Automatic FRS for track

[Lunatic]

I've been wanting a FRS ever since they came out and almost got one a few months back, but the deal fell through. Now a new problem.
My wife has developed arthritis in her clutch knee and no longer can do track days with her Mini Cooper.
SO
She has been hinting about getting a FRS BUT with the automatic.
Are there any modifications that can be made to the automatic car to make it on par with the stick for track days?

[CSG Mike]

Get a final drive to shorten up the gearing, to be more in line with MT gearing. But, this comes with the penalty of worse MPG on the highway; your MPG will come down to MT levels :p

[poptopclk]

You won't be disappointed with the 6 sp Auto w paddle shifters. You won't use 5th or 6th gear anyways. Plus you can keep BOTH hands on the wheel and with the rev matching can hit the corners in 2nd easily. The auto hits 62 mph in 2nd gear just before rev limiter. This car is plenty fun as an automatic.

[dp1]

I loved the AT on track, many mods including JR SC/Ohlins/AP Racing Sprint BBK/driveshaft/axles/LCA/etc. Had an accident and got a manual but would do it again anytime

[renfield90]

Keep in mind, heat is the real killer of automatics. If you're going to track it regularly you will need a fluid cooler.

My last car had an auto, and I made sure I had a cooler and a temperature gauge. A 20 minute session would put me at 220 F, and the cooler was worth 40-50 degrees.

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Get a final drive to shorten up the gearing, to be more in line with MT gearing. But, this comes with the penalty of worse MPG on the highway; your MPG will come down to MT levels :p

Not really concerned with millage, we still have the mini for that. (37 mpg)
What rear end ratio would you suggest?

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by renfield90

Keep in mind, heat is the real killer of automatics. If you're going to track it regularly you will need a fluid cooler.

My last car had an auto, and I made sure I had a cooler and a temperature gauge. A 20 minute session would put me at 220 F, and the cooler was worth 40-50 degrees.

What cooler did you get?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Lunatic

Not really concerned with millage, we still have the mini for that. (37 mpg)
What rear end ratio would you suggest?

It depends a bit on your tracks, but a 4.44 or 4.57 will bring you pretty close to MT gearing.

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

It depends a bit on your tracks, but a 4.44 or 4.57 will bring you pretty close to MT gearing.

Oregon Raceway Park in the summer and Chuckwalla Valley in the winter primarily. But Thunderhill, Luguna Seca, and Sears Point when we can.

[renfield90]

Originally Posted by Lunatic

What cooler did you get?

I believe I got this one: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bmm-70255/overview/

A word to the wise though: you should rummage around the engine bay and check what the existing cooler lines look like. The hoses in this kit were just slightly too small to fit over my transmission's fittings, which made install a very painful process.

Another word to the wise if you buy a temp gauge: do NOT buy this guy (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-2286). It leaks like crazy. I ended up making my own T-fitting using $2 in parts from Home Depot.

[kavanagh]

We love our auto on the track.

Also check out SSP for valve body, torque converter, clutches and coolers for the auto.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51851

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by kavanagh

We love our auto on the track.

Also check out SSP for valve body, torque converter, clutches and coolers for the auto.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51851

Thanks for the link. I went through your thread, very good. We winter in Palm Springs every winter and love Chuckwalla. This year we're going to do some track days at Firebird. Maybe we cam meet you.

[kavanagh]

We'd love to meet up at the track! There's a strong 86 showing out here. One particular FRS just set the TTD class lap record at firebird east. Next event out here is not until October due to summer heat. We're tempted to do chuckwalla but need to invest in a trailer and tow vehicle first.
Soon, soon.


Sent from a secret volcano base using trained sharks

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by kavanagh

We'd love to meet up at the track! There's a strong 86 showing out here. One particular FRS just set the TTD class lap record at firebird east. Next event out here is not until October due to summer heat. We're tempted to do chuckwalla but need to invest in a trailer and tow vehicle first.
Soon, soon.


Sent from a secret volcano base using trained sharks

My home track is Oregon Raceway Park, a killer track. But Chuckwalla is my 2nd favorite. You have to do Chuckwalla some time.