I'll be going to performance driving school at the end of next month at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Do I need to change out the stock brake pads or do anything else to the car to make it track-worthy? It's stock now (mechanically), including stock S-02's with 3500 miles on them. Thanks in advance.

 

It depends how good of a driver you are. If you are an experienced track driver upgraded pads and brake fluid are recommended. If it's your first time on the track the stock parts should be fine. The stock S02's are fine if they have decent tread left on them.

 

I took my stock S2000 to Gingerman and it held up reasonably well, although the brakes faded pretty quickly and never did get back to normal (the fluid had junk in it and the stock pads were toast afterwards). I put in new brake fluid (ATE) and new pads (Panther Plus) and was very happy with their performance the next track day I did. If you have the tools and the inclination, then at least change the brake fluid. If your class is more than one day, then I would definitely suggest better fluid and pads.

As for the tires, I agree with Strike. They'll be fine.

 

stock is fine. Brake fluid is probably a good idea.

 

Thanks, folks. I think that I'll change the fluid to ATE and change my pads to Brakeman #3's. I know that I probably can get ATE at a BMW dealer, but does anyone know where I can get it on the web? Thanks again.

 

Call BMP at 1.800.648.7248, they have good prices on the ATE fluid. Tell them you saw it in an ad (Grassroots etc.) for 8.95 and they will give it to you.

 

Thanks, autoxEX!!!

 

For what ever it is worth, change to DOT 4 brake fluid as it has a better heat resistance up to 450 degrees. Also I changed my oil to straight 50W for Watkins Glen last week

Rich