Nismo at the track- Questions

ratseal2 · 11-02-2020, 09:31 PM

Hey guys, I am a total newbie to this and I have very little idea in the slightest on this type of stuff so please bear with me.

My girlfriend's cousin invited me to a private track day that he got access to invite some friends to for us to do as we wish. I've never tracked a day in my life before or never even been to one, but I have definitely always wanted to. I plan to take it easy the first time going to get a feel for everything and i dono't plan on really driving the **** out of it, but I had a few questions or concerns:

For reference, i have a 2015 Black Nismo 6MT with 42k miles.

1)My only upgrades made are bolt on exhaust and CAI system, is there anything that needs to be done absolutely necessary before driving around a track a few times? I know people say an oil cooler and brake cooling is essential for hard tracking but I really don't plan for doing much this first time. I live in SoCal and typically get oil temps between 200-220 for regular driving, so I expect a few minutes of hard driving to push 250-260, is this safe for short periods of time?

2) Is there anything extra I should bring in case I need it? Fluids/safety stuff etc; We are already required to bring our own Helmets and fire extinguishers

3) Should i get an oil change before and after? Or not necessary I'f I'm not really pushing it? Do I need extra tires if not pushing it much?

4) Any advice while actually driving or things to look out for/smells/sounds etc

5) Anything else is strongly welcomed and encouraged, I want to have some fun but also want to be super safe about it as this car is my daily and my current job requires good transportation, albeit in Nismo form

Rusty · 11-02-2020, 09:56 PM

This would have been better if if was posted in the track section.

This is a must read.

Track Day Best Practices - MUST READ

Short answer. Go through your Z. Inspect everything. Good brake pads are a must. If you can. Flush your brake system and replace the brake fluid with Motul 600. Keep the brake reservoir full. If not, you will get lights on the dash. If your Z is a manual. Wrap the clutch line by the driver's side exhaust with insulation. This will keep the fluid from boiling and causing a soft pedal. The power steering reservoir. Keep it at the add line. When the fluid gets hot. It will overflow. Tires should be at least half thread or more. No cords showing.

For you. Food and water. A chair to sit on between secessions. Notebook to take notes. Camera. Talk to other drivers. Learn from them. Watch their lines. And ENJOY yourself.

geeteezee · 11-03-2020, 08:10 AM

Will you be driving with an instructor or going solo?

ratseal2 · 11-03-2020, 10:24 AM

I'm going to be doing a few ride-alongs first, and probably have one of the more experienced guys go with me the first time or two.

God-Speed · 11-03-2020, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratseal2

I'm going to be doing a few ride-alongs first, and probably have one of the more experienced guys go with me the first time or two.

Drive with an instructor as much as you can. This will be the best way to get better. Remember " Consistency is smooth and smooth is fast." Drive the track, DON'T Race it!!

Evildky · 11-30-2020, 06:08 PM

FLUSH THE BRAKE FLUID WITH HIGH TEMP FLUID. DO NOT SKIP THIS. Track pads are also highly recommended.

11-02-2020, 09:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
ratseal2 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Southern California Posts: 11 Drives: 2015 Black Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 7	Nismo at the track- Questions Hey guys, I am a total newbie to this and I have very little idea in the slightest on this type of stuff so please bear with me. My girlfriend's cousin invited me to a private track day that he got access to invite some friends to for us to do as we wish. I've never tracked a day in my life before or never even been to one, but I have definitely always wanted to. I plan to take it easy the first time going to get a feel for everything and i dono't plan on really driving the **** out of it, but I had a few questions or concerns: For reference, i have a 2015 Black Nismo 6MT with 42k miles. 1)My only upgrades made are bolt on exhaust and CAI system, is there anything that needs to be done absolutely necessary before driving around a track a few times? I know people say an oil cooler and brake cooling is essential for hard tracking but I really don't plan for doing much this first time. I live in SoCal and typically get oil temps between 200-220 for regular driving, so I expect a few minutes of hard driving to push 250-260, is this safe for short periods of time? 2) Is there anything extra I should bring in case I need it? Fluids/safety stuff etc; We are already required to bring our own Helmets and fire extinguishers 3) Should i get an oil change before and after? Or not necessary I'f I'm not really pushing it? Do I need extra tires if not pushing it much? 4) Any advice while actually driving or things to look out for/smells/sounds etc 5) Anything else is strongly welcomed and encouraged, I want to have some fun but also want to be super safe about it as this car is my daily and my current job requires good transportation, albeit in Nismo form Eagle likes this.

11-02-2020, 09:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 35,217 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684438	This would have been better if if was posted in the track section. This is a must read. Track Day Best Practices - MUST READ Short answer. Go through your Z. Inspect everything. Good brake pads are a must. If you can. Flush your brake system and replace the brake fluid with Motul 600. Keep the brake reservoir full. If not, you will get lights on the dash. If your Z is a manual. Wrap the clutch line by the driver's side exhaust with insulation. This will keep the fluid from boiling and causing a soft pedal. The power steering reservoir. Keep it at the add line. When the fluid gets hot. It will overflow. Tires should be at least half thread or more. No cords showing. For you. Food and water. A chair to sit on between secessions. Notebook to take notes. Camera. Talk to other drivers. Learn from them. Watch their lines. And ENJOY yourself. SouthArk370Z, Eagle, danegrey and 6 others like this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

11-03-2020, 08:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
geeteezee Base Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Ontario Posts: 191 Drives: 19 370z Heritage EAC Rep Power: 3361	Will you be driving with an instructor or going solo? 2011 Nismo#91 likes this. __________________

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11-03-2020, 10:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
ratseal2 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Southern California Posts: 11 Drives: 2015 Black Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 7	I'm going to be doing a few ride-alongs first, and probably have one of the more experienced guys go with me the first time or two.

11-30-2020, 06:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
Evildky Base Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 89 Drives: 13 Nismo STU/T3 Rep Power: 10187	FLUSH THE BRAKE FLUID WITH HIGH TEMP FLUID. DO NOT SKIP THIS. Track pads are also highly recommended.