Track Day Prep for Mostly Stock 2017 GT350

[effektz]

Hey everyone,

I’ve got a track day coming up in a few months and could use some advice on getting my mostly stock 2017 GT350 prepped. I’m not looking to compete or chase lap times, just want to enjoy the experience and explore the car’s potential a bit more.

I’ll be running at larger tracks like Circuit of the Americas and Road America, so I want to make sure the car is dialed in enough to handle high speed sections without overdoing it. The car sees some spirited driving here and there, but realistically, it’ll only see the track once or twice a year.

A few things I’m wondering about

• Is a tow hook/ring worth installing for occasional track use?
• Would a catch can help?
• Would it be beneficial to get a tune?

Open to any suggestions on mods, prep tips, or general advice from those who’ve tracked their GT350s. Appreciate the help!

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[WItoTX]

Welcome....I've done COTA once, and it's completely ruined MSR and ECR for me.

Tldr: Brake fluid flush, engine oil, trans fluid, and diff fluid. Maybe coolant.

That said...first you should prepare for an engine replacement. I'm not saying get a better motor before you start, I'm saying anticipate a failure, so that it doesn't ruin your day when it happens.

The voodoo is not a track motor that enjoys any abuse. I absolutely loved mine, and babied it, did mods that didn't affect engine nvh, and it still failed.

As far as the other stuff. Good track pads, inspect your rotors for cracks, change brake fluid, maybe upgrade tires to something sticky, and go into it ready to learn. No hangovers, eat clean food, get good sleep.

Other stuff...start with fresh oil, fresh trans fluid, and fresh diff fluid. I'd also say change your coolant.

Enjoy, COTA is amazing, and if I wasn't replacing a motor this year, I'd be going to Road America too. Have fun at them all, the network of friends you will make always surprises me. YouTubers, local track rats, gentlemen drivers, and professional drivers. And about as friendly as you can imagine. It doesn't get much better than that.

 

[Therealmattlex]

I would say flush your brake fluid and make sure you have over 50% brake pads left or more.

Usually there is a tech inspection or self tech and as long as you pass that you should be good.

Other then that for a first event just enjoy. Sticky tires are fun, good alignment is fun, more power is fun. None of it is more fun then being out there.

 

[Joe Mac]

I'd make sure your tires are new or close to being new and fresh oil

 

[honeybadger]

COTA is awesome. first track event? or first one at COTA? what's your previous track experience?

 

[WItoTX]

I missed one item you asked about. Most clubs require at least 1 tow hook. So I'd get one. Check the clubs website for what each requires.

Catch can, sure, but not required, no need for a tune either.

 

[svttim]

Hey everyone,

I’ve got a track day coming up in a few months and could use some advice on getting my mostly stock 2017 GT350 prepped. I’m not looking to compete or chase lap times, just want to enjoy the experience and explore the car’s potential a bit more.

I’ll be running at larger tracks like Circuit of the Americas and Road America, so I want to make sure the car is dialed in enough to handle high speed sections without overdoing it. The car sees some spirited driving here and there, but realistically, it’ll only see the track once or twice a year.

A few things I’m wondering about

• Is a tow hook/ring worth installing for occasional track use?
• Would a catch can help?
• Would it be beneficial to get a tune?

Open to any suggestions on mods, prep tips, or general advice from those who’ve tracked their GT350s. Appreciate the help!

As others have said, flush the brakes. I keep fresh oil in mine every track day. I would get the engine oil separator at least for the drivers side. No tune! get the car realigned to the track specs in the supplement from Ford. Don't shift the car at 8250. The engine does not make power at that RPM. I have never run at COTA but have run Road America. RA is a high speed track. Check the brake pads. The stock pads hold up just fine but they are not that thick to begin with so ensure you have enough for a track day.

When beginning to track your car, remember, the car is far more capable then you are. Any upgrades should be either safety related or longevity related.

PS, I do abuse my car per se, but I spent the time to prepare to ensure the car is ready. You treat the car right, she'll be good to you. Of course, there are always chances of failure. PS, dont forget the Helmet, gloves shoes ect. Treat you right too!

 

[lunatect]

As others have said, flush the brakes. I keep fresh oil in mine every track day. I would get the engine oil separator at least for the drivers side. No tune! get the car realigned to the track specs in the supplement from Ford. Don't shift the car at 8250. The engine does not make power at that RPM. I have never run at COTA but have run Road America. RA is a high speed track. Check the brake pads. The stock pads hold up just fine but they are not that thick to begin with so ensure you have enough for a track day.

