NoradIV

Hello Guys,

I just purchased a 2002 Z06 (intro post here). I intend to start lapping this spring. I will be getting an instructor, and I have already started to read .

I have partially read the FAQ and the racing sticky, but I would like to check a few things. First, I plan to get every fluid out of the car and replace it with brand new (transmission oil, engine oil, 5.1 brake oil, prestone and rear axle oil). Since I am there, I was intending to replace the factory brake lines (the rubber ones) with braided lines.

I will also have my trusted mechanic (Zekes Auto) do a full mechanical inspection, specially on brakes, direction and everything made of rubber, to make sure everything is in order before I start.

I would like to know if there is anything else I should do the car before starting. I am asking here about preserving the car rather than performance (cooling?). I have selected a rather small track to start so I wont be hitting super high speeds, I expect stock brakes will handle it no problem.

Thanks for your time!

z06801

I think your stock brakes will work but spend the money on a good brake fluid like SRF and some higher temp pads.

NoradIV

I've heard nothing but the best of Hawk HP pads. I'll see if they make a set for my car.

Adam@Amp'dAutosport.com

That is not a track pad. I highly recommend looking into the Carbotech set up for this car XP10 front XP8 rear this is a great combo for your car if you are using a street tire.

Carbotech™ XP10™

When Carbotech™ unleashed the XP10™ to the general public it immediately gathered multiple regional, divisional, and national championships. The XP10™ has a very strong initial bite with a coefficient of friction and rotor friendliness unmatched in the industry. Fade resistance is in excess of 1475°F (801°C). XP10™ still maintains the highly praised release, excellent modulation and rotor friendliness that have made all Carbotech™ compounds so successful. Carbotech™ XP10™ is not recommended as a daily-driven street pad due to possible elevated levels of dust and noise.


Carbotech™ XP8™

A high torque brake compound with a wide operating temperature range of 200°F-1250°F+ (93°C to 676°C+). Carbotech™ XP8™ is the first of our racing compounds. Good initial bite at race temperatures, high coefficient of friction, excellent modulation and release characteristics. Extremely high fade resistance and very rotor friendly. Perfect for track day use with any tire and can still be driven safely to and from the track. Carbotech™ does NOT recommended XP8™ as a daily driven street pad due to elevated levels of dust and noise. Carbotech™ XP8™ is a great compound on the front & rear of most open wheel and sports racers.

http://ampdautosport.com/

laurent_zo6

Replace the valve springs. There was a problem with the 2002-2003 Z06's.

If you do (for peace of mind), might as well replace spark plugs, wires, valve seals and valve covers.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-failures.html

Georgies

Are you in Montreal?
All I can say is dont get too worked up about pads...there are just too many options..use what you have and get a feel for the car. Change out all your fluids and go have fun!

Georgies

Why would you change valve covers? You meant to say valve cover gaskets?
i did not change my valve cover gaskets and they are fine so far...no leaks

laurent_zo6

Yes, meant gaskets.

63Corvette

Stock brakes are fine, BUT use Castrol SRF fluid ($$$) and RACE pads for track work. I use Cobalt XR2 or Performance Friction PF-01 pads. You WILL need cooling if you run on track in the summer, but (probably) not your first year. Oil coolers for engine, and maybe transmission and diff, but definitely engine, along with bigger radiator. You will also need a race SEAT, and safety gear. MOST of your budget should go for "seat time" and TIRES!!! Tire selection will be better if you can buy a set of stock REAR Z06 wheels for the front and run 4 10.5X18" wheels as there are more/better tire selections for 18" wheels.

z06801

SRF is expensive but I still think it's the best bang for the buck Brake mod there is!

NoradIV

Well, I wasn't aware of this problem. Thanks for letting me know.

I plan to upgrade the engine eventually, however, I am not sure what route I will take (stay N/A or go FI). Is there any other upgrades I should while I am there, or I will likely be replacing the heads anyway?

NoradIV

South shore. My garage is Zekes, in lachine.

Georgies

Nice man! I went to Bonhomme performance for the Dyno, I did the mods myself..

how do you like Zekes? Have you done business with them before?

post up pics of your ride man, maybe we can go race at Icar this summer

NoradIV

Here are pictures (taken by the previous owner)

I intend to build a garage this summer so I can work on the car myself too.

I have done business with Zekes for the last 3 years. I cannot say anything negative about this garage. They specialise in hotrods and racecars. I see anything between Shelby Cobras built for race, 68 mustangs, 90's camaros, bmw 2002. Datsuns, and even boats. They build engines themselves, but they have not installed their dyno yet (I doubt it will ever happen since they moved garage 4 years ago and have not installed it since then).

However, when I mentionned switching my 81 Trans Am to an injection system, they all said it was a bad idea, and they seem to be somewhat affraid of more modern computers.

When my previous 383 (made by a complete moron) shat itself, they rebuilt it with some of the existing parts. Rebuilt, installation and some quick tuning cost me 6k (excluding the previous engine removal, which I did mysel).

Here is the new engine.

.

I have slowed the idle a bit since then. Buttmeter say around 325 hp, but considering my heads are stock 487x, its not too bad. Also, I can do around 14 MPG with a (terrible) 3800 stall/2.41 gear and a 3 speed. I'd like a bigger cam, but compression wasn't high enough.

All to say, the engine and their work is very good.

NoradIV

I forgot to mention, how is Icar track? Last time I went there, it was for drift, and the track didn't seem very good.

Also, their drag strip is absolutely horrible. No grip, and braking distance is WAY too short.

Georgies

Yeah i agree, but its only a 30 min drive from Montreal. San air and Napierville are way better, i havent raced on them yet tho. I did pull a 1.6 60 / 12.4 @114 at Icar when my Z06 was stock.

Your car.is nice and good luck with you future projects

Diabolis

^ This. 100% spot-on.