Tracking for the first time

tatawaki · #1 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 09:10 AM

I have a 95 325is. Just wondering, if anybody encountered any problems while tracking their car. I'm going to:

- flush the brake fluid
- put in 1/2 quart extra when at the full line.
- any other tips?

Tire pressure?

Matthew C Smith · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 06:21 PM

Flush the brakes and fill to the full line

You might want to overfill the engine oil by about a 1/2 quart to help prevent starvation.

How are you tracking with? Some schools require a tech inspection before you get there.

Basically go over the whole car, especially the brakes, wheels, tires and suspension. Make sure everything is up to snuff.

At the track I check my lug nuts to be sure they're torqued to the correct spec and add any extra engine oil. Then set the tire pressures.

It's been so long since I've had a factory suspension I can't even remember what I used to run!

Well outside of the technical aspect of the vehicle, here are a few comments.

Leave your ego at home. This is your first time so take it easy. Nobody's out there looking to hire you as a race car driver!

Be smooth, eyes up and ahead. If you can, get a ride of follow along with somebody who's been at the track before.

I'm sure there's a lot more, but that's good for now.

timsev · #3 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 05:45 PM

never ever over fill you're oil! the car is made to take a certain amount. Your car will not suffer starvation. flush brake fluid. If its your first time, I wouldn't worry about too much. just check your lugs tires and brake pads. Also, remember your tech inspection. Ask someone experienced at the track for other advice.(I.E. tire pressures) Also, you don't need any mods on your car. You've got a long way till you can even get to the limit of your car. Just go and have fun. remember, its a learning experience, not a race.

Matthew C Smith · #4 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 05:55 PM

Quote:

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

Actually, it's pretty much common practice for autox and track time. Cured my valve tick and many others.

timsev · #5 (**permalink**) 11-19-2003, 05:58 PM

i track my car all the time. never had any problems. whatever works for you.

Scho · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2003, 10:51 PM

Add some extra oil and take some to the track.

Matthew C Smith · #7 (**permalink**) 11-24-2003, 06:09 AM

Have you gone yet? How'd it go? Have any fun?

caracas_e30 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-01-2003, 04:46 PM

um you guys are forgetting one thats probably more important than all of those. its called brake fluid. normal brake fluid will boil under conditions run at auto x's. this produces massive brake failure and fade. U have to get d.o.t 4 brake fluid. this will sustain the temps at auto x.

if you didnt know, the scca reports that the most common failure among auto x'ers is their brakes.

sunir · #9 (**permalink**) 12-08-2003, 10:33 AM

monitor your tire pressures...bring oil to the track....have fun!!! and keep an open mind toward learning.

L8APX · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 07:19 AM

Over fill the oil, upgrade the brake fluid to Silicon (DP,ATE,CASTROL LMA etc.) and make sure the brake pads are over 50%

Now for the other stuff that no body mentioned
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

Leave home:
Fear, doubt and ego. Your going to have a great time without any of these three.

Not all of the above mentioned are required but they make the day go smoother and when you have the tools Murphy's law is rendered ineffective.

Track time is addictive, you will feel like him without a fix every few months

.....you have been warned have fun with your new "habit"

bad330 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 08:31 AM

DO NOT OVER FILL YOUR OIL. are these people stupid or something. the car is not made to run with OVER FILLED oil. come on now, its common sense

Matthew C Smith · #12 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 09:18 AM

It's also common practice.

Have I ever foamed the oil? No. I'm not worried about it.

L8APX · #13 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bad330
DO NOT OVER FILL YOUR OIL. are these people stupid or something. the car is not made to run with OVER FILLED oil. come on now, its common sense

Common sense dictates that you listen to those who have the technical knowlege and experience, like a seasoned racer or professional BMW mechanic.

I have been told time and again by many experts to overfill my oil level, and the one time I didn't KABLAM!!! spun a bearing.

Some oil will probably burn off due to the age of the car and the sustained high rpms, that is expected. We can all agree that there is nothing worse than running low oil levels at the track.

In fact due to the high load extended lateral g forces that the car will sustain on the track having a little extra oil in the crankcase will help prevent oil starvation due to the oil creeping up the side of the block away from the oil pickup. Some BMWs, like mine must have a special baffle in the pan and be run overfull so you don't blow the engine.

Overfilling the oil a small amount (less than 1/2 qt.) will not damage anything if it did half the cars coming out of a Quik-E-Lube would suffer damages. Please tell me that every jiffyquickiespeedy-lube worker double checks the level, and I will call you stupid.

Matthew C Smith · #14 (**permalink**) 12-12-2003, 05:39 AM

A little more proof from PTG that overfilling is common practice and acceptable.

http://www.eurospeed.org/e36m3faq.pdf

check out page 6

TheWiseGuy · #15 (**permalink**) 12-26-2003, 08:16 AM

Nice link by the way Matthew very helpful pdf. Tatawaki or anyone for that matter pm me if you have any further questions about race car setup/preparation.