C6 prep for track days
04-25-2013, 07:59 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
C6 prep for track days
I recently bought a 2008 C6 w/ the Z51 package. It is my primary car, but I am slowly working on getting it prepped to do track days with it. This will be my first time at the track. I have done mostly routine maintenance so far and wanted to get some input on what I am looking at for future purchases.
The tires that came with the car are Michelin Pilot Sport A/S run flats up front and the OEM Goodyear F1 run flats in the rear. The rears have some life left and the fronts are nearly new. I don't like the idea of running around the track in mismatched tires, so I was thinking of buying a second set of wheels to use with track tires. This way I can also use my run flats for everyday driving and not kill my track tires while commuting.
So far I have done the following...
- new engine oil and filter (Mobil 1 5W-30)
- new transmission fluid (Redline D4 ATF)
- new diff fluid (Dextron LS 75W-90)
- new sway bar end links (they were making noise)
- new sway bar bushings
- new clutch fluid (Prestone DOT 4)
- ordered Raybestos ST-43 brake pads (for track use only)
Here is a list of my to-do items...
- flush brake fluid (i have Motul 600 brake fluid)
- purchase SS brake lines
- purchase brake rotors for track use only
- purchase tires
- purchase second set of wheels for new tires
- replace (slow) leaking power steering hose
- purchase tow hooks
- get an alignment (Pfadt street performance specs)
A few questions and things I would like recommendations on...
- should I have the ABS unit pumped? or is a standard flush ok?
- SS brake line recommendations? (Goodridge? StopTech? DRM? Spiegler?)
- inexpensive track rotor recommendations? (Napa premiums?)
- track/summer tire recommendations? (Michelin Pilot Super Sport?)
- do I need tow hooks? (if so, is Pfadt the way to go?)
- should I install a catch can?
What else am I'm missing??? Any other recommendations or suggestions???
The tires that came with the car are Michelin Pilot Sport A/S run flats up front and the OEM Goodyear F1 run flats in the rear. The rears have some life left and the fronts are nearly new. I don't like the idea of running around the track in mismatched tires, so I was thinking of buying a second set of wheels to use with track tires. This way I can also use my run flats for everyday driving and not kill my track tires while commuting.
So far I have done the following...
- new engine oil and filter (Mobil 1 5W-30)
- new transmission fluid (Redline D4 ATF)
- new diff fluid (Dextron LS 75W-90)
- new sway bar end links (they were making noise)
- new sway bar bushings
- new clutch fluid (Prestone DOT 4)
- ordered Raybestos ST-43 brake pads (for track use only)
Here is a list of my to-do items...
- flush brake fluid (i have Motul 600 brake fluid)
- purchase SS brake lines
- purchase brake rotors for track use only
- purchase tires
- purchase second set of wheels for new tires
- replace (slow) leaking power steering hose
- purchase tow hooks
- get an alignment (Pfadt street performance specs)
A few questions and things I would like recommendations on...
- should I have the ABS unit pumped? or is a standard flush ok?
- SS brake line recommendations? (Goodridge? StopTech? DRM? Spiegler?)
- inexpensive track rotor recommendations? (Napa premiums?)
- track/summer tire recommendations? (Michelin Pilot Super Sport?)
- do I need tow hooks? (if so, is Pfadt the way to go?)
- should I install a catch can?
What else am I'm missing??? Any other recommendations or suggestions???
04-25-2013, 08:53 PM
#3
Drifting
04-25-2013, 08:58 PM
#4
Race Director
Wow!!! Very good list of stuff, but WAAAAYYYY overkill for your first several track events.
Nothing the matter with doing everything on your list, but the only thing I'd really recommend for an owner's first couple track events is DOT 4 brake fluid.
And - make sure your helmet is SA2005 or SA2010 certified.
I have a Rage R3 head-n-neck restraint that works with the OE shoulder harness seat belt - I'd be more concerned about safety stuff before a lot of that other stuff.
SS brake hoses - I wouldn't bother.
