I am a rookie at this, so flame away if I am asking the wrong questions.

I am taking a two day Track Time Performance Driving school at Watkins Glen in mid-July. Prior to this class, I plan on changing my brake fluid over to ATE Superblue and stock pads to Porterfield R4-S pads. I will also add Speedbleeders while I am doing the change over.

Now for the questions...

1. Track Time asked they we arrive at the track with our tires at 40 psi. Considering the fact that we are running in mid-Summer on a high speed track, do these initial pressures appear to be on the high side? Won't the higher tire pressure tend to make the car loose on the the track?

2. Is there any other preparation other than the brakes, an oil change and the independent inspection that I should plan on doing?

3. I expect that the brakes will be very close to red hot. What precautions should be taken to prevent the rotors from warping other than "cool down" laps?

4. After the school ends, should I bleed my fluid once again prior to driving the six hours home?

Thanks in advance for your input!

John

 

1. 40psi seems awfully high.

2. Bring some oil with you. You may burn some. Bring a tire gauge. Do you need a helmet?

3. Don't put the parking brake on after lapping. Drive around abit after getting off the track.

4. It will be easier to bleed the brake at home, you should make it home ok.

 

John,

I'm sure more experience members will chime in, but since I'm still a novice (2 track days and 1 race driving school) my experiences may help:

ATE Superblue and Porterfield R4-S pads is an excellent idea. Be sure to do this at least a week in advance so fully seat the pads and more importantly so you get used to them (unless you are planning on only using the Porterfield pads for the track). I got addicted to the better stopping power.

1) I'd try something closer to 34-36psi cold, but you'll get lots of opinions on this.

2) I'd make sure your air filter is reasonably clean, and that your transmission and differential fluid don't have too much more that 10000 miles. You will also need to remove everything that could possibly come loose in the car. I leave my floor mats, CDs and other convenience items at home, and take a plastic storage container to put other stuff (tire gauge, tool kit, etc.) in. You'll have to take the spare out, too.

3) I do a cool down lap on the track, then drive beyond the paddock area and back before I park. Don't use your parking brake.

4) Depends on if you boiled your fluid (does the brake pedal feel mushy?) After my first track day (stock fluid), I had mush city. After the second track day the ATE SuperBlue was fine. It'll depend on the track and how you brake.

Good questions; have fun!

Ted

 

Thanks john, Im going to Watkins Glen too, and was going to do the exact same thing, thanks for asking the question for me.

 

meat,

No. I do not have a helmet but plan on borrowing one at the track. Also, we are required to drive top up. That should be very interesting in terms of restricting peripheral vision.

I plan on bringing an extra quart of Mobil 1 and liter of ATE, just in case.

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Tedster,

I'm at 11k on the odometer with the original differential fluid and only 2k on the tranny fluid. I was thinking about changing the differential fluid over to Redline.

What would you recommend?

My K&N air filter is due for a cleaning/oiling. I'll put that on the list.

I like the idea of using the plastic storage container for off-track storage.

Thanks again for taking the time to offer your help guys!

It seems that only the nicest people buy this car!

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Aumat,

I look forward to meeting you! Are you staying at the Seneca Lodge? Both Tim S2k and I will be there. I was told that there will be five S2000's in the school.

I can hardly wait!

John

 

Yep im at the seneca lodge, heading up on the 10th. staying over til the 13th. I called today to check about the safety checklist, and we can run top-down, just need to get some arm restraints, so in case of a roll over, your arms stay in the car. Definitely worth it to me so i can have the top down.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Aumat
[B]Yep im at the seneca lodge, heading up on the 10th. staying over til the 13th.

 

Arm restraints look like this:


You can find 'em for $20 or so at http://www.racerwholesale.com/

The events I've done at SIR didn't require arm restraints, so I've run top down without 'em. Doesn't seem like a bad idea, though.

I had my dealer replace my differential fluid at 10000 miles with the standard Honda fluid. Man, that stuff was nasty ! I had already had the transmission fluid replaced during the TSB work earlier. If you search you'll find others' thoughts on Red Line fluids.

 

Arm restraints could be a problem with a regular seat belt. Remember you slide those on the shoulder harness of 4-point racing harnesses. The stock shoulder belt crosses from one side to the other.

 

Thanks Pepe,

does anyone know of any arm restraints for standard seat belts? I would hate to run with the top up. JMO.