Track Prepping your MS3, whats required?

[starscream]

So for those of you that track often, what do you do to track prep your car?

For now I have:

-Oil Change
-Inspect hoses/boost tubes
-Check brake fluid level
-Check Coolant level
-Check Power steering level
-Tire check (how much tread, pressure, cracks on the Rims)
-Brake check (pads for thickness, and rotors for cracks)

What else have you guys done for a track prep?

Also for those that track on a regular, what are the common things that break/get fubared?

This if for the Ian Law Track School, I wanna get the car prepped first, before anything just to make sure I am a go for when I do pay.

[stevenma188]

Remove unnecessary items (ie spare tire, sub, etc).

From what I've heard, the biggest thing to go are tires for tracking.

[WeatherB]

People say you should change the brake fluid to a racing type which doesn't boil as quickly.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

So for those of you that track often, what do you do to track prep your car?

For now I have:

-Oil Change
-Inspect hoses/boost tubes
-Check brake fluid level
-Check Coolant level
-Check Power steering level
-Tire check (how much tread, pressure, cracks on the Rims)
-Brake check (pads for thickness, and rotors for cracks)

What else have you guys done for a track prep?

Also for those that track on a regular, what are the common things that break/get fubared?

This if for the Ian Law Track School, I wanna get the car prepped first, before anything just to make sure I am a go for when I do pay.

For the Ian Law Track School, you'll be fine with the list you have.

However, if you plan to push the car later in the day when the students do "open lapping", I would change out the OEM brake fluid for something like ATE Super Blue or RBF600. If you plan to attend further track days, then definitely change out the OEM brake fluid.

Not sure how many KMs are on your car, but if it's high KMs make sure the wheel bearings aren't humming or loose. If you're getting your car up on a hoist, check that suspension components aren't loose.

When at the track, Ian advises that anything not bolted down should be removed, including the driver's side floor mat.

[condor888000]

I agree with changing brake fluid. If you haven't done it yet this spring, I'd change the fluid, even if you stay with OEM stuff. Reason being that fluid will gradually absorb water, which can then boil in the lines leading to fade. You have enough power to make the brakes really work.

Other than that looks good for a school day.

[horto]

anyone know if Jimmy stocks aftermarket brake fluids? (Or know where I can get the stuff MBINTO mentioned). I need to track prep my car as well ...



For the Ian Law Track School, you'll be fine with the list you have.

However, if you plan to push the car later in the day when the students do "open lapping", I would change out the OEM brake fluid for something like ATE Super Blue or RBF600. If you plan to attend further track days, then definitely change out the OEM brake fluid.

Not sure how many KMs are on your car, but if it's high KMs make sure the wheel bearings aren't humming or loose. If you're getting your car up on a hoist, check that suspension components aren't loose.

When at the track, Ian advises that anything not bolted down should be removed, including the driver's side floor mat.

[Fobio]

Jimmy stocks ELF 650...good enough for most track duties...definitely good enough for track school.

remember, we have confirmed there will be NO F1 scouts trolling that paddocks for track school...so you guys can relax...lol...

[laksman91]

Brake fluid change to one with a higher wet boiling point is what I'd say is most important as well. My first track day and the fluid boiled and the pedal was to the floor. Not a good feeling :(

[starscream]

remember, we have confirmed there will be NO F1 scouts trolling that paddocks for track school...so you guys can relax...lol...

You just made me cry, here I thought I was gonna get scouted. :( LOL!

Well for me I just want to make sure the car is up to snuff, and that I prepare as much as I can before going into it. Remember as the proverb goes "The more you sweat in peace, the less you'll bleed in war".

[SKYMP3]

^

When and which track are you going? I m planning to track my MS3 as well.....

[Donutz]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?43538-GI-ILR-Track-School-August-8-2010

[horto]

amen. i like having brakes. hehe



Well for me I just want to make sure the car is up to snuff, and that I prepare as much as I can before going into it. Remember as the proverb goes "The more you sweat in peace, the less you'll bleed in war".


My first track day and the fluid boiled and the pedal was to the floor. Not a good feeling :(

[Fobio]

Unless you like to go fluid hunting, Jimmy's fluid will be more than enough in terms of dry/wet boiling points.

As much as it is important to prep, keep in mind the operating range your vehicle and its brakes will be at...

Are you going 9/10th for 5 laps straight? Are you looking to qualify for Star Mazda?

The point is, keep in mind, that the best fluids in the world won't stop an out of control car...Ian Law's focus is car control, not lap times...you're there to learn to drive better, not to qualify for next year's Montreal Grand Prix...

Get whatever fluids you feel comfortable with, that you can afford...you are also there to perhaps push the car a bit, where you may boil fluids...

but 24 hrs of Le Mans, it is not...and regarding brake fluids: wonky brake pedal feel can be attributed to flexing brake lines, uneven pad wear, air in your brake lines...changing brake fluid and inspecting the brakes are supposed to address all of that, but the sole act of changing brake fluid or buying "THE BEST BRAKE FLUID" does not give you automatic "car control"...

