I may be going to a road coarse for the first time in a couple weeks. I just want to try it out, and see what its like.

Im sure it will be a blast, and I will get addicted...but I am wondering what I should do to my car before hand?

Oh, car is 2000 Cx with b18c1 swap, Koni Yellows, Ground Control Coilovers, 16" rota wheels with tires that have decent tread.

All I have is stock discs up front, and DRUMS in back.

Should I switch to a different brake pad for the front breaks, and just leave the drums alone? Maybe some pads that take heat better??

Do the drums need anything?

Do I need something like a high temp brake fluid?

Should I strip out some stuff from the car...like passanger seat, back seats, spare, speakers etc? I am thinking anything that makes it easier on my crappy brakes the better.

What should I bring with me?
Basic tools?
Brake Fluid
Pads
Coolant
Oil
Jack?
Jackstands?

Would you recommend a height to keep my car at? Like lower in front, higher in back?

Oh, I also assume I should change the oil before the race, and afterward.

Suggestions welcome.

Levi

 

Sounds like to me you're pretty well on your way, all good thoughts. A lot of people are going to tell you to just go stock, have fun, and not push yourself or your brakes too hard. But if you have stock brakes/pads/fluid, I would do myself a favor and get some better pads/fluid at least. You don't have to go full-out with track-only pads, but get something that is a compromise for track and street - that way you don't get 10-15 minutes into a session and already start having brake fade, that'll just suck. Plus, I've always noticed on stock cars, the pads loose a lot of power after they've been through a track day, and it takes them weeks to get the feel back even after bleeding (glazing the stock pads possibly?). So my advice is to replace just the front pads with something like a Hawk HP or HP+ or equivalent, leave the rear drums stock, and flush with some Super ATE Blue or Motul 600 fluid. When you're done for the weekend, put your stock pads back on (if you wish)

Everything else for preperation is a no brainer - like the oil change, taking some tools, etc. Meet some smart/fast people, watch what they do, ask lots of question, learn, and make mental notes. Don't get in too much of a hurry at first.

Other than that, have fun... and uh, get ready, the go fast crack pipe is about to hit ya

 

I'd just go stock and have fun..then worry about modifications once you get your feet wet and decide you'd like to continue. However if you are going to make any modifications, like mentioned the pads and fluid are what you would want to change.

A tire pressure gauge will come in handy as will something to inflate your tires if necessary. And bring something to clean your windows.

 

Before the event:
- buy some decent brake pads (call Cobalt Friction or Carbotech, both great companies). A light duty dual-purpose pad will do for your first event.
- buy decent brake fluid. I use Motul or ATE.
- buy/borrow a torque wrench
- check car for leaks. check ball joints, tie rods, axle boots for tears. change oil. it hasn't been done in a while, also do coolant and tranny fluid.

bring to event:
- torque wrench
- few quarts oil
- water
- misc hand tools, hammer
- sun block, hat
- water
- helmet (or arrange to borrow one)
- comfortable shoes, long pants, long shirt
- water
- some food
- some beer, if you are so inclined (for Sat night) just don't overdo it

Have fun.

 

Thanks for the replys.

I'm going just for fun, but at the same time I want to be prepared, ya know. Im definatly not going to be pushing things. Just going around the track kinda slow should be fun!

I think I am going to look into some pads and fluids. Im going to raise up my car some before I go as well

I am running 225 40/R16 tires right now, and Im not really low but with the wide tire I get some scraping in the front when going over large bumps in the road, or if I take a corner too fast.

Tire gauge, window cleaner...great ideas!

 

Don't worry about being rude by asking questions, once your there. My first hit...i mean event, I didn't want to bother anyone with excessive driving questions. But i soon learned that most experienced drivers don't mind sharing, and it doeasn't hurt if you have some ice cold water to offer .

 

Sunscreen
Hat
Shade
LOTS OF WATER

snacks

Clean your car out..

you don't want that "lost CD" flying out from under your seat and get under your foot while you are driving

I would brings a spare set of pads and the tools to replace them
.... IN CASE you need them to get you home.....


I've run plenty of track days where I didn't need the spare pads..
but I was glad when I had them for the one time that I needed them..
I was able to drive home!

 

Cool!

Just from experience, if you don't replace the ones you have on there now at least bring an extra set of pads, and the tools to replace them.

I've found that some cross-drilled rotors absosmurfly suck, so solid disks aren't so bad. You'd be surprised how much of a difference a decent pad combined with new fluid can make.

