABLE>

BS.

 

If you have Axxis Ultimates you should be fine your first track day unless it is brutally hot. After that you'll probably be fast enough to fade them pretty quickly.

If you have Axxis MetalMasters pads then you NEED to get some different brake pads for the track. You don't want to be dealing with fading pads your first day out there.

Bleed your brakes with some high temp fluid like Ate Super Blue/Type200 and you should be good to go on that end. If your pads are running low, then bring some spares. The most common issue to leave people stranded at the track is not paying attention to their front pad level and hitting the backing plate. Can't really drive around without front brakes ya know...

Other than that, just make sure your car is in good condition and overfill the oil slightly at the track. Check your oil level and lug nut torque periodically throughout the day and you should have a blast.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Def &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you have Axxis Ultimates you should be fine your first track day unless it is brutally hot. After that you'll probably be fast enough to fade them pretty quickly.
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Ultimates arent going to cut it with stock civic brakes, I dont think.

 

Don't worry about your tires. Unless they're at the wearbars already, they'll be fine.

How much they'll actually wear will depend on the track, your car and the tire itself.

As RJ said, the bars aren't necessary and some would argue that they're a waste of money entirely. Not having them will NOT cause you any adverse effects like extra or uneven tire wear.

Brake pads and fluid could be an issue. You could go out there with what you have... You would have a more enjoyable weekend, however, if you were to buy something a little more appropriate for the track. Again, the best thing to do is call somewhere like Carbotech, tell them what you're doing, and let them set you up with some pads and fluid. You won't have to worry about cutting a session short because your brakes are going on you.

The most important thing is just to make sure the car is in good overall shape... check the torque on all your key nuts and bolts, check your fluid levels and go have fun.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ultimates arent going to cut it with stock civic brakes, I dont think.
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Maybe for 1 event. If you take it *REAL* easy. And put yourself on a speed limit on the straights. But what fun is that.....?

 

after looking at the motor you have, you will need some good brake pads. I run the CObalt friction GTsports, and they are good, and i haven't had any fad, although i always give my self a cushin in the braking some and they seem to be good. some people complain about them sqeeking, but i barely ever hear it.

 

Who cares about squeaking brake pads on a race kaaa?

&lt;----Been on the same GT-Sports for like 1 1/2 years, somehow they're still good. Maybe I'm not braking enough or something?

 

ya i have goten 4 laping days and about 1000 street miles on mine and they are still thick as hell. some people have said they can only use a set for a weekend

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ya i have goten 4 laping days and about 1000 street miles on mine and they are still thick as hell. some people have said they can only use a set for a weekend </TD></TR></TABLE>

What motor/brakes are on your car.... makes a big difference.

 

93 hatch JDM ITR with 11.1" prelude vtec rotor's and claipers

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">93 hatch JDM ITR with 11.1" prelude vtec rotor's and claipers</TD></TR></TABLE>

He's on stock civic brakes. Axxis ultimates wont cut it with those.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

He's on stock civic brakes. Axxis ultimates wont cut it with those.</TD></TR></TABLE><TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">after looking at the motor you have, you will need some good brake pads. </TD></TR></TABLE>

 

Axxis ultimates performed pretty decent with a stock DX engine(like 70whp) at limerock which doesnt have any long straights, and is fairly easy on brakes(correct me if you think otherwise, since its the only track ive been on).


Get some good fluid, which I had done at local mechanic for 40 bucks(without the cost of fluid), and some good pads and youll be set.

 

Wow, thanks for the infomation guys. I did not expect this post could have so many people replied and viewed.

I don't have a stock brake rotor. I did not put that in my signature, but I have a brembo rotor disc in the front and a stock pair of EG brake conversion in the back without any upgrade at this point.

Base on what I understand from you guys, if I changed all the pads (frnt and back)with some good ones like those that you guys mentioned, and change the brake fluids accordingly, the braking part should be ok for me as a beginning.

As for the chassis, I can leave it out like a stock DX since I already have the suspension upgraded.

