Cost to track a C8
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 196
Likes: 249
The GM track alignment and adding 2 qts to transmission is a bigger job than you think. Took several hours, cost me about $1K at dealer, including oil change.
Factory brake pads toast after 1 day. I will switch to G-loc. I also switched to Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, because I didn’t like the PS4s.
Should just be brakes and tires from here on out.
Factory brake pads toast after 1 day. I will switch to G-loc. I also switched to Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, because I didn’t like the PS4s.
Should just be brakes and tires from here on out.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,042
Likes: 9,802
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Oil change shouldn't need to be that often. The OLM will decrease oil life faster when you are driving on track due to higher oil temperatures and other extreme operating conditions. Have tracked C5s, C6 and C7 with up to 20 track days per using OLM as guide and have never had problems over the last 23 seasons.
Bill
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 2,899
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,083
Likes: 3,869
From: Bonita Springs FL
The GM track alignment and adding 2 qts to transmission is a bigger job than you think. Took several hours, cost me about $1K at dealer, including oil change.
Factory brake pads toast after 1 day. I will switch to G-loc. I also switched to Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, because I didn’t like the PS4s.
Should just be brakes and tires from here on out.
Factory brake pads toast after 1 day. I will switch to G-loc. I also switched to Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, because I didn’t like the PS4s.
Should just be brakes and tires from here on out.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 30,982
Likes: 406
From: Raleigh NC
If you are just starting and your car of choice is a C8 and $$ matters don't do it. Go rent a track car first.
It's expensive and hard on the car to track it. You can do a weekend at VIR in a Spec E30 or Cayman for likely far less and you will ABSOLUTELY learn more and have more fun. You might also consider going to an event to spectate first and see how the event runs. There is a lot going on.
C8 + green group + novice driver. Your instructor will be smiling nervously
Good luck either way. Don't let the $$ stop you from trying the hobby.
-Ken
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 532
Likes: 517
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I have a Z51 c8. I would like to do some track days, maybe 3 weekends a year. Is it totally necessary to change to DOT4 brake fluid? I'm not going out to set any records, just to have fun. ( yes I have some racing experience).
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 4,079
Likes: 2,414
From: Florida
I look at it this way. You pay $400 for the track day, $400 for insurance, you may consume $900 worth of tires (half the tire life), and you clear 10 hours from your calendar for commuting to and participating in the track day and sometimes $60 in fluid and 1 hour in time can separate you from having a great full day versus having to have the car towed home.
Last edited by bhvrdr; Aug 26, 2023 at 09:50 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 942
From: Fl
Here's what happens when you don't change to high temp brake fluid... (jump to 3:10 for the wreck)
Sr.Random input generator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,791
Likes: 2,223
From: Sammamish, WA
Racer
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 302
Likes: 148
From: Seattle, WA
I’ve only tried st43 when racing my friends mustang. Did not like those at all. Had that tap the brakes crazy bite people seem to love. What is the st47 like? Also, is it super loud on the street?
Sr.Random input generator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,791
Likes: 2,223
From: Sammamish, WA
That loudness is a hit and miss, and I think it might have to do with the piston/pad sizes and how much force is on the pad during traffic stops. It's like playing a flute: it doesn't happen if you over or under-blow the tube : P I've had ST43s screaming on my C6 GS, yet they were quiet on my Miata, and C7 Z06 brakes.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 302
Likes: 148
From: Seattle, WA
ST47 has more (wear) tolerance at higher temps, but even more bite, so perhaps it's not something you'd like : ) Why do you hate high bite pads? I know you'd overbrake initially, but you'd also end up adjusting to the pedal feel anyway?
That loudness is a hit and miss, and I think it might have to do with the piston/pad sizes and how much force is on the pad during traffic stops. It's like playing a flute: it doesn't happen if you over or under-blow the tube : P I've had ST43s screaming on my C6 GS, yet they were quiet on my Miata, and C7 Z06 brakes.
That loudness is a hit and miss, and I think it might have to do with the piston/pad sizes and how much force is on the pad during traffic stops. It's like playing a flute: it doesn't happen if you over or under-blow the tube : P I've had ST43s screaming on my C6 GS, yet they were quiet on my Miata, and C7 Z06 brakes.