You'll be doing most of your breaking with the fronts, so I wouldn't worry about the rear drums too much.

Here's a couple links that may help... (some perspectives)
http://www.nerdsracing.com/links_stories.htm

And eventhough this is an autocross checklist I think it kind of works for trackdays too: http://www.nerdsracing.com/Xlist.htm

Have fun and don't forget the sunscreen (or a raincoat)

 

Thanks again for all the positive replys. Road Racing/Autocross always gives me awesome answers!!

Looks like I will be buying a set of Hawk HP+ pads. Probably change fluid too....I hate bleeding brakes though!

Only problem is I don't have a helmet, and I'm not sure if I could rent one....could I use a motorcycle helmet or something along those lines?

I just became unemployed so buying a Helmet is not an option at this time.

 

You could probably get a loaner helmet at the track. I'm sure someone would be willing to let you borrow their helmet if you get a balaclava (about $30).

As for removing seats, etc., I wouldn't remove the passenger seat because then your instructor wouldn't have any place to sit!

Have fun!

 

I think Axxis Ultimates have a bit higher fade temp than Hawk HP+. Something to look into. They're an excellent street/track pad IMO.

Don't worry too much about the car your first time, just make sure your brakes won't give out and you'll have a blast.

 

If others have not mentioned it...

- An umbrella. Useful for sunburn prevention (carry it around in the dry...seriously), and invaluable when it rains (yes, you'll drive in the rain too...great fun actually)
- Folding chair.

Apart from that, it sounds like you've got it figured out...go with decent brakes and an open mind, and go to *learn* not to go fast. Fast will come in time.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HXMan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Im going to raise up my car some before I go as well</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good idea. Suspension travel = good. Rubbing = generally bad.

Have fun...you'll get addicted as soon as the first-event-jutters are behind you.

EDIT: Depending on what group is running the event, they might have loaner helmets. But, assume that they don't. Ask some local track junkies if you can borrow one, or better yet, just go buy an SA rated helmet. Because you WILL get hooked and you WILL need a helmet eventually.

 

Don't forget to prepare your mind and body before the event. Get lots of rest and eat a good meal that will keep you going during the day. I can't tell you enough how much sufficient rest and good fuel for the brain will improve your day.

Also, and I mention this only because I have been guilty of it myself: If something scares, spooks or upsets you during the day you should take it up with the event organizer. This includes on and off-track behavior of other folks. If you think someone is dangerous or too aggressive, or maybe they clearly don't know the line and need some extra coaching, don't be afraid to talk to the organizer. They can't fix problems if they don't know about them. You paid for and deserve a safe, fun day, and a little action on your part can help ensure you get what you pay for.

One last thing. You used the word "race" in your last question. It's not a race. It's a track day. You sound like a nice guy who knows what he's getting into, but I just want to remind you to be safe and bring it home shiny and not on a hook. (Changing the oil once after the event is fine. You don't need to do it before *and* after.)

-Adam

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HXMan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Should I switch to a different brake pad for the front breaks, and just leave the drums alone? Maybe some pads that take heat better??

Do the drums need anything?

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Levi, like others have said, the drums/shoes will be fine provided you have sufficient material. I don't think that a 2000 model would have gone through a substantial amount of shoe material but I would "check" them to make sure you are not near the backing plates. Provided you have some material back there, you shouldn't have any problems. Have fun.

 

Take yo self a 40 of malt slizzle and Krank dat ish up to 80

den

turn off yO! lights and let go of the steering wheel

that ish is Ill son - Dont Be a Meance While Drinking Your Juice in Da Hood


Take it like Elvis at the bufffet line

Slow and steady. Make sure your obsevant not only so you don't slam any other cars into a wall but so that you can improve your ability to predict and react to things your not dirrectly focused on

IE that ricer in the CRX loses a dumpster exhaust tip and you manage to evade it without further incident ............................AT 190+ MPH

- o.k maybe not that fast

After a couple of trips if you enjoy yourself pick up an instructor, as long as it's not Ghetto Racer you should be able to keep your car on the track - j/k

If you have the ability for in car camera please do so as this can easily be used to point out weak spots or hesatations in order to improve your skilz yO!

 

Lmao...you guys crack me up!

And to reply to mityvr6 I definatly want to be easy on things. I dont know what I would do if my car came back something other then shiny!

I was planning on bringing my camcorder...maybe I will look into building a ghetto mount for it...

 

Make sure that the mount is sturdy...the last thing you want is a 5 lb projectile flying through the inside of your car...especially if you become acquainted with a wall.