Rotors - I have a Z06, so I may not know what I'm talking about here, but I don't think there any cheap alternatives in the Z51 sizes. The NAPA ones you mentioned are, I think, only available in C5/base C6 size. I believe many Z51 owners get the base brackets so they can use the cheaper blanks in C5/base C6 size. Butt....maybe that's from the early days of the C6, and maybe Z51 size are readily available now - I dunno!?!?
Tires - any street tires will be good for learning the stuff you'll be concentrating on during your first several events. I just bought a set of Michelin PSS tires and ran them at an event 2 weeks ago, and they are a VERY good street/track tire!!
You mention getting a 2nd set of wheels and tires - don't forget tire pressure sensors, and you'll want a TPMS tool to reset your sensors when you swap sets of wheels/tires/sensors.
Tow hooks - you don't need them. Get them if you want them, but absolutely not necessary until you start doing club racing, time trials, etc. At that point you'll want a cage, you'll need a fire suit, fire extinguisher, and all kinds of additional stuff.
ABS - I just flush in fresh fluid and go to the track. You can flush in your new Motul, go out and do some ABS stops, and that will get some of the old fluid out of the ABS circuits and some new MOTUL in. Then you can flush your system again to get rid of the old stuff that came out of your ABS. I never have worried about it - I get into the ABS at the track and next time I flush before the next event I'm happy that I've got good fluid throughout.
That's a great list of stuff to work on over time, but your first couple events are going to be learning a whole lot of stuff before you will start driving 10/10ths and need most of that stuff.
Just MHO!!
Most important thing is to have an open mind to better learn the overwhelming amount of stuff that will be thrown at you. I hope they will have some good classroom sessions.
Bob
Nothing the matter with doing everything on your list, but the only thing I'd really recommend for an owner's first couple track events is DOT 4 brake fluid.
And - make sure your helmet is SA2005 or SA2010 certified.
I have a Rage R3 head-n-neck restraint that works with the OE shoulder harness seat belt - I'd be more concerned about safety stuff before a lot of that other stuff.
SS brake hoses - I wouldn't bother.
Rotors - I have a Z06, so I may not know what I'm talking about here, but I don't think there any cheap alternatives in the Z51 sizes. The NAPA ones you mentioned are, I think, only available in C5/base C6 size. I believe many Z51 owners get the base brackets so they can use the cheaper blanks in C5/base C6 size. Butt....maybe that's from the early days of the C6, and maybe Z51 size are readily available now - I dunno!?!?
Tires - any street tires will be good for learning the stuff you'll be concentrating on during your first several events. I just bought a set of Michelin PSS tires and ran them at an event 2 weeks ago, and they are a VERY good street/track tire!!
You mention getting a 2nd set of wheels and tires - don't forget tire pressure sensors, and you'll want a TPMS tool to reset your sensors when you swap sets of wheels/tires/sensors.
Tow hooks - you don't need them. Get them if you want them, but absolutely not necessary until you start doing club racing, time trials, etc. At that point you'll want a cage, you'll need a fire suit, fire extinguisher, and all kinds of additional stuff.
ABS - I just flush in fresh fluid and go to the track. You can flush in your new Motul, go out and do some ABS stops, and that will get some of the old fluid out of the ABS circuits and some new MOTUL in. Then you can flush your system again to get rid of the old stuff that came out of your ABS. I never have worried about it - I get into the ABS at the track and next time I flush before the next event I'm happy that I've got good fluid throughout.
That's a great list of stuff to work on over time, but your first couple events are going to be learning a whole lot of stuff before you will start driving 10/10ths and need most of that stuff.
Just MHO!!
Most important thing is to have an open mind to better learn the overwhelming amount of stuff that will be thrown at you. I hope they will have some good classroom sessions.
Bob
04-25-2013, 11:49 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
Add the extra quart of oil per the owners manual. I never drained it, I just gently warmed up the oil around town as I normally did to get the oil temp up and pressure down. Enjoy! I ran an '08 Z51 at track days for about 3 years and it was a blast.
04-26-2013, 03:31 AM
#6
Pro
Funny that my fist track day was on a set of PS2s in the front and Goodyears in the rear. In fact, I still have that setup on the street (not on purpose, just always seems to work out that way).