[starscream]

I totally hear ya Fobio, its no 24hrs of Le Mans. But just making sure I am up to par, I am hoping to gain better control of the car and better skill for the track by this. No need to set crazy lap times, but I assume that by getting better control and learning more techniques you'll by default end up with a better time.

What you say is valid, to make sure you know the operating conditions of the car/brakes and what you plan on getting out of the course/school.

[starscream]

Waa-waa-wee-waa!

Gots myself:

-Blank Rotors for all 4 Corners
-Hawk HPS for all 4 Corners
-Elf Moto 5.1 Brake Fluid

I'll be at Jimmy's this wednesday night to get all my work done. And to get a quick tech inspection from him to make sure my shit's good!

Just curious, My rotors are a TAD bit warped right now, should I spend the 40 to get them machined, and just keep those for the track day incase they warp? Or with some of you with experience, has rotors warping NOT been an issue. Just thinking that I would hate to have done all this brake work, to come out with warped rotors.

[horto]

I think it's always worth machining the rotors, so the new pads bake in as best as possible to clean rotors. Otherwise you've got all the leftover shit and possibly uneven surfaces mating to your new pads.

That being said I didn't machine the rotors when I put my Hawk ceramics on... and I kinda regret not spending the extra money.

$0.02



Waa-waa-wee-waa!

Gots myself:

-Blank Rotors for all 4 Corners
-Hawk HPS for all 4 Corners
-Elf Moto 5.1 Brake Fluid

I'll be at Jimmy's this wednesday night to get all my work done. And to get a quick tech inspection from him to make sure my shit's good!

Just curious, My rotors are a TAD bit warped right now, should I spend the 40 to get them machined, and just keep those for the track day incase they warp? Or with some of you with experience, has rotors warping NOT been an issue. Just thinking that I would hate to have done all this brake work, to come out with warped rotors.

[starscream]

I think it's always worth machining the rotors, so the new pads bake in as best as possible to clean rotors. Otherwise you've got all the leftover shit and possibly uneven surfaces mating to your new pads.

That being said I didn't machine the rotors when I put my Hawk ceramics on... and I kinda regret not spending the extra money.

$0.02

No no, like I have a NEW set of rotors, and the ones that I wanna get machined are the ones on my car right now. Is it worth to basically run my new rotors right now, or machine the ones I have so that if they get warped, I got new ones to put on. Or is it a NON issue and I am just being a worry wort.

[condor888000]

I'd take the old ones off and get them machined at your leisure. Always good to have a second set around.

[SKYMP3]

I did my 48k inspection and service just 2500km ago at Jimmy's...didn't change brake fluid......and he said my brakes are still good with 50% front, 80% rear.....I plan to just finish the front after the track or survive til the end of summer if possible...
Is my stock brakes OK on a tracking day or it gonna burn after few laps?
I have the Bridgestone RE760....not a track tires, but they are new and should be fine if I'm not a hard core racer, right? I don't plan on changing tires after half day of lapping.

[horto]

FYI I just called Jimmy and he says he's not stocking aftermarket brake fluid at the moment. So I'm going fluid hunting. Bah...

I've got a lead on some DOT 5.1 stuff (thanks starscream) but does anyone know where is best to pick up some ATE Super Blue, RBF600, or ELF 650? Also. How much fluid do I need (# bottles)?

[laksman91]

FYI I just called Jimmy and he says he's not stocking aftermarket brake fluid at the moment. So I'm going fluid hunting. Bah...

I've got a lead on some DOT 5.1 stuff (thanks starscream) but does anyone know where is best to pick up some ATE Super Blue, RBF600, or ELF 650? Also. How much fluid do I need (# bottles)?

Touge Tuning is the cheapest place I found Super Blue

[Donutz]

I bought RBF 600 for my 2.3L NA. We have used less than 1 bottle every time I've changed brake fluid; it is recommended you buy 2 bottles just in case some spills though. You can pick up brake fluid from Speedtech on Bullock, they usually have it in stock.

[Azi]

Dont forget to take a bottle of oil with you, and an good tire guage and air compressor.

Also, I dont think its a good idea to machine the rotors and then use them for the track. You are going to be building some serious heat on the track, and with a thin rotor it is going to warp even easier.

[Fuman]

I did my 48k inspection and service just 2500km ago at Jimmy's...didn't change brake fluid......and he said my brakes are still good with 50% front, 80% rear.....I plan to just finish the front after the track or survive til the end of summer if possible...
Is my stock brakes OK on a tracking day or it gonna burn after few laps?
I have the Bridgestone RE760....not a track tires, but they are new and should be fine if I'm not a hard core racer, right? I don't plan on changing tires after half day of lapping.

just to clarify:
when he says 50% front, 80% rear, he meant the brake pads.
If your brakes are responsive, (i.e. no mushy feeling), then they should be okay for ILR track school.

[BMWWW]

If you can:

Chalk for chalking the tires to manage tire pressures
Compressor (mini ones are just fine)
Lots of icy-cold water
shade if you can manage
Spares, zip ties, duct-tape