noob HPDE questions

chillz

Thanks for the link. The wrap on the 370 was pretty cool.

I was actually looking at your BMW build the other day, and it looks like you're having tons of fun and making good progress -- congrats on the build! I don't really expect to be any good at running rings quickly, but I do expect it will be a blast. It's just something I want to experience in the car, and I expect that I will learn lots as well. If I get bitten by the track bug really hard, I think that what you're doing makes the most sense. It's more cost effective to start with a cheaper platform if you're going to strip it anyway, and I'd be less paranoid about wrecking it. I suppose the thought of wrecking it is what keeps most people from tracking their Z to begin with... Well, that and it's a pretty expensive hobby.

gtkiller

Like sig and Chris mentioned are all great info I'm on the west coast so I can't give any input on the tracks you've mentioned. I've replaced my brake pads, brake fluid and sway bar and been driving the car stock on the factory tires for a year now its been a great learning experience. By keeping it stock it will be easier to identify problems with either the car or driving techniques. If your slow or fast you'll know it's cause of your on skills. Nothing to blame on the car until your able to drive it to the limits after then you'll know what you want to improve with your car. Be safe have fun and use common sense the ultimate goal is to drive your car home.

chillz

Have you also added an oil cooler, and if not, has it been an issue?

Thanks Flashburn. I plan to get Carbotech XP8 pads and change the fluid, I think to the Motul RBF600. This seems to be the combo most recommended for noobs on the many threads in this section. The Hawk pads are less expensive, but I saw a number of posts in which people say they were not great.

The oil cooler will depend on how much cash is left from my tax return and/or bonus after I pay the car off. It's got to be paid for by the end of July when I move to Canada.

HPDE insurance, like appropriate brakes, I consider a "must have". I have no desire to die in the car, or to wreck it and not be covered. I have Geico insurance. I'll call and check, but fully anticipate that they will not cover me in the event anything happens on the track.

I'm really looking forward to the event, when I'm not questioning my sanity

flashburn

Definitely do not call and ask. Like Mike said, insurance companies have been known to drop people just for asking come renewal time.

The two big insurance companies are Lockton Affinity and OnTrackInsurance. I've used OnTrackInsurance, but I never had to file a claim. I've heard good things about both of the companies, so I'd just get whoever is cheaper. I think the deductible is less with OnTrack.

I run with Carbotech's (I think XP10/XP8, I'd need to check), and I'm very happy with them. Barely ever get any brake fade.

__________________
Current Ride: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Centennial Edition Carbon Flash 6M
Previous Ride: 2009 Nissan 370Z Sport Platinum Graphite 7AT

chillz

OK, thanks again, to you and to Mike, for the advice not to call my insurance company. I'll just contact the companies you listed and get a price.

I suspected so; thanks for confirming.

Mike

Save your time checking and just get the supplemental from lockton-affinity or the like. Geico may drop you just for asking come renewal time.

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

chillz

Thanks. Good to know...

gtkiller

Chillz, I did add an oil cooler 19 row probably upgrade to a 25 row soon.