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How Should I Prepare C5 for Road Course Track Day?

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Old 04-07-2011, 01:31 AM
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Michael A
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Default How Should I Prepare C5 for Road Course Track Day?

I have an all stock C5, LS1, 6-speed manual, and was thinking about doing a road course track day this year. I was wondering if there is anything I need to do or watch out for. I was going to change all fluids, and check brake pads. This car is a daily driver, so I need to keep it in good condition.

Michael
Old 04-07-2011, 06:46 AM
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lucky131969
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Originally Posted by Michael A
I have an all stock C5, LS1, 6-speed manual, and was thinking about doing a road course track day this year. I was wondering if there is anything I need to do or watch out for. I was going to change all fluids, and check brake pads. This car is a daily driver, so I need to keep it in good condition.

Michael
If this is your daily driver, and you can't do without it, then don't race it.
Old 04-07-2011, 06:50 AM
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AU N EGL
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We have a whole section on this topic.

Under corvette general, auto-cross and road racing.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...cing-23/?id=23

basically

Fresh DOT 4 brake fluid

Make sure your brake pads are at least 60% of the original. New brake pads are best but not ceramic brake pads.

change your clutch fluid also with DOT 4 brake fluid

Clean the radiator out with an air hose helps too.
Old 04-07-2011, 01:10 PM
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waddisme
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Does the LS1 need the extra quart of oil like the LS6?
Old 04-07-2011, 03:04 PM
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SoDiezl350
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Originally Posted by waddisme
Does the LS1 need the extra quart of oil like the LS6?
I believe it is recommended to top it off with an extra quart.
Old 04-07-2011, 03:27 PM
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chaase
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Originally Posted by waddisme
Does the LS1 need the extra quart of oil like the LS6?
Originally Posted by SoDiezl350
I believe it is recommended to top it off with an extra quart.


1) Extra Oil
2) Change to DOT4 brake fluid
3) Inspect your braking system in general to make sure everything is good.
4) I would also make sure your cooling system is behaving and clean out the radiator to remove any debris which could inhibit proper air flow.
Old 04-08-2011, 01:57 AM
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Michael A
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Thanks, guys. I appreciate the tips.
Old 04-08-2011, 09:42 AM
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redrckt97
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lots of great info on the autocrss/road race forum - see long sticky by Zenak

one little thing for your daily driver --- empty the washer fluid tank--
under heavy cornering etc fluid comes out of the washer tank and nozzles

raise tires pressures before the event - you can always let some out as they heat up during the event. For streeet tires I 've been advised to start at 40lbs all around -- I like the feel best at around 38 (have to let air out during the day to maintain that pressure with heat)

clean the radiator fins out real well -- heat is your worst enemy.

do add oil - I use an extra 1/2 quart -- change oil right after each event to return to normal level.

one other little tip - I use a piece of that waffle-looking rubber pad you use to keep a rug from slipping on a floor - put it on the drivers seat bottom to help with sliding around -- helps a Lot
Old 04-08-2011, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by chaase


1) Extra Oil
2) Change to DOT4 brake fluid
3) Inspect your braking system in general to make sure everything is good.
4) I would also make sure your cooling system is behaving and clean out the radiator to remove any debris which could inhibit proper air flow.
I would add one more to the list. 5) If your tires are worn it a good time to replace them. Even if they are still good for daily driving they maybe to worn for high speed track driving. G/L
Old 04-08-2011, 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by redrckt97
lots of great info on the autocrss/road race forum - see long sticky by Zenak

one little thing for your daily driver --- empty the washer fluid tank--
under heavy cornering etc fluid comes out of the washer tank and nozzles

raise tires pressures before the event - you can always let some out as they heat up during the event. For streeet tires I 've been advised to start at 40lbs all around -- I like the feel best at around 38 (have to let air out during the day to maintain that pressure with heat)

clean the radiator fins out real well -- heat is your worst enemy.

do add oil - I use an extra 1/2 quart -- change oil right after each event to return to normal level.

one other little tip - I use a piece of that waffle-looking rubber pad you use to keep a rug from slipping on a floor - put it on the drivers seat bottom to help with sliding around -- helps a Lot
38-40 lb cold is WAYYYYYY to hot for the road course. Do not do that--note the max pressure on the sidewall--usually 44psi. On a hot day I've seen tires gain 8-9psi after a session. I've found most street tires like 36 F /34 R HOT. So if it's a hot day on a dry track, I might start at something like 28 F/ 26 R.

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