Tracking BRZ: Road America

[Apex_BRZ]

I'm considering running my BRZ at Road America at an upcoming HDPE this year since my other car won't be ready. I have looked at several threads on here to try and confirm what I think should be done before that time. I have about 6 weeks to get ready. Car is bone stock right now.

Here are things I am considering before track day, please let me know if anything should be added.

1. Tires
Bridgestone RE-11A's are on the way

2. Brakes
I use Carbotech on my other car and would like to use them on the BRZ also. I contacted the rep and he suggested XP10 front and XP8 rear.

3. Brake Fluid
Again, on my other car I use ATE SuperBlue/Yellow...but I think this may be overkill for the BRZ. I'm interested to hear some alternatives since I use this as a daily driver.

4. Oil Cooler
Necessary or not? Car is under warranty, so I'm nervous about modifying the engine oil system and giving the dealer a fall-back should something need work. On the other hand, Road America is a big track and there are a lot of long straights for that car to work awful hard.


I realize there are other threads covering some of this, but I'd like to hear your thoughts anyway.

[juliog]

1. Good, although doing a day or two on stock tires wouldn't hurt. They're fun and you might learn faster with the relatively low grip they offer.
2. Mixing pads isn't recommended. Better use the same compound front and rear, the EBDF (electronic brake force distribution) system expects pads to match. Search forums for "EBDF" for more info.
3. There's also Motul RBF600, Project Mu...
4. Not necessary. It's "worth it" if you plan to track the car a lot. You will know when you need one..

[Apex_BRZ]

Originally Posted by juliog

1. Good, although doing a day or two on stock tires wouldn't hurt. They're fun and you might learn faster with the relatively low grip they offer.
2. Mixing pads isn't recommended. Better use the same compound front and rear, the EBDF (electronic brake force distribution) system expects pads to match. Search forums for "EBDF" for more info.
3. There's also Motul RBF600, Project Mu...
4. Not necessary. It's "worth it" if you plan to track the car a lot. You will know when you need one..

The pad choices were recommended by Carbotech. I use a similar setup on my other car, except a bit more aggressive...with XP12 front and XP10 rear. Has worked very well on the track. I'll ask them again when I go to order them and discuss the EBFD system.

[zohaib]

No need for an oil cooler on a simple HPDE day. Chances are on the straight you'll be letting through higher horsepower cars, so there's no need to push hard, carry momentum and enjoy the turns instead

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

The pad choices were recommended by Carbotech. I use a similar setup on my other car, except a bit more aggressive...with XP12 front and XP10 rear. Has worked very well on the track. I'll ask them again when I go to order them and discuss the EBFD system.

I'd run even compounds f&r. I staggered before but prefer even now.

[SportInjected]

Road America is a fast track, so I would add camber bolts and alignment to your list. Increase negative camber up front, and give a little toe-in in the rear for high speed stability.

[Apex_BRZ]

Hitting Road America this weekend. The car is ready. Running Potenza RE-11A's, StopTech Stainless Lines, master cylinder brace, and ATE SuperBlue fluid. Using Carbotech pads.

What do you guys recommend starting at for cold tire pressures front and rear before my first session?

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

3. Brake Fluid

Again, on my other car I use ATE SuperBlue/Yellow...but I think this may be overkill for the BRZ. I'm interested to hear some alternatives since I use this as a daily driver.

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

Hitting Road America this weekend. The car is ready. Running Potenza RE-11A's, StopTech Stainless Lines, master cylinder brace, and ATE SuperBlue fluid. Using Carbotech pads.

I'm guessing you've run this track previously and are familiar with its demands upon a brake system. From what I know of RA, I would think that Super Blue (Gold) is the very minimum standard of fluid to run on that track, and that you'd want to be right on top of it if your pedal starts to go soft. Just my 2¢. Have fun!

[Apex_BRZ]

Originally Posted by dradernh

I'm guessing you've run this track previously and are familiar with its demands upon a brake system. From what I know of RA, I would think that Super Blue (Gold) is the very minimum standard of fluid to run on that track, and that you'd want to be right on top of it if your pedal starts to go soft. Just my 2¢.

You've never run it? The brake fluid will be fine.

I'm more interested in finding someone that is also using RE-11A tires and what their experience is for tire pressures. All I really need at the moment.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

You've never run it? The brake fluid will be fine.

I'm more interested in finding someone that is also using RE-11A tires and what their experience is for tire pressures. All I really need at the moment.

Skepticism noted. Be safe.

[Apex_BRZ]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Skepticism noted. Be safe.

No scepticism, I didn't mean to come off rude. We've gone to this track for the past 3 years. "I" have yet to run it, I've always watched. My friends ran it though and all use the ATE Blue/Yellow fluids and have never managed to boil the fluid in any of their cars. Since this is my first time on a Road Course with this car, I'll be with an instructor and not going balls out anyway. If my one buddy had no issues with the fluid in his racecar and my other buddies in their street cars...I don't see it happening as I learn my way slowly around the track.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

No scepticism, I didn't mean to come off rude. We've gone to this track for the past 3 years. "I" have yet to run it, I've always watched. My friends ran it though and all use the ATE Blue/Yellow fluids and have never managed to boil the fluid in any of their cars. Since this is my first time on a Road Course with this car, I'll be with an instructor and not going balls out anyway. If my one buddy had no issues with the fluid in his racecar and my other buddies in their street cars...I don't see it happening as I learn my way slowly around the track.

Thanks for clarifying - I appreciate it. And I now see where you're coming from, and agree that the ATE fluid is a satisfactory choice for you at this event.

I've watched videos and races from RA, and studied data generated there - it's a high-speed, heavy-braking track. That was the perspective that caused me to be leery of ATE's fluid, which, in my experience, isn't suitable for a track that demanding on brakes. (Again, I understand that is only my opinion.) As you've pointed out, however, how hard the car's being driven has everything to do with how hard the brakes are being worked.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Apex_BRZ

You've never run it? The brake fluid will be fine.

I'm more interested in finding someone that is also using RE-11A tires and what their experience is for tire pressures. All I really need at the moment.

Cold? It depends on the air comp in your tire. I only worry about hot, and you'll want 35-38psi hot.

Start at 32 if you're on pure Nitrogen, or 28 if you're on normal air.

ATE is really the absolute minimum... I mean, you're saving a few bucks by using ATE compared to other options. It's miniscule in the big picture, and I'd prefer not to see you boil your fluid.

[xwd]

I ran RA a few times in my WRX. I never had the balls to take it as fast as I could have. It is a wide fast track without much room for error and definitely hard on brakes if you push it. Driving up that front straight in a stock BRZ has got to be painful, but at least it will give you some time for your brakes to cool off.