Hpde with a auto
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
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Hpde with a auto Have a 1993 z28 a4 - wanted to get into road racing. Is it feasible to track the car with a automatic tranny? I know it's not ideal, but I figured if I really get hooked I can always consider a t56 swap down the road.
Teching In
Joined: May 2011
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I don't see a problem for track days other than its going to be slow. I might actually be a good thing if your just getting started. Your will focus on braking and the proper line, and you will not be worried about all that heel toe stuff and the fear of missing a shift. There will be way less acceleration coming off the corner since you will be at the wrong RPM for max power, but then again it might teach you how to carry speed through the corner. Also, put a big cooler on the on the thing!
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
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Thanks for the advice. That actually makes a lot of sense. I'm coming from a Evo x and sti, so I'm a little inexperienced with driving a big hp rwd. My goals right now is to learn how to drive the car and just plain having fun.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Pinetop, AZ
As JF said-BIG cooler! Shift kit would help also. I raced a 700hp 67 camaro for years with an auto. I would rather use an auto at the rr course then a manual at the dragstrip for sure. I'm sure that's just me though.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 593
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From: Pinetop, AZ
If all you are going to do is 10-15 sessions a year and still use your car for a dd then I'd just take the precautions mentioned. If the day comes you are making it a dedicated RR car then you might consider a manual trans.
This is something I would like more information on as well, I have a feeling my 4L60 is going to hate me if I take it to VIR... will it survive or should I start saving for a new trans now?
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You should be absolutely fine with an auto for a HPDE. A big cooler isn't a bad idea -- frankly it's cheap insurance, however the reality is that you aren't going to be near the limit of the car your first time out of the gate.
Use your track days to learn and develop as a driver. Once you're a proficient driver, then you can better start to address the limitations of the car.
Interestingly enough, many instructors will ask novice drivers (with manual transmission cars) to limit or completely eliminate the shifting -- i.e. drive the entire track in 3rd gear -- just so they can focus on learning the line, braking, increasing your vision and awareness of surroundings.
Use your track days to learn and develop as a driver. Once you're a proficient driver, then you can better start to address the limitations of the car.
Interestingly enough, many instructors will ask novice drivers (with manual transmission cars) to limit or completely eliminate the shifting -- i.e. drive the entire track in 3rd gear -- just so they can focus on learning the line, braking, increasing your vision and awareness of surroundings.