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Z51 track prep complete list

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Old Mar 5, 2020 | 07:11 PM
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Default Z51 track prep complete list

I know there's a performance sup handbook for track use, ..
However it doesn't seem to give a Complete list....
From what I gather so far:

1.Break in: motor/trans/brakes etc
2. Change engine oil/filter before track use after break in
3. Change trans filter during first engine oil change...not listed in performance handbook but listed in normal manual
4. Add extra 2 qts of atf if the cars gonna be a track dog
5. Performance alignment
6. Change out brake fluid to high temp
7. Set ride height....non axle lift cars can be corner balanced
8. Check brake cooling ducts

Let me know what I am missing,...actually a good amount of stuff



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Old Mar 5, 2020 | 07:59 PM
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General track prep also includes::
9. check torque on every nut and bolt holding engine, transmission, and suspension to chassis.
10. check tires for bulges, remaining life, air pressure,...
11. get rid of potentially flying debris in cabin, bonnet, rear trunk
12. check coolant level
13. check belts for remaining life
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Old Mar 6, 2020 | 04:25 PM
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There is also mention of dealer installed brake cooling ducts. Is this an option? Anyone have any info on this?
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark@Complete
I know there's a performance sup handbook for track use, ..
However it doesn't seem to give a Complete list....
From what I gather so far:

1.Break in: motor/trans/brakes etc
2. Change engine oil/filter before track use after break in
3. Change trans filter during first engine oil change...not listed in performance handbook but listed in normal manual
4. Add extra 2 qts of atf if the cars gonna be a track dog
5. Performance alignment
6. Change out brake fluid to high temp
7. Set ride height....non axle lift cars can be corner balanced
8. Check brake cooling ducts

Let me know what I am missing,...actually a good amount of stuff
1. It doesn't say to change the oil before heading to the track, only to complete the 1,500 mile break-in and check the engine oil level multiple times as the engine may use more oil during break-in. You do not need to change the oil or trans filter until 7,500 miles; period. Can you do it earlier? Sure.

2. You do not need to set or alter ride-height and you don't have to do the hardcore track alignment. Those are optional. They are suggesting returning to factory trim height if you decide to lower it to absolve themselves of liability for low ride height (crash tests etc. etc. are done at certain trim heights).

3. The only things you must do to head to the track are to break the car in, check the engine oil, add 2 quarts of trans fluid. GM advises flushing out the factory DOT4 to something over 590 dry boiling, but I'm not going to before my first weekend. After that SRF will go in, but doubt I'll have time to get it done before Hyperfest. The OEM DOT 4 is still good fluid... just be cognizant of the pedal.

Originally Posted by MitchAlsup
General track prep also includes::
9. check torque on every nut and bolt holding engine, transmission, and suspension to chassis.
10. check tires for bulges, remaining life, air pressure,...
11. get rid of potentially flying debris in cabin, bonnet, rear trunk
12. check coolant level
13. check belts for remaining life
While nut-bolting the car is a good idea... I wouldn't say every bolt. The factory has very advanced torque instruments. I would check the basics of the suspension though.

OEM belt is good for 150K miles per the service guide.
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by bobgolub@hotmail.com
There is also mention of dealer installed brake cooling ducts. Is this an option? Anyone have any info on this?
They come with the Z51, but are too low for street use so you're supposed to add them for the track and then remove.
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by bobgolub@hotmail.com
There is also mention of dealer installed brake cooling ducts. Is this an option? Anyone have any info on this?
I just posted a request for info/pics on the rear brake ducts here https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html
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Old Mar 17, 2020 | 04:21 PM
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Track tires would be on that list for sure. Not talking slicks *and have no idea what fitments are out*, but a nice RE71 or sub 200TW tire would be good (PSC2's, ETC). The PS4S are OK, but there are much better out there for tracking especially to compliment the need to reduce some under steer. Great list so far!
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Old Mar 17, 2020 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave/AWE
Track tires would be on that list for sure. Not talking slicks *and have no idea what fitments are out*, but a nice RE71 or sub 200TW tire would be good (PSC2's, ETC). The PS4S are OK, but there are much better out there for tracking especially to compliment the need to reduce some under steer. Great list so far!
the Michelin’s are really good on the track. Re71 have slightly better grip in the dry and cheaper, but presently not available in stock wheel sizes.
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Old Mar 20, 2020 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Tool Hoarder
1. It doesn't say to change the oil before heading to the track, only to complete the 1,500 mile break-in and check the engine oil level multiple times as the engine may use more oil during break-in. You do not need to change the oil or trans filter until 7,500 miles; period. Can you do it earlier? Sure.

2. You do not need to set or alter ride-height and you don't have to do the hardcore track alignment. Those are optional. They are suggesting returning to factory trim height if you decide to lower it to absolve themselves of liability for low ride height (crash tests etc. etc. are done at certain trim heights).

3. The only things you must do to head to the track are to break the car in, check the engine oil, add 2 quarts of trans fluid. GM advises flushing out the factory DOT4 to something over 590 dry boiling, but I'm not going to before my first weekend. After that SRF will go in, but doubt I'll have time to get it done before Hyperfest. The OEM DOT 4 is still good fluid... just be cognizant of the pedal.


While nut-bolting the car is a good idea... I wouldn't say every bolt. The factory has very advanced torque instruments. I would check the basics of the suspension though.

OEM belt is good for 150K miles per the service guide.
VIR is closed due to this stupid virus crap.

I sure as hell hope they re-open by then... See you in the instructor meeting; can't wait to see your new C8!
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Old Mar 21, 2020 | 01:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Newton06
VIR is closed due to this stupid virus crap.

I sure as hell hope they re-open by then... See you in the instructor meeting; can't wait to see your new C8!
With the recent plant closure no chance I get a car in time for Hyperfest.
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