Hey guys. Just a few basic Qs for you - tried searching but couldn't find it. These will be 5 x 20min sessions at Limerock. The car will be a prelude SH.

1) I'm going to change the oil in a bit. I have conventional now, should I go to synthetic or a blend, or stick with conventional. Does it matter? now I have 5w30. should I use 10w30 for track? Bc I'll probably change it right after the event. I'm also planning to bring a few quarts up (just in case)

2) Tire pressure - Suspension is as follows: 25mm rear anti roll bar, strut braces, SO-3 tires. Should I stick with 32psi? go higher/lower - front/back distribution? from what I read, would 35f/36r be a good start for 3042lb car?

3) My brakes are 50% front & 40% rear. I don't want to change them bc they'll get cooked anyway. Since its not a competition I'm not worried about times, just going to have fun. Do you think its really necessary to change them?

4) Clutch is also slipping in 1st when starting, but doesn't slip once im driving, even at redline. But that won't be changed till after the event.

Anyway, sorry for so many Qs, but is there anything I'm forgetting or should consider? Thanks in advance.

Peter

 

1- use what ever oil you have been, and just keep checking every session, then when you get home change it if you want to.

2-keep the pressure at what you normally use and then after your first session look for your wear marks and go from there, also how does the car feel

3-leave the brakes alone, what fluid do you have in there now? maybe bleed it once before you get to the track. but you might have to change it after wards-

4- well if it slips now it might slip more, but if you take it easy on your shifting you should make it last- Myself- I would not attend with out a good working clutch- but thats me.

As for anything else... Bring your own food from home (alot cheaper and better)

 

Brakes the key to HPDEs. Lime Rock has one big braking zone going into big bend. The other turns you don't have to use the brakes that much.

If you have the time, I would change the brake fluid. If you have access to better brake fluids, use them. If not, the local parts store should have a DOT 3 & 4 synthetic formula. I used to use Valvoline SynPower (exceeds DOT 3 & 4 specs - higher boiling point).

Do not switch to synthetic. Once you do, you'll have to stay with it.

Now for yourself - drink plenty of water the days before. I know it should be cold, but you'll still become dehydrated. Most importantly, enjoy the day. You'll be fine - there will also be plenty of instructors at the track to help you...

 

Go ahead and get new front pads. Depending on what type they are, you could very easily burn through most the pad over a weekend. I've seen lots of people get down to the backing plates of BMW OEM Jurids at HPDEs because they thought a worn pad would be fine.

Drink lots of water, and bring extra clothes to the event. Nothing is worse than being uncomfortable while out there. Remember sunglasses and sunscreen as well. I personally don't burn, but some people will be lobster red at the end of even an overcast day.

I'd personally start off with 2lbs more air in the fronts than the rears. Aim for the low 40's or so hot.

Other than that, keep the shiny side up and have fun!

 

What's been said above is good advice. Changing the brake fluid should be one of your top priorities, IMO if you don't have fresh stuff in there. No one wants brake fade while on track.

 

I would def change your front pads. Even i you just use something like axxis ultimates, it would make a big difference, and handle the heat better too.

Try to find out what the tires optimal pressure is. And from there pay attention to how much of an increase in pressure you get in sessions, and set the pressures accordingly.

Ive driven lime rock twice, and both times were with a clutch that was on its way out. Never slipped, but it was weak. I never had any problems with it either time.

If you know how to match your revs when down shifting, you shouldnt have any problems with your clutch. Just dont stand on when you exit the pits in first.


Mike

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess I'll change the front pads. Since this is on nov 10 I might not have time to send for axxis ultimates. Would any of you suggest getting itr pads as opposed to stock prelude pads? As for oil I guess I'll stick with conventional 10w30. If anyone has anything else to add please do.

 

I don't see why carbotech can't send you a set of Ultimates before Nov. 10 if you call them early Monday. Unless they are out of stock on them. I believe they are in the East Coast (NC?), so you should have them by the end of the week.

If you're planning to do track days often, you might even consider more dedicated track pads and save the stock with 50% for street use.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">2) Tire pressure - Suspension is as follows: 25mm rear anti roll bar, strut braces, SO-3 tires. Should I stick with 32psi? go higher/lower - front/back distribution? from what I read, would 35f/36r be a good start for 3042lb car?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Plan on the hot pressures to be about 6-8psi above the starting pressures.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">3) My brakes are 50% front & 40% rear. I don't want to change them bc they'll get cooked anyway. Since its not a competition I'm not worried about times, just going to have fun. Do you think its really necessary to change them?</TD></TR></TABLE>


I can't stress how important upgrading the brake pads and fluid will be for a fun and safe first HPDE. Even though you may think your lower speeds will lessen brake fade this is not true. Actually most beginners will be on the brakes earlier and more often so the heat will build up fast. The last thing you want to have happen will be the pedal going to the floor at 115+mph heading into turn one. Go with some ATE, Motul 600, or something similar for the fluid. The Axxis Ultimates should be sufficient, but the Carbotech Panther Plus would also be a good choice for a multi purpose pad. If you don't mind changing rotors and pads at the track, a race type pad would be best.


Modified by 6ghatch at 7:13 PM 10/26/2003

 

Ok guys, I just ordered a set of F+R axxis ultimates from cobalt friction. Also a quart of ATE superblue. The brake fluid was changed to Honda stuff ~2 months ago but I'm going to bleed it before just to be sure. Thanks guys.

 

dont introduce the ATE into the system unless you're going to do a full flush.