Need first time track advice

[COYOTE_64S25FEF]

IMO, don’t overthink it.

• Buy insurance (google track day insurance)
• Make sure the car passes all tech inspection requirements
• Either set of tires are fine for your first experience (you’re learning, after all)
• Have a plan to refuel at least halfway through the day
• Get and listen to your instructor
• If you have to ask whether to leave TC on, leave it on
• Check your ego and don’t chase the red mist
• The Mach 1 has all the cooling bits, but I do suggest high boiling point brake fluid like Motul RBF 660. Cheap insurance to prevent cutting your day short.

Otherwise, send it. Track turds will give it character.

Everything else is just tinkering…

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[GTP]

Do you still feel like that 39 psi is good for your tires? I have the handling package 10.5 inch 305/30-19 front, rear 11 inch 315 staggered set up and I found each session I was taking tire pressure out and got down to about 27 and I think 28 cold. they seem to be more grippy when they heat it up. With the PS4 tires.

I personally would not run below 39.
As I said I am not a tire expert. And I have only two days experience on Cup 2s.
My current approach is to run as high as 42 in an attempt to make the shoulders last longer. Even at the expense of slower lap time (if it is slower that way).

 

[Noleftist]

I personally would not run below 39.
As I said I am not a tire expert. And I have only two days experience on Cup 2s.
My current approach is to run as high as 42 in an attempt to make the shoulders last longer. Even at the expense of slower lap time (if it is slower that way).

The Cup 2 and PS4S are both made by Michelin. They are different tires. So air pressure is probably gonna be different for what works best in each tire. My opinio.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Update: I'm going to Chuckwalla in March.

One thing I'm worried about though. I have Steeda Sport springs and I removed the fender flares so I could run a 35 profile tire without rubbing. I actually prefer the look too. But I got to thinking that when I put the PS4s back on the tires will poke out farther without protection. I'm worried about kicking up road debris and damaging the paint.

I have some low profile rock flaps on now, but those will probably only provide minimal protection. I could put the flares back on but I'm fairly certain they will rub in hard cornering.

Can anyone speak to tracking the car without the flares on and if it will chew up the lip of the wheel wells?

My current set up is below.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Can anyone comment on oil consumption during track use?

 

[Turbeau]

Can anyone comment on oil consumption during track use?

I haven't noticed increased consumption running 3-4 30min sessions. I may get a 1 or 2oz of oil in the catch can. I change the oil after each track day as preventative. I'm running Amsoil signature 5W30.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I haven't noticed increased consumption running 3-4 30min sessions. I may get a 1 or 2oz of oil in the catch can. I change the oil after each track day as preventative. I'm running Amsoil signature 5W30.

Do you typically change the oil before AND after?

 

[WItoTX]

I usually change after 4 hours track time.

Always start with fresh oil. The 5.0 likes to use all it's oil life in a track weekend.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Do you typically change the oil before AND after?

Very aged oil from lots of street miles (i.e. semi-broken down) or previously tracked oil will offer less protection during the track day.

Heat from tracking will accelerate oil breaking down, so driving on the street after tracking and oil will offer less protection for your next thousands of street miles.

So, armed with that knowledge, change the oil when you need to change it. It doesn't have to be before or after the track day, but it should probably be changed with a higher frequency, and likely you should change it either before OR after a track day, unless the oil is very new. Average track day is what, 1-1.5 hours of track time?

 

[GTP]

More like 2 to 2.5 hours per day.
My oil life reaches 0% by noon on the second weekend track day.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Very aged oil from lots of street miles (i.e. semi-broken down) or previously tracked oil will offer less protection during the track day.

Heat from tracking will accelerate oil breaking down, so driving on the street after tracking and oil will offer less protection for your next thousands of street miles.

So, armed with that knowledge, change the oil when you need to change it. It doesn't have to be before or after the track day, but it should probably be changed with a higher frequency, and likely you should change it either before OR after a track day, unless the oil is very new. Average track day is what, 1-1.5 hours of track time?

Thanks. I only put about 6k a year on the car, so I just change the oil once a year. I'm coming due in a couple months, so I will change it early before the track day. After that I'll just keep an eye on the oil life and go from there. It'll be my first track day so I won't be getting crazy pushing the car hard.

 

[RPDBlueMoon]

What tire sizes are you guys running? Staggered? Square?

What brake pads do you use

Most people downsize their wheel.

 

[WItoTX]

More like 2 to 2.5 hours per day.
My oil life reaches 0% by noon on the second weekend track day.

My experience with the 5.0, this is pretty common. Meanwhile my engine will show 88% life after a track weekend, 4-20 minute sessions a day...

 

[AZ_Ryan]

What tire sizes are you guys running? Staggered? Square?

What brake pads do you use

Most people downsize their wheel.

I'll be running the standard HP size. 305/30-19 front and 315/30-19 rear.

My DD tires are 285/35-19 front and 295/35-19 rear.

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