I would agree that outside of a brake flush, you're ready to go for your first few days. The rest of the stuff will come in time. Note that cooling will make it to your list shortly.
I see you're in upland. Where are you going to do your first track day? Are you coming out to a Corvette Challenge Event? If not, you should. Check out the threads in the SoCal forum. Plenty of cool people to talk with about your setup and help you out at your first few days. Let me know if you're going to make it to a CC event. You'll have a blast!
Kevin
I would agree that outside of a brake flush, you're ready to go for your first few days. The rest of the stuff will come in time. Note that cooling will make it to your list shortly.
I see you're in upland. Where are you going to do your first track day? Are you coming out to a Corvette Challenge Event? If not, you should. Check out the threads in the SoCal forum. Plenty of cool people to talk with about your setup and help you out at your first few days. Let me know if you're going to make it to a CC event. You'll have a blast!
Kevin
04-26-2013, 11:28 AM
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
Wow!!! Very good list of stuff, but WAAAAYYYY overkill for your first several track events.
Nothing the matter with doing everything on your list, but the only thing I'd really recommend for an owner's first couple track events is DOT 4 brake fluid.
And - make sure your helmet is SA2005 or SA2010 certified.
I have a Rage R3 head-n-neck restraint that works with the OE shoulder harness seat belt - I'd be more concerned about safety stuff before a lot of that other stuff.
SS brake hoses - I wouldn't bother.
Rotors - I have a Z06, so I may not know what I'm talking about here, but I don't think there any cheap alternatives in the Z51 sizes. The NAPA ones you mentioned are, I think, only available in C5/base C6 size. I believe many Z51 owners get the base brackets so they can use the cheaper blanks in C5/base C6 size. Butt....maybe that's from the early days of the C6, and maybe Z51 size are readily available now - I dunno!?!?
Tires - any street tires will be good for learning the stuff you'll be concentrating on during your first several events. I just bought a set of Michelin PSS tires and ran them at an event 2 weeks ago, and they are a VERY good street/track tire!!
You mention getting a 2nd set of wheels and tires - don't forget tire pressure sensors, and you'll want a TPMS tool to reset your sensors when you swap sets of wheels/tires/sensors.
Tow hooks - you don't need them. Get them if you want them, but absolutely not necessary until you start doing club racing, time trials, etc. At that point you'll want a cage, you'll need a fire suit, fire extinguisher, and all kinds of additional stuff.
ABS - I just flush in fresh fluid and go to the track. You can flush in your new Motul, go out and do some ABS stops, and that will get some of the old fluid out of the ABS circuits and some new MOTUL in. Then you can flush your system again to get rid of the old stuff that came out of your ABS. I never have worried about it - I get into the ABS at the track and next time I flush before the next event I'm happy that I've got good fluid throughout.
That's a great list of stuff to work on over time, but your first couple events are going to be learning a whole lot of stuff before you will start driving 10/10ths and need most of that stuff.
Just MHO!!
Most important thing is to have an open mind to better learn the overwhelming amount of stuff that will be thrown at you. I hope they will have some good classroom sessions.
Bob
Nothing the matter with doing everything on your list, but the only thing I'd really recommend for an owner's first couple track events is DOT 4 brake fluid.
And - make sure your helmet is SA2005 or SA2010 certified.
I have a Rage R3 head-n-neck restraint that works with the OE shoulder harness seat belt - I'd be more concerned about safety stuff before a lot of that other stuff.
SS brake hoses - I wouldn't bother.
Rotors - I have a Z06, so I may not know what I'm talking about here, but I don't think there any cheap alternatives in the Z51 sizes. The NAPA ones you mentioned are, I think, only available in C5/base C6 size. I believe many Z51 owners get the base brackets so they can use the cheaper blanks in C5/base C6 size. Butt....maybe that's from the early days of the C6, and maybe Z51 size are readily available now - I dunno!?!?
