$5K for track build
 

About to pick up a GR86. Will use it mostly for track duty…must be street legal so I can drive it to/from the track.

If you had $5K for upgrades, what would you do?

what is your track experience?

18x8.5 +40 rims with tw200 tires…2000
Rcr ss1 coilovers…1600
Proper brake pads and fluid…400
The remaining 1k up to you.

Have you factored in recurring and consumable costs?

Camber plates, camber bolts, rear lca, alignment -3 and -2 degrees camber F/R to start: $1k-$1.5k, car will probably want more camber but you’ll figure it out in time.
Use up the factory ps4s, pick next tires as desired $1k give or take.
Brake pads $500
Brake fluid $50
Real oil cooler $750

Use the rest on gas.

If I was to completely start over again, this is what I'd do:

• Driving school(s)
• Simpson Hybrid Sport + compatible helmet
• Track pads + fluid
• Oil cooler
• Front camber plates / rear camber arm
• Action cams (in-car + external) + data logging

the BEST first question.

also, $5k what? $5k per track day? $5k per month? $5k per year? $5k all-in(and no one is ever all-done paying for track stuff)?

~20 track days in a modified Miata.

Already have a helmet, Hans, camera, data logger, and tools.

I have $5K for initial upgrades.

I’m seeing a lot of recommendations to start with an oil cooler. How serious are the overheating problems on track? Besides the oil cooler, would hood vents help?

- oil cooler
- wheels/tires
- coilovers
- camber plates / alignment
- brake pads, fluid, lines
- sway bars

If the suspension is in decent shape, you might run it stock for a while. Spend the extra $1k on a header and a tune. In Va? Are you going to run Summit Point and VIR?

Those items are pretty much the go to. The oil cooler will get you mixed responses on this forum. Personally, I’m a fan of them. The new gen 2 cars have one however apparently it’s just not that efficient. The hood vents are more about eliminating lift at the front.

Nothing but Brake Fluid, pads, and camber adjustments. They are really good stock already.

So, the response depends on how many days per year you want to do and what your goals are. If you're doing fewer than 10 days per year and are just looking for some fun trackdays, $2k for a set of RS4's and some wheels (17s to keep the costs down) then some camber plates/bolts for the front and some good pads. Keep the rest to do more events.

If you're looking to do more events then I'd get the AP Racing sprint kit, the pads are cheaper and last longer plus you'll never have to worry about brakes. I'm also in the pro-oil cooler camp, I ran one on my 2014 and only had to tighten the connectors once over 6 years with 30 or more days per year. You'll probably also want some coilovers, I'd recommend doing it right the first time so you don't feel like doing it a second time. Unfortunately, wheels and tires, AP brakes, oil cooler, and suspension is going to run about $7k.

I’ve been to all three tracks at Summit Point, Dominion, Pitt Race, and Lightning at NJMSP. Haven’t done VIR, yet. It’s on the bucket list.

Any other good ones near VA?

The AP Racing Sprint Kit is $2,300. I’m all about the brakes, but that’s a lot.

Agree on the coilovers. Will go with a good set the first time.