Track Day Prep

RCGsupra

Im seeing if we can make a checklist for 370Z track day prep. The checklist should include the necessary things the car needs prior to a track event. Some examples would be oil cooler, brake pads/fluid, clutch fluid, etc. After the necessities would be performance items such as suspension, brake, and power items. Other inputs such as tools to bring and other items would be helpful as well. I have yet to track the Z so I don't have much to add right now, but I think this would be a good starting place for newbs. Thoughts?



-Rick

Nikon FM

You have listed what is important up front: Oil cooler, brake pads capable for track use and high temp fluids are critical for having a fun time. The performance related items I would hold off on until getting used to the car and then add mods with precision. Too many changes at once is definitely not a good approach. After running a few times I'd recommend getting R-componds.

Tools:
Pump, temp gauge (check tire temp consistency), pressure gauge, a floor jack if you are switching out wheels and not driving them to the track, a socket that fits your lugs with accompanying torque ratchet.

Personal items:
Tons of water. Staying hydrated on a track day really helps my energy level and ability to concentrate.

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Buddy Revell: "One man's sooner is another man's later"

RCGsupra

I totally agree with what you have said. My intent of this thread was not necessarily directed at personal advice for myself (not that I don't need any), but more of a one stop shop for road race prep. Maybe we can get a sticky and maybe even a new thread from scratch to start a checklist of track day essentials. We had a thread like this on supraforums and it was very helpful for making sure you are ready for the track. Just a thought.

I'll go ahead and start a list. Feel free to add to it.


Essentials:
Oil cooler
High performance brake pads/fluid
A good helmet (safety first)
Power steering cooler? (not sure if this is an issue yet)
Insurance (know if you are covered)

Performance:
Seat time (use your money to get experience in the car before you start adding to it)
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Brake Ducts (maybe essential, don't know yet)
Better Tires
Sway Bars
Improved LSD
Coilovers
Exhaust
Intake
Tune
Brake upgrade
Extra set of wheels and R compounds (after a lot of experience on street tires)
Diff Cooler

Tools:
Basic tool set, just in case
Tire Gauge/Pump
Floor Jack/ Jack Stands (Changing wheels, brakes, checking for problems, etc.)
Tire Iron
Extra oil
Extra Brake fluid

Personal Items:
Water
Peanuts (unless you have non drowsy water)
Chairs
Long sleeve shirt/pants (most clubs require this
Food
Tent
Tarp
Advil
Camera

That's all that i can think of for now. I left off forced induction for now because I think that will add a lot more essential items such as cooling etc. That can be a side note if need be.

Valentino

Diff Cooler

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Lou Fusz Nissan | KW V3 | SPL rear camber and toe bolt | OS Giken LSD | Nismo Diff cover | Engine Oil cooler | F.I. TDX Cat Back 18" Resonators | F.I. Resonated Test Pipes | Injen cold air intake | COBB AccessPORT | JWT Clutch Flywheel |

spearfish25

This is misleading for anyone considering their FIRST track day with the car. For those individuals, here is a more honest necessity list.

You can go bone stock, but you will run into engine oil temp issues and potentially brake fade if you're an aggressive first-timer. I was conservative and my first track day was fine except for 260F engine temps.

To safely prepare your car for the track day and avoid any limiting mechanical issues, your first modifications should be:
1. high temp brake fluid
2. track brake pads
3. engine oil cooler
These three changes will keep you lapping all day long. Stainless steel brake lines are NOT a mandatory change and only change the feel of the pedal. I've never had a clutch issue on the track, so changing clutch fluid is not a mandatory to-do item.

Beyond those three items, the single best thing you can do to go faster is get more track time. Coil-overs, R-compounds, exhaust/intake, etc etc won't improve your times if you still can't drive at the limit and consistently. I'm still in this learning zone.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

RCGsupra

That's what I was trying to accomplish with the "essentials" list. Notice the SS brake lines are in the performance section, after seat time. As far as the clutch goes with people having issues, what would it hurt to do some preventive maintenance and put some motul or something in the clutch? I'm all about preventive maintenance especially when it comes to running your car hard. With that said, make sure you're not on the tail end of an oil change and it may be worth while doing an oil change shortly after your track event as well. Keep the inputs coming guys!

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-Rick
09 370Z 6MT Sport/Touring. FI Exhaust

RCGsupra

Do you feel this is essential? If so, then why (ie examples of diff issues on the track)?

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-Rick
09 370Z 6MT Sport/Touring. FI Exhaust

Valentino

The Diff cooler will fall in the "Performance" category. As i had issues with the diff heating up, acts weird and gets noisy after a couple of hot laps.

__________________
Lou Fusz Nissan | KW V3 | SPL rear camber and toe bolt | OS Giken LSD | Nismo Diff cover | Engine Oil cooler | F.I. TDX Cat Back 18" Resonators | F.I. Resonated Test Pipes | Injen cold air intake | COBB AccessPORT | JWT Clutch Flywheel |

bigaudiofanat

Just a tip referring to the water comment. Water actually makes you sleepy one way to counter this is peanuts.

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spearfish25

Ah, gotcha. I didn't read it closely enough. I would still take clutch fluid off that list. The problems people are having are sparse and not even track related. Sure I'd like RBF600 as my clutch fluid but it's honestly a non-issue on the track. I can't recall anyone that tracks their car complaining of a mushy clutch or boiled fluid. I've also done the power steering cooler upgrade but it's not necessary unless you're running front tires that are much wider than stock. I've never boiled fluid with the stock steering cooler.

__________________
2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

Nikon FM

Good point. Calorie intake is important as well as staying hydrated. Thanks

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Buddy Revell: "One man's sooner is another man's later"

spearfish25

Explain the physiology behind that one please.

__________________
2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

RCZ

^ lol

You might as well wave that bs flag!

cossie1600

A 5 gallon gas tank, car will fuel starve on long right turns!!!

Mike

I've got over 3000 track miles on my car on the stock clutch fluid and never had a problem.

The only things I will add to the list are a pressure bleeder and extra brake fluid, just in case you do boil the brakes.

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