Hey Guys,
First post, but long time lurker! I have had my car for about 2 years now and am finally going to track it. It's a 2005 M6 F55 with Vararam, OBX headers, Corsa exhaust and tune (I'm only guessing on the tune, because I don't have the annoying shift skip). I am pumped to say the least. I just wanted to cover a few of the basics and before I go spend a wad of cash on parts I thought I should console the experts.

In preparation for the track I plan on:

1: Changing the rear diff fluid
2: Flushing brake fluid to DOT4
3: Installing some performance pads
4: Adding a Qt of Oil before any runs

Am I forgetting anything else? Do I need a dedicated set of tires/wheels for the track? I plan on trailering the car to the track so should have plenty of space in the truck if I need to bring anything. Is there anything you guys suggest I bring with me to the track that you always see the first timer not having?

 

The Auto-X and Road Racing section has a ton of info to absorb so you should look in there.

For brake fluid, I recommend Motul 600, Ate Type 200, or equivalent. Basically look at the wet and dry boiling points of the two that I mention and then use that to decide on brand. $3 brake fluid will get you $3 of performance.

For brake pads I'd look at something like the Carbotech XP10s in front and XP8s in the rear. As a first timer you could run 8s all around. Search on here for Adam (Carbotech dealer) and he can give you very specific advice. Best bet is to call him.

You should stay on street tires although keep in mind that track use will chew them up. If that's a concern, get a second set of rims with 200 tread wear street tires. Do not go to R compound tires until you have experience. They mask mistakes right up to the point you over drive them and find yourself off track at best or in the wall at worst.

You only need to add the extra quart once at the start of the weekend, not before every run.

I would change the transmission fluid if you haven't recently. I use Redline D4 ATF. Others prefer Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc. Basically get a good synthetic in there.

If you haven't had it done recently, an alignment will do wonders.

Check your ego at the door and be prepared to be humbled. There is Always someone faster and they may not be in a high horsepower car.

I'm assuming you'll have an in-car instructor, so be a sponge and soak up the coaching.

I didn't look at your profile. If you're in SoCal, several of us will be at Auto Club Speedway this weekend. We also have some plans for Willow Springs and other tracks.

Enjoy and be safe!

 

What tires are you on currently?
What brake pads are you on currently?
Do you have track experience in any other car?

For your very first event (depending on what you are on currently) you may not need tires and brakes. If you want to throw $350 at a set of Carbotechs then that's fine but it isn't needed unless this is something you plan on doing much more often (same goes for getting a set of track wheels/tires).

Bring some tire chocks and don't apply your e-brake after a session. Put the car in reverse and chock the tires up. Bring at least enough water for 20oz after each session, bring a snack as well. Have fun.

 

You should add a Qt of Oil before each run

 

Absolutely NOT.

 

This..

What tires are you on currently?
What brake pads are you on currently?
Do you have track experience in any other car?

 

 

just get a brake fluid flush, do the mandatory inspection and replace and parts necessary (pads, tires), and go have fun. Don't over-think it, you'll either get hooked and start buying a million parts, OR you'll hate it and never go back.

I'm 30 years in, and at least 30 to go!

 

you need to bring a spare qt of oil, and check it after every other session, mine dropped 1/2 qt as the day went on. Normal for a car at WOT to consume more oil than normal. Plan on flushing brake and clutch fluid after the event as well.

 

Try and keep your head up looking down the track. Forget trying to c how fast u r going. Watch the corner workers.
U r going to get passed.u should as u r new. Don’t let your ego write a Check your bank can’t cash.
The grin will go away after a while

 

Lots of good advice, 96GS and davidfarmer really covered it well, and lots of other good advice too. I just wanted to add that using Carbotech street and track pads will simplify your track days as the pads can be interchanged without cross contaminating the pad material, hence you don't have to change rotors with a pad change. I use their ceramic pads on the street and the 10/8 combo for track days. As a novice, the 8's will work well for you.

 

I've mostly went ahead and did the PM type stuff.

Changed out the trans and rear diff fluids
Swapped out pads to Stoptech Sports
DOT4 Brake fluid
And picked up a set of OEM takeoffs for 500 bucks with some half worn firehawk wideovals on them (pretty excited about that find). Does the TPMS give you guys any grief? These are bolt in stems.

Other than that I just want to focus on being safe, courteous, and have fun. I appreciate all the insight!

 

I would advise ordering a set of new TPMS for your second set of wheels. Otherwise you will have to turn off ALL the traction and stability control or the computer will intervene in not good ways if it doesn't sense the TPMS.

I would also recommend setting the traction control to Competitive Mode.

 

Easiest thing is to buy 4 TPM sensors that work with your model year. IIRC, 2010 and newer need the TPMS reset tool. 2005 may be different. After installing the track wheels, drive the car around the block to wake the sensors up and then use the reset tool to sync the sensors to your car (or follow the procedures for a 2005 if different). I do this on my 2013. The drive is a nice quick check and the reset tool only adds a minute or two to the process. Repeat when you reinstall your street setup.

Personally I like having active TPM sensors on track. Every couple laps on a long straight I’ll cycle the DIC to glance at pressures. FWIW, the sensors read right on what my high buck tire pressure gauge shows me when I use both in the pits.

 

Two areas I won't compromise on track days, brakes and tires, especially if there is someone else in the car with you.

For tires, no less than 50% tread, no micro-cracks, and less the 5years old with minimal or no track level heat cycles.
Which reminds me, you should take a good ait pressure gauge with you and a way to reinflate them at the end of the day.

Fresh brake fluid flush and fresh pads, you'll be surprised at how much pad material you go through in one day.

When you get your wheel alignment, make sure the tech tight end the cam adjusters with a torque wrench, the balance of the car really gets bad when the eccentrics slip. You'll eventually want to get camber blocks.

For me, track days are few and far between, so I want to make the best of it, so I want to have my consumables good and fresh.

I saw someone recommended turning off the nannies, I would not do that. As a novice you'll be making lots of mistakes and listening to your instructor, the last thing you need is being concerned about sliding the car or losing control. The nannies react more quickly than you can and will cut the drama should you screw up. If you are a really smooth driver, the nannies won't intrude, and you'll share the track with fellow drivers.

I hope you have a great time, your first day will be quite memorable.