track noob sticky?
 

I been searching/researching on what a first time or even experienced tracker should prepare/change for track days. The 370z is a sport car and I'm sure many would like to know how to be track ready. I think many readers could benefit from having a centralized and stickied post or track prep. Any volunteers from the track people? A small explaination on why xxx should be looked at or this is rec vs xxx would be wonderful. Multiple can piggyback onto a post with a copy n paste technique.

Can we start off with things like tires, brake pads, brake lines, break oil, engine oil, engine oil cooling, shocks, springs, gas, extra gas, and so on.

In addition to car talk, can we get info on the most important part; the driver? What should/could the driver do to prepare for the track? What to wear, Sunglasses, Helmet, Gloves, workout, ect?

Thanks

why do I keep posting in the wrong place.. grrr.. please move to the right place... track/autox...

Change your oil.
Change your brake fluid.
Have your brakes and tires inspected.
Take ALL of the Sh1t out of your car.
Check your tire tread.
Bang your GF.
go to bed early.
Bring some water + 5 hour energy.
Breath.
Go fast.
Do it again.

If its your first time add a oil cooler,have good tires and brake pads and change all of the fluids with high temp fluids. If you do that you shouldn't out drive the car the first time. Some people disagree with me but I signed up for iracing.com before my first time and it helped a ton. It wont teach you what your car is going to do but knowing the track and the fast line around it helped me a ton.

Listen to your instructor. You will have 4 25 min sessions so pay attention hardcore, let the instructor show you the proper turn in, etc then gradually pick up your speed. By the 4th session you will be still be wanting to go faster but your nerves may get you a bit and thats perfectly fine. Your next trip to the track with confidence from this event you will enjoy even more.

Get a go pro or something and film. Then watch over and over again. I couldnt wait to go again because I knew I could go faster all over the place.

Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk

I'd add a diff cooler too if you have a LSD (sport). You can make one for about $500. Lots have been scared when the OEM LSD slips, locks, etc and it surprises you. Doran also posted within 3 laps he's running 300 degrees and Megan370 has blown 2 or 3 of them. I'd bet the OEM isn't that bad if you could maintain below 250 temps and let the oil do its job properly instead of breaking down.

fixed

I was hoping for more details. More specific like which brakes and why those over others. What oil and why even change it? Why is it recommended? Not to be an a hole but form the posts above stating thing like change your oil, check your brakes, go faster; I can jsut as well tell anyone to build a car form scratch. Get a frame, put in an engine, connect the wires, drive the car.

We can't do it for you, you have to pick everything. Everyone will have a different opinion that will just end in arguing. You know what to do, so read and search what you thinks best.

I understand that everyone has an opinion or preference on car setup. I'm not trying to make this about me. I'm trying to get info for the "general public." Someone that has no idea what to do or that these things even exist.

For your first time:

Flush brake fluid with RBF600
Get the best track pads you can afford (At least Hawk HPS for your very first time, they aren't a real track pad but will last longer than the OEM crap), Carbotech XP8 or CL RC5+ is a good track day pad.

An oil cooler is a must.

Beyond that, good tire condition, willingness to listen and learn.

You definitely don't need a diff cooler, will make zero difference at all on your car and isn't necessary until you have a clutch type LSD, and even then is useless if you aren't driving pretty damned fast, so you're talking about your 3rd or 4th track event at least, I would guess.

I'd trust advice from those of us with actual track experience with this platform, there's certainly plenty of us here to help. :tup:

For the first time out, assuming you drive within your abilities, you should be able to get by with brake pads, brake fluid and an oil cooler. Once you're hooked, improve your brake cooling and change your suspension based on what you want the car to do.

Exactly this.

Plus since you have a Nismo, you're pretty well set up to enjoy the on-track experience. Stiff suspension from the factory will feel "at home" on the track where it feels a bit harsh on the street, etc.

Don't be fooled, though, your brakes and all the other stuff are exactly like a non-Nismo's, so you gotta do those upgrades.

Honestly for your first time, you are not likely going to be pushing the car anywhere near its limit anyway. So just the basics really do apply. Some good synthetic oil, some good RBF like Motul 600(it is possible for even a beginner to ruin their brake fluid-you don't want that to happen). Some decent pads while you do the brake fluid would save some labor costs.

I ran all season wo oil cooler but the 2012+ models have a little oil cooler that seems to take a little bit of the edge off. I will need one next year though.

Don't overspend on your first day though, if you keep doing it, you will want:

Brakes, stainless steel brake lines, good fluids, oil cooler, maybe some different tires. Those are the basics.

And I wasn't kidding about the water, 5 hour energy, and a good nights sleep.;)

Well in that case...for me with experience with road racing I want enough setup to get me on the track and not have to worry about things breaking or over heating. That entails...

Large oil cooler so I don't hit limp mode, I'm making mine
Vented hood I made to keep temps down also
Camber arms etc since the OEM specs on alignment are terrible, SPL rear and probably Kinetix front
Rear eccentric lock out plates/bolts I made so the alignment can't change under huge load
Depending on oil life I might change it before I go. I run Redline 5w30 and change every 3k anywho so it depends.
RBF600 brake and clutch fluid
Brake duct cooling lines
Xp10 F, 8 R pads
SS lines
Redline mt-85 for the tranny
Redline 75w90 diff fluid
Redline ATF 6 power steering fluid
My own power steering cooler
My own diff cooler/pump setup with diff temp gauge
Everything gutted
Rear only roll cage for the time being as its a DD also
Racing seat, probably Corbeau forza 19lbs
Racing seat belt, any really I guess
A decent track tire, still looking, any 285/35/18 square I guess
Front sway bar, whiteline full hard at the moment
Kill switch for Yaw sensor
And last i believe, swift springs. Will get coilovers when I get the money

This should be enough to go fast and keep me and the car safe. Over time more bushings, motor/tranny mounts, a tune for power etc etc.