How is the car at the track?

[gmookher]

car is so much more fun once you loose the prius rubber

[iLuveKetchup]

Can you guys comment on consumables & reliability (as of now)?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by iLuveKetchup

Can you guys comment on consumables & reliability (as of now)?

Brakes last longer than on the s2k; you can use a "lower" compound and get away with it, without ducts.

Reliability... well... we already went through an engine.

[twincamRob]

Originally Posted by gmookher

car is so much more fun once you loose the prius rubber

^this!



And for the op, this car is a blast at the track! Here's my experience... http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18110

[robispec]

come on out to the exestream speed event 14/15th at streets of willowsprings! we can all have some more of this kind of fun...

[diirk]

^^^ That would be a long drive for the OP, but worth the time. Make a SoCal vacation of it and enjoy yourself.

As for the original topic, yes, the BRZ/FRS makes a great track car. Completely stock it's an excellent platform to learn on and as you get better, you can do small upgrades to the car to keep it on par with your skill level. It's very neutral and tunable to fit your specific driving style. If you like hanging out the rear end, then the car will do oit. If you want to stick like a slot car, the car will do it. So far I'm very impressed with the car and the only thing holding it back from better lap times is the driver....

[Texas BRZ]

Originally Posted by iLuveKetchup

Can you guys comment on consumables & reliability (as of now)?

I feel my FR-S goes through brake pads faster than the MX-5 I owned previously (MX-5 weighed 300 lbs less, maybe that's one of the reasons)... But it's the complete opposite with the tires. I'm surprised that I still have reasonable life left on the 'Prius tires' that come on the FR-S... As I keep an eye on my tires after each session, the tires are not as punished as one might expect, despite me pushing the tires at the limit consistently.

Reliability:

I'm approaching 10k miles, and 6 two-day HPDE events... The FR-S has given me zero issues, and that's the truth. No engine overheating, no limp mode hiccups, etc... Nothing, and I hope it continues this way.

I place a lot of importance on reliability because of how my previously owned vehicles tested out through my track experience. My RX-8 R3's engine went out in about the first 10k miles (car was bought new and I maintained the oil level as required). The car also went into a limp mode phase (twice) during one of my track sessions... Several months before the engine outage took place.

On the MX-5, the catalytic converter(s) gave up on me twice within the first 6k miles.

So when I compare, my FR-S is holding up well, so far...

[G Speed]

Originally Posted by blkwrxwag

I put four 17x8 wheels with 245 in the back - no problem.

Bigger would not be an issue. Stack them behind the front seats

Perfect

Originally Posted by Texas FR-S

Performs brilliantly... Even if you're not the fastest guy out on the track (that's not suppose to be the goal anyway, I suppose), this car delivers a lot of fun and connection with the driver.

I believe it's more of a momentum car, and it doesn't feel like it lacks performance.



As I've advanced with my experience and skill level at the track (and as I drive the limit more and more), I feel the OEM tires can start holding one back. After getting full use of the OEM tires (or knowing when you're ready), it's a good idea to start the search for higher-performing tires... This car and its chassis deserve better tires as you start advancing, that's for sure.



I feel this car has a more torquey engine compared to what I was used to (RX-8 and MX-5). Power is not disappointing, in my opinion...



Brake fluid and pads will need to be upgraded... And as I was taught before, you will have to keep an eye on the rotors.

No need to upgrade all at once, and it's good to take it one step at a time... Or as needed.



As @blkwrxwag mentioned, I don't think you'll have any issue with fitting your specific size of wheels / tires.

I was used to (RX-8 and MX-5). Power is not disappointing, in my opinion...

See that's my problem... My car right now is 3000lbs.. so about 200ish lbs heavier than the FR-S.. but is 280whp/320tq

Originally Posted by gmookher

car is so much more fun once you loose the prius rubber

perfect

Originally Posted by iLuveKetchup

Can you guys comment on consumables & reliability (as of now)?

don't thread jack! I'm jokking good question

Originally Posted by twincamRob

^this!



And for the op, this car is a blast at the track! Here's my experience... http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18110

thanks

Originally Posted by robispec

come on out to the exestream speed event 14/15th at streets of willowsprings! we can all have some more of this kind of fun...

Well........

2,530 mi, 37 hours ....

If I had a truck/enclosed trailer sure LOL

Originally Posted by diirk

^^^ That would be a long drive for the OP, but worth the time. Make a SoCal vacation of it and enjoy yourself.