Another main concern is that what type of motor oil should I be changing to before going on the track day? I am currently using 10W-30 mobil-1 syn. for daily driving for over an year on this motor now. However, I am not sure if I should other oil instead of 10W-30?

By the way, as of now, my 2 other friends and I (all beginners) are planning to attend the speedtrialusa event on the 26th (i think), any of you guys going? Also, do you guys know if there will be an instuctor assigned to each of us at that day since we are at the beginning level?

Thanks again for all those replies.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtec_5900 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don't have a stock brake rotor. I did not put that in my signature, but I have a brembo rotor disc in the front </TD></TR></TABLE>

Still a stock rotor. Call carbotech for pads, ask for Matt

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Another main concern is that what type of motor oil should I be changing to before going on the track day? I am currently using 10W-30 mobil-1 syn. for daily driving for over an year on this motor now</TD></TR></TABLE>

Just change it before the event, its fine.

 

Also, can you guys list the type of oil and fluids before and possibly after the track day is over for my car? Up to now, I only hear changing about braking fluid. But I think there maybe more, but not sure what other fluids and oil I should be changing prior to the track day.

My tranny oil changed 2 months ago with about 5000 miles. I believe that the oil for the LSD for ITRs are linked (or maybe some better terms?) together with the tranny, so if I changed the tranny oil, the LSD is also cleaned as well. Is that true?

Thanks again

 

I think tire wear will be greater at the Streets of Willow than at Buttonwillow. (The big track at Willow springs is easy on tires and brakes). That's especially if your car understeers. SOW is a narrower track with many tight turns.

Pushing too hard won't make you go any faster around, you'll just be spinning the front tires. I used to get lots of outer front tire wear in the front at the streets of willow until I learned to just take it easier around certain spots.

If you have an LSD it will make a big difference. So, at the streets, w/o LSD, you'll want to check your tires mid-way through the day and perhaps rotate them front to back.

The oil you're using is fine. Many ppl recommend using synthetic tranny fluid as well. there's an event on 10/22 with Redline. Just scroll down on this forum and look for the post.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtec_5900 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My tranny oil changed 2 months ago with about 5000 miles. I believe that the oil for the LSD for ITRs are linked (or maybe some better terms?) together with the tranny, so if I changed the tranny oil, the LSD is also cleaned as well. Is that true?</TD></TR></TABLE>

LSD is in the same case, and the OEM LSD doesnt have any special fluid requirements. Honda MTF will be fine for a few events, but if you're doing plenty of events its wortwhile to start using a synthetic fluid. I use Motul Gear300.

Edit: Example of a tech form you'll probably need to fill out http://www.nasaproracing.com/i...h.pdf (Its not a NASA event, but its a good guideline)

 

Don't forget about prepping the driver too! Eat a light breakfast and lunch, and stay away from soda! Drink lots of water (or Gatorade/sports drinks if you like sweet stuff). Bring a hat, sunglasses, sun block, and gloves. Wear comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that some organizations won't allow shorts and skirts, so be sure to bring some jeans or long pants.

I always bring at least two spare wheels/tires. This is more of ensuring I get home instead of keeping me on the track. That way, if I have an off and suffer a puncture or two, I can call it a day and still be able to drive back home from the track.

Also, it's good to bring friends so you can have help for things like rotating tires, going on food runs, etc.

 

What outrun said...

and download some in car vids so you will know what the track is like. Watch them.

The night before, dont stay up all night preparing your car in the dark cutting up your knuckles.

 

Thanks for all that good information. Honestly, I have a very little mechanics skill, but I am very interested in driving on track or circuit. I will be paying for all of the mechanics part as I am not sure what I am doing and I live in an apartment, so can't do much here.

So as of the tires and brakes are the main concern for a track day. As I asked in the very first post in this topic, can I use my stock DX tires and wheels when I am going to and back home after the day is over? Of course, I will be using another set of rims and tires just for track use on that start. So basically, can I change the rims and tires onto the car when I am ready to roll on track and use the stock wheels and tires on the way to track and back home?

Thanks again for all that information.