Track Day

[Pete_Repeat]

Hi All,

I'm sure all of this has been covered over various topics however hoping to ask more specifically to suit my need.

I have an '09 V36 Coupe Manual.... It currently is pretty stock standard (SP model with Leather as the only option).

I was originally thinking of buying another S15 and turning that into more a track car but decided on the V36 as a daily and less money spent on mods.

So needless to say, I'm not expecting to break any laptime records but I want to have a decent go at least.

So the questions are;

1) It's running Bridgestone Re050a tyres, on the 19 inch stock rims, which seem OK once warm but not so good for traction in cold weather. Assuming they will get more grip once on a track in winter and probably cope with a good few spirited laps before wearing quickly or getting too hot. Ideally I would prefer to change over to Proxes R888 or Nito's NT01's but these existing tyres have plenty of meat left on them... Or will I be best not to destroy the re050's on the track?

2) Next question is sway bars. The stock ones seem good for country roads but I feel the car could sit flatter with upgraded sway bars. Any suggestions, maybe Whiteline???? Or not worth the expense for the odd track day?

3) Not so sure about the brake pads but I'd be sure to have a good look at them to make sure they have plenty of meat. Any suggestions for pads? Standard calipers and discs which I think are pretty decent yes?

4) Put some decent oil in it before the day, and also check all other fluid levels of coarse.

5) Any other suggestions?

As I said, I don't expect to break any laptimes but want to have a reasonable go at it so small cost items like sway vars etc will be considered. And the tyres, well I'd prefer not to waste money but I can always have two sets of tyres I wear out over time I guess... If worth the while.

Also, thinking about Wakefield so any suggestions of groups to go with NSCC although I think that might be a while away for their next meeting there. Oh and expected lap times? 1.15's or am I dreaming?

Edited July 1, 2016 by Pete_Repeat

[admS15]

Tyres should be OK. Most reo50a have 140 tread wear rating. Quite soft and grippy. Fresh synthetic oil, high boiling point brake fluid and some half decent rated pads should do the trick. I would leave the sway bars till later as they're quite expensive and you may decide you don't want to keep tracking the car after your initial track day. Above all drive the car with some degree of sympathy and you'll be OK.

[colin.ssc]

I suggest Hotchkis sway bars, they are hollow but strong and light. However if you are going for coils, I suggest getting a higher quality coilover and forgo the sway bars and stick with stock ones.

Brake pads - EBC red stuff? Rotors - standard DBA slotted should be enough.

[Nightcrawler]

DEFINITELY change over your brake fluid to Dot 6 if you haven't already - it will be the first thing to let you down.