Tires - any street tires will be good for learning the stuff you'll be concentrating on during your first several events. I just bought a set of Michelin PSS tires and ran them at an event 2 weeks ago, and they are a VERY good street/track tire!!
You mention getting a 2nd set of wheels and tires - don't forget tire pressure sensors, and you'll want a TPMS tool to reset your sensors when you swap sets of wheels/tires/sensors.
Tow hooks - you don't need them. Get them if you want them, but absolutely not necessary until you start doing club racing, time trials, etc. At that point you'll want a cage, you'll need a fire suit, fire extinguisher, and all kinds of additional stuff.
ABS - I just flush in fresh fluid and go to the track. You can flush in your new Motul, go out and do some ABS stops, and that will get some of the old fluid out of the ABS circuits and some new MOTUL in. Then you can flush your system again to get rid of the old stuff that came out of your ABS. I never have worried about it - I get into the ABS at the track and next time I flush before the next event I'm happy that I've got good fluid throughout.
That's a great list of stuff to work on over time, but your first couple events are going to be learning a whole lot of stuff before you will start driving 10/10ths and need most of that stuff.
Just MHO!!
Most important thing is to have an open mind to better learn the overwhelming amount of stuff that will be thrown at you. I hope they will have some good classroom sessions.
Bob
Funny that my fist track day was on a set of PS2s in the front and Goodyears in the rear. In fact, I still have that setup on the street (not on purpose, just always seems to work out that way).
I would agree that outside of a brake flush, you're ready to go for your first few days. The rest of the stuff will come in time. Note that cooling will make it to your list shortly.
I see you're in upland. Where are you going to do your first track day? Are you coming out to a Corvette Challenge Event? If not, you should. Check out the threads in the SoCal forum. Plenty of cool people to talk with about your setup and help you out at your first few days. Let me know if you're going to make it to a CC event. You'll have a blast!
Kevin
I would agree that outside of a brake flush, you're ready to go for your first few days. The rest of the stuff will come in time. Note that cooling will make it to your list shortly.
I see you're in upland. Where are you going to do your first track day? Are you coming out to a Corvette Challenge Event? If not, you should. Check out the threads in the SoCal forum. Plenty of cool people to talk with about your setup and help you out at your first few days. Let me know if you're going to make it to a CC event. You'll have a blast!
Kevin
I don't know what my first track day will be. I haven't signed up for anything yet, but I did see that Corvette Challenge. I won't be able to make it to the one coming up on May 12th, but i hope I can make it to the one on June 1st and/or June 29th.
04-26-2013, 12:23 PM
#8
You're going to find out that no matter how tightly you cinch down the belts, you're going to slide on your seat through the turns. The outsides of your knees will get bruised and your legs will get tired from having to brace yourself. Look into getting a set of Angel Pads. They'll keep your butt planted in your seat.
We're at Chuckwalla Valley next Saturday (5/4) if you want to try them out. You can register for the event at Extreme Speed Track Events. We're also going to Sonoma, Laguna Seca and Streets of Willow next month. Send me a PM for details. We can get you a discount on the registration fees.
We're at Chuckwalla Valley next Saturday (5/4) if you want to try them out. You can register for the event at Extreme Speed Track Events. We're also going to Sonoma, Laguna Seca and Streets of Willow next month. Send me a PM for details. We can get you a discount on the registration fees.
04-26-2013, 01:43 PM
#9
Pro
I've never used angel pads. I got a harness and bar with my stock seats thinking that would solve the problem and it definitely did not. A racing seat certainly did though. I've heard good things about the angel pads.
04-26-2013, 01:49 PM
#10
Pro
I replaced the radiator and put an external oil cooler. You'll need both eventually. For me it was around track day 5.
06-02-2013, 11:18 PM
#11
Instructor
Thread Starter
So I just finished my first track day at Willow Springs. It was a ton of fun. I ran completely stock except for Raybestos ST43 pads and Centric rotors with Motul RBF600 fluid. I had my mismatched run flat tires which took quite a beating. My best time was 1:43.725. It was almost 100° and my oil temps got into the 280° range. I ran the track entirely in 4th gear and tried to focus on my line and braking points.
