track event virgin

[Lawrence C Leung]

On Mon, 22 Jan 2001 18:49:12 "Chris Dyer" <chrisdyer at hotmail.com> writes:
>Hoping to do my first track event in Las Vegas in March. Car is a 
>daily 
>driven '87 5kcstq w/much fixed/replaced since my ownership. Track 
>event is 
>simply driving w/a pro, learning you & your car's limits on the track. 
>I 
>hope to do this every other month. Keep in mind this isn't "racing", 
>but is 
>driving to the "limits" over a 1 or 2 day period. (I sometimes feel 
>that 
>driving in L.A. is already over the limit...)
>
>Looking to you racers/autoxers for advice:
>
>1. pre-"race" I plan on brake inspection & bleed w/pentosin dot 4. I 
>have 
>powerdisk fr. & stock rr disks, oem pads. I was thinking of trying a 
>different pads. Keep in mind this is also my daily driver. 
>Suggestions/avoidances/BTDT's on non-oem pads for combined use.

If you will be doing high speed at all, flush and refil the whole brake
system. Recommend ATE Red or Blue (same stuff, different color to help
you tell when you've completely flushed). You will need a healthy brake
pad, as these cars are hard on brakes at high speed, try Carbotech, or
Hawk (expensive, but one of the few types that'll work at street temps
but will hold up okay to moderate track use). You will want to talk to
the salesperson as to the use of the pads. BTW, you may be able to get
away with a higher temp pad, as it may not last much past the weekend. I
can recommend Sam Strano at Stranos Auto, look in the back of AutoWeek
for the number (not handy here).


>
>2. Helmets. I don't need a pretty one, just a good, inexpensive one 
>that'll 
>protect my noggin. Suggestions on brands and outlets would be great.
>
Do they have any requirements. For convienence, if you never plan to
drive an open wheel car, get an open face helmet. For Snell M95 helmets
(recommended, mostly due to age, older than 5yrs and they really aren't
any good), lots of manufacturers, buy by comfort/price. For SA95
(basically Motorsports level, improves fire-resistance at the expense (at
least for full face) of vision.), the Bell Force 4 open face is a good,
comfortable helmet (though heavier than the more expensive models) for
about $200. 


>3. I use Mobil 1 10w-30 & oem filter. Good nuff? I was thinking of 
>pre-race 
>going to either higher ??w-50 or Redline.
>
Definitely higher. Castrol GTX 20W-50 IF you insist on Dino. However, I
would STRONGLY recommend synthetic (turbo temps are HOT, especially when
run hard often, such as at the track). Of the shelf, there is only one
Mobil 1 15W-50, Syntec 5W-50 didn't even cut it in my 200 at an
Autocross. If you have time to mail order, then Redline 20W-50 or Amsoil
same weights are also good. Change the oil before the school and as soon
as you get home. 


>4. Tranny & diff lubes: I have synth in there now (castrol I think), 
>good 
>nuff?
>
Probably ought to change before and after. Would recommend Redline MTL,
or any other synthetic GL4 (NOT 5!) for the gearbox. GL5 okay in the
diff. Note, Audi's owner's and service manuals REQUIRE synthetic in the
gearbox. 

TIRE PRESSURES. - (though I'm sure the instructor will guide you here) -
start with the maximum sidewall inflation pressure. Due to the heat
build-up in open road course driving, the instructor will probably
recommend less than that, but it's a rough start. Note Auto-X pressures
are higher than road race for heat reasons. 

Suspension. - Make sure ALL joints are in good shape and secure. Also, be
certain you cannot shift the battery. In the event of a crash, a loose
battery (second single heaviest component of the car) could really hurt
someone (not to mention the thought of splashing acid!). 

Since you MAY be running in close proximity of other cars at speed, you
may wish to tape all of your lights (running, headlights) to help protect
against stone chips/breaks. 

Finally, have fun. You may wish to read any of a number of fine books
about driving, and perhaps stuff in an Auto-X or two to brush up.

LOL, 

LL - NY

>That's it (for now). Any of you autoxers/racers out there have car 
>prep 
>advice, by all means bring it on.
>
>t.i.a.
>
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