When beginning to track your car, remember, the car is far more capable then you are. Any upgrades should be either safety related or longevity related.

PS, I do abuse my car per se, but I spent the time to prepare to ensure the car is ready. You treat the car right, she'll be good to you. Of course, there are always chances of failure. PS, dont forget the Helmet, gloves shoes ect. Treat you right too!

Passenger side for oil separator

 

[Doc Dee]

See EWheels notes below in a similar thread…

 

[John S]

...On the routine brake fluid flushing in preparation for each event, is it also necessary to flush the antilock module? (I don't trust myself with FORScan.)

 

[honeybadger]

As others have said, flush the brakes. I keep fresh oil in mine every track day. I would get the engine oil separator at least for the drivers side. No tune! get the car realigned to the track specs in the supplement from Ford. Don't shift the car at 8250. The engine does not make power at that RPM. I have never run at COTA but have run Road America. RA is a high speed track. Check the brake pads. The stock pads hold up just fine but they are not that thick to begin with so ensure you have enough for a track day.

When beginning to track your car, remember, the car is far more capable then you are. Any upgrades should be either safety related or longevity related.

PS, I do abuse my car per se, but I spent the time to prepare to ensure the car is ready. You treat the car right, she'll be good to you. Of course, there are always chances of failure. PS, dont forget the Helmet, gloves shoes ect. Treat you right too!

All good info. Only thing I'd re: brakes - I've never driven anywhere that punishes brakes like COTA - you have a huge brake zone into T11 and then again into T12 - most cars will sufficiently cool on the big straight, but almost no cars will cool through the T12-T15 complex - all of which have you on the brakes hard enough to keep the rotors glowing.

IME - an inexperience, really heavy braker and a pro-level driver with both push brakes to their limits at COTA like nowhere else. Road America is a real close second, tho.

 

[526 HRSE]

Welcome....I've done COTA once, and it's completely ruined MSR and ECR for me.

Tldr: Brake fluid flush, engine oil, trans fluid, and diff fluid. Maybe coolant.

That said...first you should prepare for an engine replacement. I'm not saying get a better motor before you start, I'm saying anticipate a failure, so that it doesn't ruin your day when it happens.

The voodoo is not a track motor that enjoys any abuse. I absolutely loved mine, and babied it, did mods that didn't affect engine nvh, and it still failed.

As far as the other stuff. Good track pads, inspect your rotors for cracks, change brake fluid, maybe upgrade tires to something sticky, and go into it ready to learn. No hangovers, eat clean food, get good sleep.

Other stuff...start with fresh oil, fresh trans fluid, and fresh diff fluid. I'd also say change your coolant.

Enjoy, COTA is amazing, and if I wasn't replacing a motor this year, I'd be going to Road America too. Have fun at them all, the network of friends you will make always surprises me. YouTubers, local track rats, gentlemen drivers, and professional drivers. And about as friendly as you can imagine. It doesn't get much better than that.

Tldr

 

[Specracer]

Can not stress enough brake fluid! I would change it to a Dot 4 that is intended for track use. This chart might help to pick one.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/g...M3yiPbKnIvKUS6dHD4iB3qE6lh5sHLXeu3JbLEcf6hRi7

Be sure you have a good tire pressure gauge.

 

[John S]

1.) Castrol SRF has the highest wet boiling point by a significant margin over all the rest with a corresponding highest price. However, if you're using fresh brake fluid for each event, is wet boiling even a factor?
2.) I'm still confused what to do about the ABS unit for each fluid flush. As long as new fluid is in each caliper does it matter if the ABS unit is cycled?

 

[honeybadger]

Can not stress enough brake fluid! I would change it to a Dot 4 that is intended for track use. This chart might help to pick one.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/g...M3yiPbKnIvKUS6dHD4iB3qE6lh5sHLXeu3JbLEcf6hRi7

Be sure you have a good tire pressure gauge.

stock fluid is plenty capable for track use in the 350. Just make sure it is fresh.

Castrol SRF doesn’t hurt, tho.

1.) Castrol SRF has the highest wet boiling point by a significant margin over all the rest with a corresponding highest price. However, if you're using fresh brake fluid for each event, is wet boiling even a factor?
2.) I'm still confused what to do about the ABS unit for each fluid flush. As long as new fluid is in each caliper does it matter if the ABS unit is cycled?

I only flush SRF annual with a few pick bleed every event to verify nothing weird. And by quick, I mean only an ounce or so.

for abs, I’d recommend activating it when you are changing fluids to a different brand or doing a flush after an extended period of time, otherwise not needed, IMHO.

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