I can see why people get hooked on this. I'll definitely be going again as soon as I can. I have a Z06 oil cooler I'm hoping to install before my next event to help keep the oil temps down.
Thanks again for all the advice.
I can see why people get hooked on this. I'll definitely be going again as soon as I can. I have a Z06 oil cooler I'm hoping to install before my next event to help keep the oil temps down.
Thanks again for all the advice.
Last edited by lathrash; 06-02-2013 at 11:38 PM. Reason: 280° instead of 180°
06-02-2013, 11:28 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
Your oil temps only got to 180 degrees? That is pretty low considering the ambient temp was nearly 100. I was running up to 300 degrees at my last event and the ambient temp was only 85.
Also, depending on which track event you attend, some require a tow hook. My car had a bad crank sensor at Buttonwillow and I had to have my car towed from the track. The tow hook came in very handy so I would not dismiss it as a non-essential.
Also, depending on which track event you attend, some require a tow hook. My car had a bad crank sensor at Buttonwillow and I had to have my car towed from the track. The tow hook came in very handy so I would not dismiss it as a non-essential.
Last edited by skxf430; 06-02-2013 at 11:33 PM.
06-02-2013, 11:31 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
06-02-2013, 11:37 PM
#14
Instructor
Thread Starter
Your oil temps only got to 180 degrees? That is pretty low considering the ambient temp was nearly 100. I was running up to 300 degrees at my last event and the ambient temp was only 85.
Also, depending on which track event you attend, some require a tow hook. My car had a bad crank sensor at Buttonwillow and I had to have my car towed from the track. The tow hook came in very handy so I would not dismiss it as a non-essential.
Also, depending on which track event you attend, some require a tow hook. My car had a bad crank sensor at Buttonwillow and I had to have my car towed from the track. The tow hook came in very handy so I would not dismiss it as a non-essential.
06-02-2013, 11:41 PM
#15
Instructor
Thread Starter
06-03-2013, 12:45 AM
#16
Pro
So I just finished my first track day at Willow Springs. It was a ton of fun. I ran completely stock except for Raybestos ST43 pads and Centric rotors with Motul RBF600 fluid. I had my mismatched run flat tires which took quite a beating. My best time was 1:43.725. It was almost 100° and my oil temps got into the 280° range. I ran the track entirely in 4th gear and tried to focus on my line and braking points.
I can see why people get hooked on this. I'll definitely be going again as soon as I can. I have a Z06 oil cooler I'm hoping to install before my next event to help keep the oil temps down.
Thanks again for all the advice.
I can see why people get hooked on this. I'll definitely be going again as soon as I can. I have a Z06 oil cooler I'm hoping to install before my next event to help keep the oil temps down.
Thanks again for all the advice.
I think you were parked across from me?
06-03-2013, 12:58 AM
#17
Instructor
Thread Starter
Ya, I remember seeing another silver C6 across from me. I thought I'd have more time to walk around and talk to everyone, but the day went by faster than I expected. Hopefully I'll see you around at some other events.
06-03-2013, 01:25 AM
#18
Drifting
You did very well your first time out. You remind me of another fast learner (Kevin .....).
Regarding your C6Z Oil Cooler. It will drop your temps about 15 to 20 degree's vs the smaller Z51 cooler.
I ran a 08 as well and found the following to help:
- Use Redline Synthetic for your power steering.
- Consider the Pfadt Poly Sway Bar Bushings (I have a set if you want to try them).
- The Michelin Pilot "Super Sport" tires are very good for dual usage and will last on track longer than other tires I had tried. A bit pricey but will perform better and last longer.
- I used the Angel Wings for the first time at Willow and was happy with the extra support they provided. Definitely not a Race Seat, but a help. You should order the thicker pads if you go that route.
Follow the above and you will be well set up to run Corvette Challenge events !!
Use Kevin as a resource as he has used a very methodical approach and has a car that is very well set up.
Ed
06-03-2013, 01:36 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
IMO, you're going super overkill. If you're going to do all that stuff, just buy a spec miata for $10-15k and save your C6.
