Track Day and Some Questions

osbornsm

Hello all,

I had my first experience flogging the Z properly. Went to Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, MI for a day of open lapping.

Mods:
- AEM CAI
- FI Catback
- Z1 Oil Cooler (25 Row)
- Carbotech XP8 pads
- Superblue Brake & Clutch Fluid

Results:
...Well let's cut to the chase then shall we?
- Gingerman clockwise w Extension: 1:49.32
- Max Oil temp: 250F
- Filled up after each session and had ZERO fuel starvation

Bled all four corners after three 20 min sessions. Pedal was still a lil squishy.

Next Session, pedal remained squishy... and after 5 laps the pedal went TO THE FLOOR.

WHAT THE HELL!! Coming into the pits i had to use the E-brake to stop because the brake pedal did NOTHING.

Rant:
Now, I have dedicated track pads and fluid, and the fluid STILL boiled??

- I thought of switching over to Motul 600 but that only has a boiling point 60 Deg more. I'm starting to think that the fluid is not the issue but perhas moreso the caliper which is retaining so much heat.

Any thoughts on brakes or Gingerman ?
~ Thanks for your time!

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ChrisSlicks

There is poor ventilation to the brake calipers, so yes heat build up is an issue. I measured caliper temperatures of about 450F, which wasn't enough to boil my fluid but was enough to give a squishy pedal feel while using Super Blue. To increase my comfort level I now use Motul or AP 600, and the Stillen brake ducts while not ideal in terms of max airflow, do help.

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

thekinn

Hi osbornsm, congrats on taking the car to the track. It can get quite addicting.

First - there is a dedicated track section to the forums - you might be best served with this post being moved there.

Second - I've been to Gingerman a few times with my 350, and my friend Sig has been there too with his 370. If you aren't an experienced track driver (I get the impression this was your first time out) you might not be braking properly for the track. Braking should be as short, hard and deliberate as possible - without engaging ABS. And since you are new - get all of your braking done before you begin to turn. Inputs should be smooth - as to not disrupt to balance of the car so abruptly.

Third - (maybe this should be second) - attend an HPDE - with in car instruction. For Gingerman, I'd recommend CGI Motorsports. Your first time out with them you will learn a great deal about tracking your car. Definitely worth the extra $$.

Fourth - go to our club website GreatLakesZClub - and maybe we can catch you out there and track together sometime.

You should be able to have a 20min session without boiling your fluid there. My guess is that you are dragging the brakes/taking too long to slow down. If you are using a track pad and fluid. What are you using? specifically?

Edit - sorry. I see you are using Carbotech XP8 and SuperBlue. That should be good. I'm guessing it is your braking tehnique. See HPDE. Don't let your ego get int he way - learn the proper methods and you will be much happier... and so will your car.

2nd edit - here's a lap or two there.. I'm not a pro by any means.. but i have a few track days under my belt.
http://youtu.be/q5lx2ipiJRM

final edit.. lol.. xp8 is decent. But XP10 in front would be better.. I'm not sure what Sig runs w/ carbotech. maybe XP12/xp10.

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06 Enthusiast MT - v2

osbornsm

Just for reference, i've been to about 20 or so HPDE's with my VW R32, and been to Gingerman about 10 times.

So I'm not sure if that qualifies me as amateur, but at least not lost on the track.

As for braking, i will say that I am hard on my brakes as track driving goes. I had to buy a Stoptech BBK for the VW.

And I'm not sure about the time I clocked on the track but it was a tick faster than the other times posted in the 370z 370Z Top Ten Track Records - Road Courses thread.

I'm not sure if that means my line is good or my braking is bad... your conclusions are welcome!

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cossie1600

Super blue is like the Hawks HPS, way overrated and it is being widely used because of internet forums. Stay away

thekinn

Ok then - I guess it isn't the technique.

I timed myself with my video and then looked again at what you posted - and wondered how the heck a track noob was running 5+ seconds faster than me. lol

You must be running the Akebono kit.? Dunno man - go with better pads, and fluid, then ducting after that. You are a step above me.

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06 Enthusiast MT - v2