Suspension set up for a track day

[born35again]

Theres a state Track Meet coming up in September, and i would like to make a few mods before i go.

Some background:
I've never done a track day before
I'm (still) in college, so i dont want to break my bank account. I do have income, and time, so spending some isnt so bad.
Suspension is still stock, but brakes are Endless Pads

So, Whats everyone's take on this. I'm not looking to have the best suspension of the group or anything, but i would like to go out there, have an awesome time, and have some sport to me.

I like the tokico package deals, they seem good quality.
The only thing that would worry me about sway bar upgrades is driveability in the rain, but whats everyone else's ideas?

MattY

Ps. Sorry if i sound like a NewGuy.

 

[Nomad]

Drive to your limits and the cars limits and you'll never have a hard time driving in the rain with any set up.

If you are sliding all over the place in the rain you are driving past the car (or your) ability.

With that said, even with the stock suspension you'll have a blast!
Not because the stock suspension is so good but that driving any car to the limit is a blast. If you feel like a slug out there and you figure "oh, it must be the crappy car" then let the instructor drive your car and see the types of times he/she pulls. Then you'll realize that it's not the car that needs to change just yet...

If you have no money then don't spend any... If you only had $70 to spend GET AN ALIGNMENT! It's amazing what many cars will do with the RIGHT alignment. (not the factory one)

I'd recommend the following game plan for a first time track day:

1. Get an alignment with some good static camber numbers. See if you can get the alignment with "driver ballast", basically you or your weight in metal sits in the driver seat while they set the numbers. I'd get 0 toe in the front and max negative camber for starters on a stock suspension. In the rear I might go for 0 to 1/16" toe in total due to your inexperience (high speed + oversteer = oh crap!).

2. When the car is up on the rack (or at home on jackstands) torque and tighten every bolt you can see.

3. Take off and re-torque all wheels.

4. Change oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid.

5. FULLY BLEED/CHANGE BRAKE FLUID BEFORE AND AFTER THE EVENT. (brake fluid is cheaper than body-work)

6. Take all extra crap out of the car of course

7. Slightly overinflate the tires to minimize tire rollover during hard cornering, you can always let some out during the day.

8. Bring water to drink and tools in case something unexpected happens to you or someone else.

9. Listen to the instructor and don't overdrive the car. "Going faster sometimes FEELS slower!" - due to less tire smoking understeer or frequent brake lockup or inside tire spin etc.

10. Have fun

 

[born35again]

Drive to your limits and the cars limits and you'll never have a hard time driving in the rain with any set up.

If you are sliding all over the place in the rain you are driving past the car (or your) ability.

With that said, even with the stock suspension you'll have a blast!
Not because the stock suspension is so good but that driving any car to the limit is a blast. If you feel like a slug out there and you figure "oh, it must be the crappy car" then let the instructor drive your car and see the types of times he/she pulls. Then you'll realize that it's not the car that needs to change just yet...

If you have no money then don't spend any... If you only had $70 to spend GET AN ALIGNMENT! It's amazing what many cars will do with the RIGHT alignment. (not the factory one)

I'd recommend the following game plan for a first time track day:

1. Get an alignment with some good static camber numbers. See if you can get the alignment with "driver ballast", basically you or your weight in metal sits in the driver seat while they set the numbers. I'd get 0 toe in the front and max negative camber for starters on a stock suspension. In the rear I might go for 0 to 1/16" toe in total due to your inexperience (high speed + oversteer = oh crap!).

2. When the car is up on the rack (or at home on jackstands) torque and tighten every bolt you can see.

3. Take off and re-torque all wheels.

4. Change oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid.

5. FULLY BLEED/CHANGE BRAKE FLUID BEFORE AND AFTER THE EVENT. (brake fluid is cheaper than body-work)

6. Take all extra crap out of the car of course

7. Slightly overinflate the tires to minimize tire rollover during hard cornering, you can always let some out during the day.

8. Bring water to drink and tools in case something unexpected happens to you or someone else.

9. Listen to the instructor and don't overdrive the car. "Going faster sometimes FEELS slower!" - due to less tire smoking understeer or frequent brake lockup or inside tire spin etc.

10. Have fun

Thats a whole lot of good advice, thank you very very much.
By the time september rolls around, i'm sure i'll need new tires, but other than that and a helmet (required), and the brake fuild, alignment, etc. I dont think I'm touching the Suspension Bits until after the track day, just to see how i do.

Quick Question: As far as removing the junk out of my car, should i remove the Sub box i have in the back? I mean, its not more than 25-35 pounds, and its a 2 hour drive to the track.....

I guess i should just suck it up and remove all i can.

 

[Nomad]

"I guess i should just suck it up and remove all i can."

You got it.

It's actually more about safety too. You ever drop 25-35 lbs on your foot? From 2 feet high it can do some damage. Think of what it could do if it got loose inside the car at full braking or as you weave through the esses. Not good.

 

[born35again]

Thansk again for all the help. I also looked over the local SoloII beginners guide, even though this is just a track fun day.

 

[Prodigy]

*subs* GOOD write-up Nomad!