Hey everyone, new member here. After lurking for some time and racing in many AutoX events I'm interested in tracking my S550 GT PP Convertible. Being a convertible, I accept the fact that I would need to purchase a roll-bar in order to start tracking the car. I've read some of the guides on the forums including this one, but had a few other questions as I’m not 100% sure on what all I need to do prior to my first HDPE.
My goal for the car right would be to make it a dual-purpose daily driver that I can drive to/from work and the track, without changing too much at once. I don't mind sacrificing a little comfort for performance, but don't want to turn the car into a teeth-rattling machine when driving it on the street.
Having that in mind, I’m pondering the following as my "shopping list" to get started:
- Watson racing 4 point roll bar
- Schroth Quick Fit Pro (Driver & Passenger)
- SA2015 helmet (already purchased)
- HANS device for myself (TBD)
- Apex SM10 19x11" ET26 & ET52 w/TPMS etc. Tires: 305/30/19, TBD...ideally a 200TW tire that I can drive to/from the track with. I would swap back to my OE PP wheels after the track days.
- Vorschlag caster/camber plates to adjust front camber
- FP Track handling pack (M-FR3A-M8A)
- ZL1 front (and rear?) tow hook
- Xpel PPF on key areas (bumper, hood, lower door, lower rear quarters, etc.)
- Spare PP rotors & pads and extra brake fluid to bring for the HDPE events.
- 2.5lb clean agent fire extinguisher with seat track mount
I know I could keep going with a list of mods, but I would like to avoid diving off the deep end with just starting out until I get a better handle on things and understand the car better on the track. Having said that, I have some questions:
1) Any comments on the above “shopping list”? Things I may be missing or over-doing for just starting out?
2) Is it okay to run the OEM Ford DOT4 brake fluid for a first HPDE, or is it recommended to go ahead and install a separate clutch reservoir & automatic trans brake reservoir, run Motul 600/660 or Castrol SRF in the brake reservoir, and change the brake lines to SS prior to my first HDPE?
3) If I purchase a HANS device, do I need to purchase a separate one for an instructor? I’m planning on purchasing a Quick Fit Pro for the passenger side, but unsure if I need to buy a separate HANS as well...I’ve heard any safety equipment you buy for yourself you also need to buy for the instructor.
4) Do people generally drive their car to/from the track, or is it recommended to go ahead and tow given issues that may occur leaving one stranded? I don’t have a truck so this would be another purchase...
4) What’s the general take here on the “don’t track it unless you’re prepared to lose it” mentality? Personally spending a few hundred dollars each track weekend purchasing track insurance, the shopping list, and potentially damaging/totaling the car makes me debate just going with a Miata as the end cost would be about the same with cheaper consumables and not purchasing track insurance. I realize this may not be the right place to ask but figured I would anyways.
I apologize for my long-winded post, but appreciate any help here.
My goal for the car right would be to make it a dual-purpose daily driver that I can drive to/from work and the track, without changing too much at once. I don't mind sacrificing a little comfort for performance, but don't want to turn the car into a teeth-rattling machine when driving it on the street.
Having that in mind, I’m pondering the following as my "shopping list" to get started:
- Watson racing 4 point roll bar
- Schroth Quick Fit Pro (Driver & Passenger)
- SA2015 helmet (already purchased)
- HANS device for myself (TBD)
- Apex SM10 19x11" ET26 & ET52 w/TPMS etc. Tires: 305/30/19, TBD...ideally a 200TW tire that I can drive to/from the track with. I would swap back to my OE PP wheels after the track days.
- Vorschlag caster/camber plates to adjust front camber
- FP Track handling pack (M-FR3A-M8A)
- ZL1 front (and rear?) tow hook
- Xpel PPF on key areas (bumper, hood, lower door, lower rear quarters, etc.)
- Spare PP rotors & pads and extra brake fluid to bring for the HDPE events.
- 2.5lb clean agent fire extinguisher with seat track mount
I know I could keep going with a list of mods, but I would like to avoid diving off the deep end with just starting out until I get a better handle on things and understand the car better on the track. Having said that, I have some questions:
1) Any comments on the above “shopping list”? Things I may be missing or over-doing for just starting out?
2) Is it okay to run the OEM Ford DOT4 brake fluid for a first HPDE, or is it recommended to go ahead and install a separate clutch reservoir & automatic trans brake reservoir, run Motul 600/660 or Castrol SRF in the brake reservoir, and change the brake lines to SS prior to my first HDPE?
3) If I purchase a HANS device, do I need to purchase a separate one for an instructor? I’m planning on purchasing a Quick Fit Pro for the passenger side, but unsure if I need to buy a separate HANS as well...I’ve heard any safety equipment you buy for yourself you also need to buy for the instructor.
4) Do people generally drive their car to/from the track, or is it recommended to go ahead and tow given issues that may occur leaving one stranded? I don’t have a truck so this would be another purchase...
4) What’s the general take here on the “don’t track it unless you’re prepared to lose it” mentality? Personally spending a few hundred dollars each track weekend purchasing track insurance, the shopping list, and potentially damaging/totaling the car makes me debate just going with a Miata as the end cost would be about the same with cheaper consumables and not purchasing track insurance. I realize this may not be the right place to ask but figured I would anyways.
I apologize for my long-winded post, but appreciate any help here.