I will be attending my first lap day in January and would like to know all that I need.

Here is what I have done and plan to do before the event.

Change fluids (oil, tranny, rear end, coolant, brake, power steering). I know a few guys use Redline power steering, I'm going to use Royal Purple b/c I can get it $2 cheaper per bottle. Will there be a difference?

Brakes - Autozone rotors, pads, fluid. Suggestions on pads? I'll just be using them for the course (and driving back and forth), then I'll use the stock pads daily.

I'll be running Kumho V700's with all the LG suspension parts. Any thoughts on shock settings for Koni DA's?

What do you guys run for a thermostat? It'll be Jan in TX and I have the stock cooling system (stock cooler). Any changes there?

All suggestions appreciated
Thanks

 

When and where in January?

BTW, Ill dig up the pre-event list that we have going <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />

 

Is it this one?

January MSR w/ The Driver's Edge

Louis, are you gonna try and make this one?

<small>[ November 22, 2002, 10:51 PM: Message edited by: mitchntx ]</small>

 

Quick note. If you are going to use carbon metallic pads for track use, you may not want to go back to street pads on those rotors. The carbon metallic type pads lay down a layer of "carbon material" during the bedding process and don't work well (as well) until bedded. Now, the bad news....stock pads don't work well on rotors that have carbon metallic material bedded into them...they will stop....just not as well (how bad seems to depend on the type of race pad used and how well it was bedded).

Also, when GM tested the ZR-1 Corvette (high speed testing) they were melting power steering hoses and resevoirs about every 15 minutes to an hour (on stock fluid) they went to mobile 1 and redline and all but eliminated the failures. Royal purple makes a great product, but until I see these results, I'll run Mobile or redline...it's cheaper than a pump and hoses. (they lowered oil temp and rear end temps as well, hence Mobile 1 was factory installed in the ZR-1 and others).

For what it's worth....

Have fun at the track.

PS I am running Carbotech Panthers and Brembo OEM rotors....even on the street (they are a little noisy).

 

Yes, it is that event at MSR. They haven't cashed my check yet...... but I'm hoping I got it in early enough (I mailed it on 10-27). <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Brakes: I used the stock GM pads for 11 autox's this year. They work fine and I only xp'd fade once, at TMS. Other times it was to hard to push in the pedal and I would have to pump it. If fluid and rotors will help correct this, I'll keep using the stock pads (new ones) for autox and street, and just switch over to better pads for rr. So, with that in mind.. any suggestions on pads?

Power Steering fluid: Is Redline that much better than Royal Purple? When buying a few bottles the savings add up.

Should I bother with a 180 stat?

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by SSmokem02:
<strong>Yes, it is that event at MSR. They haven't cashed my check yet...... but I'm hoping I got it in early enough (I mailed it on 10-27). <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Brakes: I used the stock GM pads for 11 autox's this year. They work fine and I only xp'd fade once, at TMS. Other times it was to hard to push in the pedal and I would have to pump it. If fluid and rotors will help correct this, I'll keep using the stock pads (new ones) for autox and street, and just switch over to better pads for rr. So, with that in mind.. any suggestions on pads?

Power Steering fluid: Is Redline that much better than Royal Purple? When buying a few bottles the savings add up.

Should I bother with a 180 stat?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Rick waits till 1 month prior to cash the entry checks. I am considering the January event. Will know more around mid December. It's good you got your registration in early. These fill fast at MSR. Ever been on that track before?

Pads ... Are you on street tires and running Novice? Street pads will probably be OK. However, if you begin turning up the wick, I would suggest some track only pads. They can accomodate the heat much better. I've run Hawk Blues and Carbotech Panthers. The Panthers seemed to work better for me. I'm considering the purchase of some PF 90s, just to see ...

I would also come prepared with a new set of replacement AZ rotors ...

I've never run RP fluid, but have yet to boil over Redline. Whatever brand you use, I suggest you only fill it to the "ADD" mark.

As far as shock settings, on LS1.com, ask 98_1LE where he had his set. I have Bilstiens non-adjustable. It's one less thing for me to screw up. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

During winter months, I doubt a cooler thermostat will matter too much. However, in July, engine temps really skyrocket.

Be prepared to use a LOT of gasoline. I typically use 3/8 of a tank in a single 20 minute session.

Hopefully Louis will be able to make this event and we can pit next to him. He makes everyone faster. Plus it's fun to honk at him while he's sitting sideways in the middle of Big Bend ... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

<small>[ November 23, 2002, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: mitchntx ]</small>

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by SSmokem02:
<strong>Yes, it is that event at MSR.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Are you the guy that bought my trailer?

 

mitch, yes it is. His name is Nick and he is a good autocrosser.

I also use and suggest Carbotech Panthers.

As for shock settings, with the stock 1LE suspension I liked these the best:
F: 9 sweeps over 8 clicks
R: 1.75 turns over 5 clicks

 

Nope, I cant go <img border="0" alt="[whiner]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[whiner]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" /> Class begins on the 13th, so Im out. DAM! I mean they have one the 9th of december, and then the 25th of january! How do I come home, and MISS BOTH OF THEM?? <img border="0" alt="[whiner]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> I get home on the 14th, and leave the 12th....again, GOod luck.

Mitch, Yes, that is the sheet! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 98_1LE:
<strong>mitch, yes it is. His name is Nick and he is a good autocrosser.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Great ... nice guy ...

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by mitchntx:
<strong>Ever been on that track before?
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">This will be my first road course event, I've only autocrossed to this point.

Yes, I did buy your trailer. It works great. Thanks. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Shocks: I still have the 1LE setup but with G2 springs. So should I take it down from 9 over 8 to say 7 over 6? and a similar change in the rear?

Does MSR sell 93 gas and how much more is it than bringing, say 25 gallons? Also, the tech page.. where can I take care of that?

 

I'll defer the shock question to Chuck ...

Cresson has a couple of stations that sell 93 octane. No big deal.

If you have a "friend" in the automotive business, they can more than likely take care of the tech sheet. TDE just wants another set of eyes to check the car out.

Remember, though, if there is an issue and TDE officials see it, you are out till it's fixed.

And I really do miss that little trailer.

<small>[ November 23, 2002, 08:23 PM: Message edited by: mitchntx ]</small>

 

G2, did that pre event list pop up?

Carbotech Panthers.. where can I get a good price on those?

Any of you guys know where I can get a harness re-certified?

 

Louis... That sux that you will miss all the events while you are in. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

Mitch... I might attend this event also. We'll talk about it in more detail later.

James

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Plus it's fun to honk at him while he's sitting sideways in the middle of Big Bend ...</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Mitch.. I didn't catch this comment the first time. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

BTW... here is a list that I use some to help me check off everything needed for the event. It is from the Open Tracking site. Check sheet - PDF format

 

I got my Carbotech Panther Plus (there is also a Panther pad...get the "plus") from Larry at www.carbotecheng.com ....I have seen some vendors (fast toys I think) selling them for a few dollars cheaper than larry does direct (he can't under sell all his resellers....they will quit selling), but the difference was not a whole lot (and I appreciate the info that larry has given me on brake questions...great guy!!!). Take a look around....or just call larry....good luck.

 

I believe the only way to get a re-certification on a harness or a helmet is to send it back to the manufacturer