T44 as track car

[Beer, Jerald S.]

Well, I have tracked the 200q avant and don't think it is a bad drivers
school car at all. It has been to Moroso, Sebring, Homestead and
Roebling Road.  The 200q is a little heavy and leans plenty in the
corners. However, with R compound tires, Konis, H&R,  some extra camber
(about 1.5 IIRC) and track pads, the car is plenty of fun and sticks
better than it looks. Despite the nose heavy weight distribution (57/43
measured without driver and half tank of fuel), I can get the back end
to come around by using TTO on most corners. The bigger turbo and
upgraded chip help, but it is only putting out 270 ish at the crank .It
is competitve in any drivers school and keeps up and passes many
sportier cars, including E36 M3's.It has not been expensive to maintain
for the track, and it certainly points out any weaknesses, which can get
addressed. I shorten the maintenance schedule by 50% (ie. Timing belt
checked at 15k and changed at 30k), brake fluid flushed before each
event, oil changed before each event, etc. Having dedicated wheels and
tires helps reduce costs in the long run. Driving the car on the track
is a lot of work, and my race car, a 1971 2002 with 4 cyl and about 150
hp at the crank will turn similar or better lap times at Moroso because
it handles so much better and doesn't wear you out nearly as much. Just
different ways to have fun. If the 200q/S4/S6 is your daily driver and
you can't afford a second car, don't be afraid to take the car to any of
the various drivers schools. My $.12
Regards,
Jerry
91 200qa