As for the original topic, yes, the BRZ/FRS makes a great track car. Completely stock it's an excellent platform to learn on and as you get better, you can do small upgrades to the car to keep it on par with your skill level. It's very neutral and tunable to fit your specific driving style. If you like hanging out the rear end, then the car will do oit. If you want to stick like a slot car, the car will do it. So far I'm very impressed with the car and the only thing holding it back from better lap times is the driver....

driver mod, always needs modding lol

Originally Posted by Texas FR-S

I feel my FR-S goes through brake pads faster than the MX-5 I owned previously (MX-5 weighed 300 lbs less, maybe that's one of the reasons)... But it's the complete opposite with the tires. I'm surprised that I still have reasonable life left on the 'Prius tires' that come on the FR-S... As I keep an eye on my tires after each session, the tires are not as punished as one might expect, despite me pushing the tires at the limit consistently.

Reliability:

I'm approaching 10k miles, and 6 two-day HPDE events... The FR-S has given me zero issues, and that's the truth. No engine overheating, no limp mode hiccups, etc... Nothing, and I hope it continues this way.

I place a lot of importance on reliability because of how my previously owned vehicles tested out through my track experience. My RX-8 R3's engine went out in about the first 10k miles (car was bought new and I maintained the oil level as required). The engine went into a limp mode phase (twice) during one of my track sessions... Several months before the engine outage took place.

On the MX-5, the catalytic converter(s) gave up on me twice within the first 6k miles.

So when I compare, my FR-S is holding up well, so far...

glad to hear.. I assuming why peoples tires are holding up is because of the higher treadware...but I bet as well as they work for you know.. going to a sticker compond or better compond in general.. will make a world of a difference...

I would probably learn the car on those tires though

[diirk]

I would suggest running the stock tires for the first few times too. If nothing else it gives you a good baseline for future modifications.

[Texas BRZ]

Originally Posted by G Speed

See that's my problem... My car right now is 3000lbs.. so about 200ish lbs heavier than the FR-S.. but is 280whp/320tq

Then you may likely miss some of that power...

For me however, the real excitement and challenge is in how I can preserve as much momentum as possible... And then maintaining and building upon that speed through the course, consistently. In this regard, the car has solid power for my desire. That's possibly why I happen to be satisfied with the power output. And actually, the REAL speed is in this car's chassis and overall balance, I feel.

glad to hear.. I assuming why peoples tires are holding up is because of the higher treadware...but I bet as well as they work for you know.. going to a sticker compond or better compond in general.. will make a world of a difference...

I would probably learn the car on those tires though

Yup... And I'm extremely excited to see how the car does on ZI/II Star Spec's... I'm hoping for a mind-blowing difference, but I better keep my expectations low, hehe.

[donutfilling]

How would you guys say the stock brake-pads hold up on track? fine for 20 min sessions in HPDE?

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by donutfilling

How would you guys say the stock brake-pads hold up on track? fine for 20 min sessions in HPDE?

which track? how hard are you driving?

the world is not black and white

[G Speed]

Originally Posted by diirk

I would suggest running the stock tires for the first few times too. If nothing else it gives you a good baseline for future modifications.

of course

Originally Posted by Texas FR-S

Then you may likely miss some of that power...

For me however, the real excitement and challenge is in how I can preserve as much momentum as possible... And then maintaining and building upon that speed through the course, consistently. In this regard, the car has solid power for my desire. That's possibly why I happen to be satisfied with the power output. And actually, the REAL speed is in this car's chassis and overall balance, I feel.



Yup... And I'm extremely excited to see how the car does on ZI/II Star Spec's... I'm hoping for a mind-blowing difference, but I better keep my expectations low, hehe.

of course.. with a lighter car/slightly underpowered IMHO if you don't maintain momentum..your screwed lol

Originally Posted by donutfilling

How would you guys say the stock brake-pads hold up on track? fine for 20 min sessions in HPDE?

Car is 2700-2800lbs, you should be fine on stock pads, not like you will be getting up to 200kph.. needing to scrub off 100

[Tt3Sheppard]

If the stock tires are not as bad as everyone is saying then i say buying a few sets of those will be cheap on these forums since everyone is selling them for $500 a set or less. I guess it would make more sense to learn the car with cheaper summer tires then spend the money on expensive summers.

I want to run with the stock tires but one of them has a chunk missing from the sidewall from a stupid curb. I know it wont pass tech.