Reparing Your Car For The Track

[Azzman460]

G'day guys,

Preparing to have my first track run and I was wondering what the reccomendations are to prepare the car. (BF Ute, 6 Speed Manual)

I've got some decent oil and a new filter which will go in a week before the track day

I've ordered some decent tyres and brake pads

But other than that she's stock and has spent the first 95,000kms of her life as a work ute

I'm not going to go to far out straight away as its just a hillclimb so the runs wont be too long, but is it worth changing the gearbox or diff oil?

Also in the way of cooling, how does the standard radiator go after a couple of full pace laps of a full track? Also engine oil coolers, is it worth fitting one of these for future track runs or will it be alright as is?

And also wheel alignment crossed my mind. Bearing in mind its still a street/track car, are there any preferred wheels alignment specs which makes it better on the track or do most guys stick with the standard manufacturers specs?

Sorry for asking so many questions in one go, hopefully I can get some opinions!

Cheers

Edited 23/04/10 10:38 AM by Azzman460

[power_slide]

The cleaner any oil or fluid is the better the car will perform and a reduced chance of something breaking

If the car is stock and serviced it should be ok for some hot laps, if you are going to try and knock 2 seconds off your lap time by flogging the crap out of it then there is alot higher chance of something going wrong

if you have r compound tyres I would definatly look at putting a castor camber kit on and do the bushes if the budget is there

[Azzman460]

Yeah how much are those castor camber kits? I have only heard of them never seen them anywhere.

[nelsonian101]

Was in the same position as you a few years back, so will offer some advice.

Don't get too hung up on mods, and enjoy it!!

It all depends on what your budget allows.

If you plan to keep the car for a few more years, it's a good idea to do the mods bit by bit as you need to, as your times come down. It's always exciting and rewarding to do this, and gives great satisfaction.

As a bare minimum:

- Tyres: Which you have covered with the KU36's but be aware that these pressures will sky rocket to over 50psi after a few sessions, depending on ambient and track temp obviously. Start with about 35psi and let air out as soon as you come in. Aim for mid to high 30's hot. (User ERKO experienced this at Wakefield with KU36's)

- Change your brake fluid ASAP!!. Super DOT 4 is fine for your first track day, but DOT 5.1 is preferred. Anything over that is overkill for a road car as 6 attracts too much water on the road. Look at Race brakes sponsor.

- Brakes (cheap mods). What brake pads did you order? Fronts are the most important and anything like Ferodo DS2500 or EBC Reds will be fine for a first track day. If budget allows, get some slotted DBA4000 front rotors too.

- Brakes (next stage). Depending on the track, I guarantee, first thing you'll whinge about in the pits (like we all do ... ), is your lack of brakes! When the stock calipers no longer cut it and with multiple 1800kg stops from 150-200km/h, they really don't......look into front 4pot Brembos with 355mm rotors and a second set of 18" FPV wheels to clear them (sometimes hard to find)

Vented 328mm rears are also a good upgrade too later. If your BF has the solid rear discs, be vary careful not to put your handbrake on in the pits when you stop s the rear discs will warp badly.

With your KU36's upfront, you'll find intitially that braking will improve due to the stickier compound but this will boil your stock fluid quicker, especially if it's old.

Diff oil is cheap and extremely easy to change. I would definitely recommend this.

I also recommend an oil cooler. I use an FPV one. I think Rapid Systems sell one too. Stock radiator is fine depending on where you live. I think user ROSIE has improved the radiator though. I think PWR have one, but it's not necessary at this stage. Just make sure you do a cool down lap.

With regard to wheel alignment, more negative camber at the front is definately recommended. 1.5-2 deg is a good compromise. Some guys use up to 4deg neg front running slicks. Be aware this will chew your inner edges on the road. Just rotate front to rear with the KU36's.

What suspension are you running?

Body roll is hideous on the stock set up.

Later down the track, look at bigger sway bars.

[Azzman460]

Excellent information mate thanks very much for that

Yeah I think I'll take the advice and do a diff oil and brake fluid change. What diff oil is recommended?

I have a set of racebrakes RB74 Pads in the standard calipers for the hillclimb, which won't be too critical as theres only 2 braking points in the short track we do

Brembo 4 pot upgrades and a set of 18s are in the pipework as we speak, so I will also get some 5.1 fluid and do the calipers and fluid all at once

My ute is lowered with peddars suspension, not sure what kind probably sports ryder or something but that should make it a little bit better, and I will organise a wheel alignment and get it put to the specs provided, sounds like a happy medium between road and track

Also I was going to order some adjustable sway bars, how much are these worth and where can you get them from?

Thanks for the advice, very helpful!

cheers

[gregor]

I did a day out at wakefield park in a stock bf mk2 sedan (auto). All I did was change the oil, got new brake pads and changed the brake fluid to something more suited to track use. Had a great day and even if you are stock its well worth doing.