Tracking for the first time

[tatawaki]

auto-x'ing isn't new, tacking is. I was not able to get to the track because of the snow :P

I will be going this spring.

I was also debating to buy a 87 E30 325is to use at the track as oppose to my 95. it would be a pretty cheap car because it is a salvage title. you think it's a good idea? it is in good condition ( no bent frame) just body damage. I don't know if I can afford to loose my 95 bmw.

thanks for all the tips.

[Matthew C Smith]

I wouldn't buy it. Just take care of your car and take it easy out on the track. The money you would have spent on the e30 can go to extra maintenance on the e36.

[1996 328ti]

Originally posted by L8APX
Over fill the oil, upgrade the brake fluid to Silicon (DP,ATE,CASTROL LMA etc.) . . .

Never, ever, EVER use silicon brake fluid. Not in these cars.

[Matthew C Smith]

Good point

Silicone brake fluid is not compatible with normal fluid. Also, it's not that great. I also don't think you can use it with ABS. Frequently it results in a softer pedal and may not absorb water, so it just pockets the water in the line or caliper.

[TMINUS]

Originally posted by L8APX
Over fill your bag

Bring:
A torque wrench and sockets
extra fluids,Brake, coolant, oil, Power steering,
A helmet
A camera
All you forms, look them over a week before and make sure you have everything done
A photocopy of your Drivers License
A long sleeve t-shirt, jeans, and a change of clothes for the ride home.
A tarp in case of rain
A 12v air pump
A Chair
Snacks
A jack and stands
Water, lots of water for you and the car
Tools, simple hand tools screwdrivers hammer, pliers, wrenches and some emergency repair stuff like hose clamps, duct tape, electrical tape
A first aid kit
Sunglasses
Gloves
a hat

GEEEEEEEEEEEEZUS!!! - he's going to the track -
not going on a 2 week vacation to a SNAP-ON facility

yo tatawaki ... bring ur car and ur car keys.

[Matthew C Smith]

I take all that stuff too.....

Better safe than sorry. I usually take more oil for the engine, coolant for the radiator, brake fluid and bleeder in case the fluid gets cooked, air pump to fill the tires a bit, chair to sit in when I'm not driving, a tarp to cover everything if it rains, an umbrella regardless to keep the sun off you, water to drink, and some rudementary tools like duct tape, a metal clothes hanger, etc for a limp home repair.

[L8APX]

Originally posted by Matthew C Smith
Good point

Silicone brake fluid is not compatible with normal fluid. Also, it's not that great. I also don't think you can use it with ABS. Frequently it results in a softer pedal and may not absorb water, so it just pockets the water in the line or caliper.

Did I say Silicone? I ment Synthetic. Mineral based brake fluids are inferior to synthetics.

Most High performance brake fluid is compatible, but I recommend flushing the system before any track event. Most clubs require it anyway.

Here is a wet and dry boiling point comparison. I have been using ATE fluid for years and everyone I speak to recommends it or one of the other HP Brake fluids.

http://www.seinesystems.com/BrakeFluids.htm

Here is the same info from Bimmerworld.com
http://www.bimmerworld.com/Tech/brakes.htm

Post a thread, "Best brake fluid?" and watch.


Brakes are more important than anything else on the car for a track event, period.

[L8APX]

Originally posted by TMINUS MATT NYC
GEEEEEEEEEEEEZUS!!! - he's going to the track -
not going on a 2 week vacation to a SNAP-ON facility

yo tatawaki ... bring ur car and ur car keys.

Matt,

Some of that stuff is important. Come to the track with me this summer and you will see. BTW, most of that stuff fits in a milk crate and I keep it in there so I can just grab it and go.

So when it you need to check you air pressures, what are you gonna do, stick the key in the valve?

I will call you, we have to meet up.

[Matthew C Smith]

Since we're on brake fluids, here's an awesome link from Steve D.

http://www.gti-vr6.net/library/wheel...d_comparo.html

[M-bird]

Originally posted by timsev
never ever over fill you're oil! the car is made to take a certain amount. Your car will not suffer starvation.

Tell that to anyone who's lost a motor in a long right hand sweeper, or anyone with an S14 and you're likely to get an unkind response.

Screw that, overfill by 1/16th of an inch over the full mark, and check the level after ervery session, and don;t forget to put your oil cap back on.

Check your tire pressures cold and more inportantly hot, as soon as you come off the track, and if you can do it, check temps in 3 spots across the tread, that is a more accurate way of diagnosing suspension settings and tire pressures.

And don;t overfill your brake fluid by a half a quart or it will be all over the floor.

[KNivES]

And take money! [Gambling]

[L8APX]

Originally posted by M-bird
Tell that to anyone who's lost a motor in a long right hand sweeper, or anyone with an S14 and you're likely to get an unkind response.


.

I spun the #3 Rod bearing at Pocono North, a loooong right hander. With a Turner Baffle and just full on the stick.

So yeah, M-brid is right

Over fill? Yes

[VELVETM3]

Im going to VIR this weekend for my first driving school. Just wanted to thank you guys for the info, this thread and section are extremely helpful, so Thanks,
Brian

[OldSkoolBmw]

Originally posted by L8APX
I spun the #3 Rod bearing at Pocono North, a loooong right hander. With a Turner Baffle and just full on the stick.

So yeah, M-brid is right

Over fill? Yes

I have a korman pan with an extra quart... an oil cooler with remote oil filter... and an accusump system... yes all to prevent that because on m10's and s14's it's common... actually on m10's you drill and tap the block and install a oil restrictor to the head so at high RPM the head doesn't flood with oil... also forces more oiling to the rod and mains... either overfill 1/2 to 1 quart.. or have it built into the system... to change my oil on my m10 it takes 8 quarts... 1 oilcooler.. 5 in the pan... 2 in the accusump.. do it right now.... or deal with thinned oil and low oil pressure later....

[greateratlanta]

When you guys say to "flush the break system" before a track event, are you referring to bleeding the breaks or is this a totally different thing???