I'd like to try the track (road course) one day soon and need some advice from someone who tracks their car on occasion. I've changed all the fluids already. Car is a 2013 GS, manual, and has about 6,000 miles, original Goodyears, all stock except for cags skip shift eliminator and mild to wild switch. Should I leave the tires at 30lbs or raise it. Leave the 5w30 oil in or switch to another weight oil for the track. Fill the gas tank or have it at 1/2 or lower. Should I leave traction control on or off, and stability control ? Any other advice would be welcome. I'm trying to do this without hurting the car and having a safe day, thanks.

 

Just to be clear, by "track" are you referring to an HPDE on a road racing circuit? Or a drag strip? I usually assume the former, but from your questions, I'm wondering if you are referring to the later. Once that is clear, I'm sure you'll get lots of good answers.

 

I tracked my C4, and now my 2010 GS. I do not change the oil just to go tracking. I do check it often at the track to ensure the system is full to prevent engine starvation.

You have most likely read many threads on the GY run flats. Not recommended for track use, that is my opinion. I’m sure they are good street tires, but I do not think they are high speed, high G force worthy. But, you are going to track them, go with a small tire air pump. Lower your tire pressure no more than 4-6 lbs of factory recommended inflation. As you track they will heat up and build up pressure. Check them again as soon as you come off track. Adjust pressure at that point, you want to be within 2 lbs of manufacture recommendation.

Personally I fill my tank up every morning and then again in the afternoon during lunch. A full tank does not slush from side to side; thereby keeping the car as equally balanced….to a point of course.

If you are a novice driver, get an instructor. First, you drive the car with him as the passenger, then let him drive the car with you as the passenger, and then you drive the car with as the passenger. Best money you can spend if you do not have track experience.

DO NOT turn your nannies off. You cannot out drive the C6 capabilities.

Finally have fun. These cars are amazing, agile and in creditably forgiving (with the nannies on). I look forward to every chance I get to get on the track.

P.S. Follow the track rules…..no black flags!!
Enjoy

 

Good Point.....I too am asuming a HPDE (road course) track event. D'oh!

You can go here and ask the same question: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...roadracing-23/
Plus learn new things.

 

The Roadracing section is full of information. The C5 prep sticky at the top is a fantastic starting point, all the same info works for a GS.

The biggie is fresh quality brake fluid and at least 1/2 brake pad remaining.

You will start out with a coach and traction control on.

Have used the heck out of stock runcraps and they work well once heated for you first few track days. Starting pressure will depend on track usually looking for 36-38 hot will/may need to bleed down between sessions.

5w30 is fine for a while.

Start with full tank, it goes quick. I get 6.5 MPG!

Did I mention brake fluid......!!!......?

 

^^^^^^^^^^^ This. I cant agree more.

And high quaity means a brake fluid with a high temp rating. Like this:

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...cat=BrakeFluid

I used my run flats for ~6 HPDEs. You will get to a point someday where the stock brakes are tires dont cut it, but trust me you have time. My first event was in 4th gear only (Limerock). It's all about learning the line and slowly what your car is capable of.

From NJ you might like SCDA or NASANE but there are several other clubs you can run with.

 

Tire Pressure: This is what I do and it has worked well for over 10 years. Get a good tire gauge that has a bleeder valve. I check the pressure prior to each session (right before going to the grid). I set the tire pressure to 32 front and 33 rear. Too much pressure in the Goodyears and they lose their grip. To little pressure (like 30#) and the tire will roll too much and you will destroy the front shoulders.

You want the oil completely full (at the top line of the hatchmark area). I run 10W-30 in CA because of the climate.

Start the day with a full tank of gas and refill it at lunch. The extra weight close to the rear wheels helps keep the car planted.

Leave all the electronic nannies on. I leave them on all the time and have no problems. When you have explored your driving limits and are very comfortable, try competition mode.

Most of all have fun...

 

Tire pressure: 30psi. Might end up dropping down to 25-27. Less pressure = more grip, and the GYs lack in grip to begin with

Oil: I'd leave it in, but plan to replace after you are done at the track

Gas tank: Full. A 20 minute session will use ~ 1/3 a tank of gas, and you typically won't have a ton of time between session cuz you'll have class sessions to go to as a newbie.

TCS and ASM: ON FRIGGIN ON. Seriously, the car is a handful at high speeds, and if you're a novice, you'll end up affixing your car to the wall without some computer aids. I left everything on for most of day 1, and then switched to competition mode. People say that running TCS on will cause extra wear on the rear brakes. I have 2 things to sy about that.
1: Rear brakes are cheaper than damaging the car
2: If you're triggering TCS and ASM that much you're gonna be totally screwed when you take them off and will end up off track and maybe in a wall.

The best advice I can give is don't go in cocky. Listen to your instructor. Don't be full of yourself or your car. Point people by religiously and drive defensively.

Outside of that, bring a canopy, and a buncha water. Be friendly to people and talk to them. Have a great time. I run with NASA, and they run a great event. If you're a novice you'll be in HPDE 1, and you'll get an instructor in car with you. They'll show you the line, watch your flags and stuff, and in general have your back. I highly recommend running NASA events.