All you really need is good brake fluid and maybe a good set of pads. Even the EOC isn't needed (though not a bad idea if it's sitting around).
Keep an eye on engine coolant and engine oil temps. If they get hot, just short shift for a lap. I will make you a $100k bet you won't set any track records that day- don't worry about. You're going to be worried about (or at least, you should be worried about) your lines, looking through turns, getting a feel for the car, getting on and off throttle at the right times, etc.
As far as tires- don't get track tires on your first day. you're better off screwing up at 0.90 G's and 45mph than 1.3G's and 75mph. When slicks let go, it's violent. In a C6, you're not going to plow/understeer either- good chance you'll be spinning. Plus, with more tire you're going to bring out other weaknesses and stress other parts (suspension, brakes, etc) more.
All you really need is good brake fluid and maybe a good set of pads. Even the EOC isn't needed (though not a bad idea if it's sitting around).
Keep an eye on engine coolant and engine oil temps. If they get hot, just short shift for a lap. I will make you a $100k bet you won't set any track records that day- don't worry about. You're going to be worried about (or at least, you should be worried about) your lines, looking through turns, getting a feel for the car, getting on and off throttle at the right times, etc.
As far as tires- don't get track tires on your first day. you're better off screwing up at 0.90 G's and 45mph than 1.3G's and 75mph. When slicks let go, it's violent. In a C6, you're not going to plow/understeer either- good chance you'll be spinning. Plus, with more tire you're going to bring out other weaknesses and stress other parts (suspension, brakes, etc) more.
06-03-2013, 02:47 PM
#20
Instructor
Thread Starter
IMO, you're going super overkill. If you're going to do all that stuff, just buy a spec miata for $10-15k and save your C6.
All you really need is good brake fluid and maybe a good set of pads. Even the EOC isn't needed (though not a bad idea if it's sitting around).
Keep an eye on engine coolant and engine oil temps. If they get hot, just short shift for a lap. I will make you a $100k bet you won't set any track records that day- don't worry about. You're going to be worried about (or at least, you should be worried about) your lines, looking through turns, getting a feel for the car, getting on and off throttle at the right times, etc.
As far as tires- don't get track tires on your first day. you're better off screwing up at 0.90 G's and 45mph than 1.3G's and 75mph. When slicks let go, it's violent. In a C6, you're not going to plow/understeer either- good chance you'll be spinning. Plus, with more tire you're going to bring out other weaknesses and stress other parts (suspension, brakes, etc) more.
All you really need is good brake fluid and maybe a good set of pads. Even the EOC isn't needed (though not a bad idea if it's sitting around).
Keep an eye on engine coolant and engine oil temps. If they get hot, just short shift for a lap. I will make you a $100k bet you won't set any track records that day- don't worry about. You're going to be worried about (or at least, you should be worried about) your lines, looking through turns, getting a feel for the car, getting on and off throttle at the right times, etc.
As far as tires- don't get track tires on your first day. you're better off screwing up at 0.90 G's and 45mph than 1.3G's and 75mph. When slicks let go, it's violent. In a C6, you're not going to plow/understeer either- good chance you'll be spinning. Plus, with more tire you're going to bring out other weaknesses and stress other parts (suspension, brakes, etc) more.
Maybe you didn't read the rest of the thread, but I already finished my first track day. Here is my post you missed...
So I just finished my first track day at Willow Springs. It was a ton of fun. I ran completely stock except for Raybestos ST43 pads and Centric rotors with Motul RBF600 fluid. I had my mismatched run flat tires which took quite a beating. My best time was 1:43.725. It was almost 100° and my oil temps got into the 280° range. I ran the track entirely in 4th gear and tried to focus on my line and braking points.
I can see why people get hooked on this. I'll definitely be going again as soon as I can. I have a Z06 oil cooler I'm hoping to install before my next event to help keep the oil temps down.
Thanks again for all the advice.
I can see why people get hooked on this. I'll definitely be going again as soon as I can. I have a Z06 oil cooler I'm hoping to install before my next event to help keep the oil temps down.
Thanks again for all the advice.