Minnesota Check In

[LeeMaster]

Depending on my work schedule, I might only be able to go to Proving Grounds on Friday. But like ayau asked, I am also interested in knowing how our stock brake pad and brake fluid was handling at the track.

Originally Posted by xia

My FRS arrived yesterday and picking it up in an hour! Anyone know a good place to have a clear bra put on (hood, bumper, mirrors)?

I had mines done at Maplewood Auto Salon for a great price, they were able to do my full bumper, half fenders, half hood, both side sill, and both mirrors.

[ayau]

Originally Posted by LeeMaster

Depending on my work schedule, I might only be able to go to Proving Grounds on Friday. But like ayau asked, I am also interested in knowing how our stock brake pad and brake fluid was handling at the track.



I had mines done at Maplewood Auto Salon for a great price, they were able to do my full bumper, half fenders, half hood, both side sill, and both mirrors.

At a minimum, I'd change fluid and pads for any track event. I'm more concerned about the OEM rotors cracking with high temp fluid and pads.

[thill]

Originally Posted by M3GH4N

You won't be disappointed with Bravo. When my tint peeled after I got it done (due to the fact that the window rolls down on its own when you open the door) I called them up, and they told me to bring it on on that day or whenever I was available. Got me in right away, and got it done as soon as possible. They never disappoint there!

If you do get a clear bra, get it done there. Never had a single problem after they installed it on my tC. Now when I got the FR-S, I made a bad decision and originally got my clear bra done by the dealership. All but the clear bra on the fenders had to be replaced, including the mirrors. They hooked me up with a shop in Minnetonka that replaced it last week, and so far so good. But I would have just gone to Bravo if I would have known how bad of a job Toyota would do!

Thanks for the info, what did you have cover by the clear bra? I am still debating how much to do.

Also, just an FYI to others out there, it sounds like Bravo does all the Morries dealerships and if you go directly through them vs the dealer you save a huge chunk of change (dealer is double if that helps).

[M3GH4N]

Originally Posted by thill

Thanks for the info, what did you have cover by the clear bra? I am still debating how much to do.

Also, just an FYI to others out there, it sounds like Bravo does all the Morries dealerships and if you go directly through them vs the dealer you save a huge chunk of change (dealer is double if that helps).

I have the bumper, fenders, half hood and mirrors

[ArmyJon]

@ArmyJon and @Black Tire, when will you guys be going to BIR again?

How did the OEM rotors hold up? Did your brake fluid boil?

I think I'm going to head back up for one of the Monday Events Gary Curtis puts on through BIR in July. They have a day scheduled that uses both long and short courses.

As far as the OEM stuff went for me. I actually went out and did some hot laps with stock rubber, rotors and brake pads but I wouldn't recommend it.

I had upgraded my brake fluid to DOT 4 but in the afternoon when I was running on my slicks I managed to get the brakes or lines too hot coming into turn 3 and just about went off the track. I went back out again after everything cooled down but I wasn't as confident about the brakes after that. Definitely going to upgrade the pads and add braided lines next.

Black_tire was running braded lines/upgraded pads/strut brace and I really liked the way his car felt.

Overall its a blast, but it certainly be better with those brake mods.
I never felt like I was down on power, just down on brake feel.

[thill]

Originally Posted by M3GH4N

I have the bumper, fenders, half hood and mirrors

Thanks, I am probably going to do the same.

[LeeMaster]

Originally Posted by ArmyJon

I think I'm going to head back up for one of the Monday Events Gary Curtis puts on through BIR in July. They have a day scheduled that uses both long and short courses.

As far as the OEM stuff went for me. I actually went out and did some hot laps with stock rubber, rotors and brake pads but I wouldn't recommend it.

I had upgraded my brake fluid to DOT 4 but in the afternoon when I was running on my slicks I managed to get the brakes or lines too hot coming into turn 3 and just about went off the track. I went back out again after everything cooled down but I wasn't as confident about the brakes after that. Definitely going to upgrade the pads and add braided lines next.

Black_tire was running braded lines/upgraded pads/strut brace and I really liked the way his car felt.

Overall its a blast, but it certainly be better with those brake mods.
I never felt like I was down on power, just down on brake feel.

Thanks for your input, I will definitely consider it. Looks like brake pads, lines and fluid will be my next mod

[ayau]

Originally Posted by LeeMaster

Thanks for your input, I will definitely consider it. Looks like brake pads, lines and fluid will be my next mod

SCCA has a PDX event on July 7th. I'll most likely attend. I went to one in April/May and it was a lot of fun.

http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.c...F1FD6262E7999C

For a small track such as DCTC, you might be able to get by with OEM pads. I would definitely swap fluid because it's cheap, about $15 for a DOT 4 bottle.

[LeeMaster]

Originally Posted by ayau

SCCA has a PDX event on July 7th. I'll most likely attend. I went to one in April/May and it was a lot of fun.

http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.c...F1FD6262E7999C

For a small track such as DCTC, you might be able to get by with OEM pads. I would definitely swap fluid because it's cheap, about $15 for a DOT 4 bottle.

I will definitely request work off that day and attend.

Which DOT 4 fluid would you recommend? Or does it not matter

[ayau]

Originally Posted by LeeMaster

I will definitely request work off that day and attend.

Which DOT 4 fluid would you recommend? Or does it not matter

ATE Type 200. You won't boil that at a small track, and it's cheap. For bigger tracks such as BIR, you may want to consider something higher temp, eg., Project Mu Gforce.

[ayau]

I'd also install some front crash bolts to save your front tires and for some additional turn in grip. Your OEM tires will roll over A LOT.

[LeeMaster]

Originally Posted by ayau

I'd also install some front crash bolts to save your front tires and for some additional turn in grip. Your OEM tires will roll over A LOT.

I never messed around with camber before because I always have one of my mechanics do the work for me, is this something I can do in the garage or am I better off going to a shop to get me the camber that I need?

[ayau]

Originally Posted by LeeMaster

I never messed around with camber before because I always have one of my mechanics do the work for me, is this something I can do in the garage or am I better off going to a shop to get me the camber that I need?

You'll want to get an alignment after installing the crash bolts. Basically, just max out the camber and zero out the front toe.

If you're going to get coilovers and camber plates, I'd wait so you don't have to get an alignment twice.

[Starscream15]

Originally Posted by Snoopy_TXR

Around 6pm. Grimspeed, Meghan, Opposed, and I occasionally attend. I will be there this Monday.

I'm stopping up in a bit, want to check it out and get some greasy food.