Track Day Prep
 

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

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.

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.

Diff Cooler

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

Explain the physiology behind that one please.

^ lol

You might as well wave that bs flag!

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

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.

I was lost on this one too...I started thinking back to my college biology/anatomy/physiology classes haha

Non-Conventional Essentials
 

Spearfish25 is dead on but may I suggest a couple more track day essentials.

1. Suntan lotion. You will be outside all day.

2. Extra pair of contact lenses. Nothing will ruin your track day faster than tearing or losing a contact lens.

3. Couple packs of Imodium AD, antacids, and some Preparation-H a$$ wipes. Remember that you will be excited/nervous and this in connection with the track cafeteria can play havoc on your intestinal system. Trust me, you will thank me...

Good call. Definitely would have appreciated that during my first track day ever. Also recommended for any difficult tracks you may drive on and if you have a close encounter with a wall. Perhaps a change of clothes is also worthy of the 'must bring' list.

I'd say glasses over contacts even. Then you're sure!

Man... I can't say I've ever had GI problems at the track... That seems so strange. :P

Well don't know about some of your guys' lists but here's mine:

On the Car:
- Oil Cooler
- Spare set of rims with Hoosier's
- Hawk HP+ Pads or better if you have a fast track
- Spare set of pads & rotors if you can
- Exhaust and HFC's, nothing worse than not being able to hear your car under your helmet!
- Dot 4 brake fluid
- Stainless Lines
- Sway Bars (Incredible difference in handling!!)

In your buddies car:
- Jack & 2 Jackstands
- Rhino Ramps
- T Bar or Torque Wrench
- 2 extra quarts of oil
- Extra brake fluid
- FOOD & Water
- Every socket, screwdriver, wrench, and pair of pliers you can find
- Helmet

I read it in a science magazine a few months ago. Apparently water helps release toxins in your body helping you feel more relaxed and also tired. The oils in peanuts provide not only protein but other helpful quick healthy things that help give you energy. Hence why a lot of protein and energy bars have a lot of peanuts in them.

I think you have the water think backwards. Dehydration will make you tired and water will correct that.

Water will not make you tired. A sudden carbohydrate load will release insulin that potentially leads to post-prandial hypoglycemia and fatigue. Your best bet is to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, not when you're thirsty. Snacking is better than large meals to avoid the carb load and crash effect described above. Power bars tend to have a good mix of carbs, proteins, and fats to give you a more balanced boost than eating a ton of Skittles and hoping for the best.