Doing an HPDE (level 1) @ Sebring, Oil Cooler needed?
 

So I'm looking into doing an HPDE at Sebring in either June or October. I've never done any sort of tracking before, and thought this would be a great way to possibly get into it. For just doing the level 1 portion of an HPDE am I going to need a Oil Cooler?

Also, any comments and/or tips to a HPDE/track noobie would be appreciated! Thanks.

Yes! Temps are going to be up there around that time I'd imagine.

That blows. I'm a bit worried about reliability issues with installing an Oil Cooler since I use this car as a DD for around 70 miles a day.

I think reliability with these kits is largely dependant on the quality of the install. Do it right and maintain it properly and it should be fine.

I haven't done mine yet... Modshack's oil cooler thread is pretty damn informative, and the experiences of a few of our members who unfortunately had line failures has really helped us figure out what we need for a proper setup. I think I'm definitely going to get my lines put together at a hydraulic shop just to eliminate my inexperience from the equation.

I probably just need to find a good shop in the Orlando/Deland area to do the work for me. I'm already planning on getting a CBE, HFC's, and possibly a NST Pulley installed.

If you plan on going 100% and it's not a mostly open and straight track then yes. In Feb on a 1.3 mile track with 11 turns I definitely needed it. I think I touched 240 even with a 19row.

It's 3.7 miles, for 20 minute stretches.

http://www.racingdentist.com/images/...rack%20map.jpg

From the looks of things you'll be alright on that track. 20min sessions are pretty short too. You might hit 260 if you push it real hard. Could be a good testing situation for testing the necessity of a cooler.

I lied, we were on the 1.7. went CW for 2 sessions then reversed for the rest of that day and the next (6 more sessions) due to some water between Ricochet and Little Bend.

http://www.motorsportranch.com/image...Layout_1_7.jpg

Okay, that's good to hear. I figure October should be a tad bit cooler than June (maybe), so that might be better. Worst case is I can't push it for the entire 20 minutes, which for my first outing would probably be okay.

I'll probably post in the Southeast forum and see if anyone has done an HPDE at Sebring yet with their 370Z.

Looks like they are actually 25 minute sessions. I'm still thinking about trying it out once before deciding on whether or not I need to buy a cooler.

25mins shouldn't be that bad with such a large track. Just keep an eye on your oil temp and log it so you can let everyone know how it goes. It's not like your car will get hurt, just make go into protection (happens way too early IMO)

If you are worried about heat, short shift. You will be amazed at the difference in temp by just shifting 500RPM earlier

Yeah when I was doing my event I set my shift light to like 7200 so it would start flashing at 6700. That thing was going off ALL THE TIME, so I was definitely running it harder than probably necessary. After I got my lines down and was holding my speed in the turns my instructor was actually telling me to shift into 5th at some points and to stay in 4th more often lol. At first I was staying in 3rd the whole time lol.

Be concerned about your brakes,tires,alignments,etc...