Got a track related question? I'll try to answer.

[bkblitzed]

Originally Posted by gbrz

is painters tape an effective way to protect your paint on the track? i was thinking of covering the bumper, front of fenders, hood, mirrors and behind the tires/wheels

it is but i don't really understand why people want to do it. I probably just don't care enough to do it lol.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by robtan

For starters merry Christmas. I would like to know what a good tire would be for stock suspension and upgraded brakes(brake ducts, rotors, pads, ss lines etc).
Thanks in advance.

Stock tires are fine. RS3 for street tires offer the most grip. NT01/RC1 in the R-comp category. TD for time attack. A6/C91 for single laps.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by gbrz

is painters tape an effective way to protect your paint on the track? i was thinking of covering the bumper, front of fenders, hood, mirrors and behind the tires/wheels

Yes, but you can buy other stuff that is faster to put on. They sell heavy duty plastic wrap that is much wider, so u can get it on in minutes.

[gbrz]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Yes, but you can buy other stuff that is faster to put on. They sell heavy duty plastic wrap that is much wider, so u can get it on in minutes.

Thanks. I'll have to order some online. Still on the fence about putting on painters tape for tmrw's event.

I have another question:

I was on the fence about the XP8's and the HC+800's since they seem to be competing in the same market (entry level track pad, streetable). Do you think the XP8's provide benefits that are worth the extra cost over the HC+800's?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by gbrz

Thanks. I'll have to order some online. Still on the fence about putting on painters tape for tmrw's event.

I have another question:

I was on the fence about the XP8's and the HC+800's since they seem to be competing in the same market (entry level track pad, streetable). Do you think the XP8's provide benefits that are worth the extra cost over the HC+800's?

Carbotechs generally are easier to transition to, but you can't deny that the HC+800 is a great deal.

Just keep in mind that as you progress, race pads will be closer to the Carbotech in price, rather than the HC+800.

If you haven't purchased pads yet, I highly recommend you do before tomorrow's event. We have both Carbotechs and Project Mu in stock.

If you're comfortable swapping pads yourself, I'd recommend you use a race pad, rather than a hybrid pad.

[zeppy]

Hi Mike just wanted to thank you for the great thread and all the info you have provided us here. I come from a miata (NB) e36 and STI (GD) background. I'm working on a mod list to get the most "enjoyment" out of my brz on and off the track while keeping reliability on the forefront. With that said, I do 3-4 track events a year, and daily drive the car summer months only ( i live in midwest, too much salt in winter)

CURRENT MODS;

• coilovers
• track pads
• ss brake lines
• motul brake fluid
• Master cylinder brace
• catback exhaust
• track wheel with rs3's.

I've just purchased ecutek tune by one of the vendors on here because i have reliability concerns due to DI failures. I'm going to flush my trans & diff fluid before the spring with the redline lubricants (i ran two track events on stock fluids). I wanted to get your opinion on how many track events i should run before changing trans/diff fluid (redline product line) What are your thoughts on AOS's? I had the crawford on my STI. Down the road i'll get an oil cooler but for now i'll run high quality oil in the engine during track events. I'll need to get my car aligned and cross balanced, thoughts on good quality product for rlca's?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by zeppy

Hi Mike just wanted to thank you for the great thread and all the info you have provided us here. I come from a miata (NB) e36 and STI (GD) background. I'm working on a mod list to get the most "enjoyment" out of my brz on and off the track while keeping reliability on the forefront. With that said, I do 3-4 track events a year, and daily drive the car summer months only ( i live in midwest, too much salt in winter)

CURRENT MODS;

• coilovers
• track pads
• ss brake lines
• motul brake fluid
• Master cylinder brace
• catback exhaust
• track wheel with rs3's.

I've just purchased ecutek tune by one of the vendors on here because i have reliability concerns due to DI failures. I'm going to flush my trans & diff fluid before the spring with the redline lubricants (i ran two track events on stock fluids). I wanted to get your opinion on how many track events i should run before changing trans/diff fluid (redline product line) What are your thoughts on AOS's? I had the crawford on my STI. Down the road i'll get an oil cooler but for now i'll run high quality oil in the engine during track events. I'll need to get my car aligned and cross balanced, thoughts on good quality product for rlca's?

While we have no firm data on Redline fluids (we use Motul synthetic), there's no reason for you to need excessive changes, unless you're breaking the fluid down.

I'd recommend that you do a short interval the first time, and send it in for analysis (~25 bucks per sample).

Alternatively, you can run what we run, and know you're good to go.

I would recommend you get an oil cooler before tracking further; it doesnt hurt to keep engine oil temps down, but you should be okay with a high quality oil.

SPL is the only rear LCA we'd recommend.

[Mersd]

What do you think your lap time would be at sow with just using sport mode?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Mersd

What do you think your lap time would be at sow with just using sport mode?

I have no idea... I haven't tried it because it does interfere with my driving, but I can also drive around it.

With a 100% stock car, I'd guess 1:33 CW and 1:34 CCW, driving around VSA Sport, and preserving the stock pads.

[bkblitzed]

do you guys use magnet # plates or vinyl? The only thing about magnets i hear is that they can scratch the car.

[Anthonytpt]

Painter's tape.

[bkblitzed]

i use painters tape already but it get's annoying sometimes lol. Im just worried about the signs flying off on track.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by bkblitzed

do you guys use magnet # plates or vinyl? The only thing about magnets i hear is that they can scratch the car.

Tape... it's cheap

[balance]

Mike, Thank you for doing this for the community.

I have 3 questions:

1) Is there any bushing upgrade that you suggest for heavy duty track use?

2) For the NA power-level, what would be your choice of the tire width?

3) Would aero mods (especially, the rear wing) provide any substantial benefits to the NA car?

Cheers,
Sam