C8 Z51 Track setup questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 146
Likes: 36
From: Edina, MN
C8 Z51 Track setup questions
Hi, I'm new to the Corvette. Wondering what you guys use for tires and brakes in a Stingray Z51 track setup?
Brakes: I want to still stick with stock Z51 calipers for now but considering the Girodisc rotors and not sure what pads would be good for the track (like a Pagid Yellow but without the squeal if possible).
Wheel/Tires: What tires would be good for the track with the stock wheel 19/20" wheels? Cup2s? How about 19/19" or 18/19" wheels and tires? - stock suspension with maybe track alignment setup.
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Brakes: I want to still stick with stock Z51 calipers for now but considering the Girodisc rotors and not sure what pads would be good for the track (like a Pagid Yellow but without the squeal if possible).
Wheel/Tires: What tires would be good for the track with the stock wheel 19/20" wheels? Cup2s? How about 19/19" or 18/19" wheels and tires? - stock suspension with maybe track alignment setup.
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 48
Likes: 17
I would say a lot depends on your track experience. If you have little or none, I would say just do the recommended track prep and let her rip. The PS4’s are just fine if you’re new to the track. The Goodyear eagle F1 supercars are a really good alternative for the stock wheels. I also have a set of 18/19’s that open up more tire choices. I actually like the stock break pads. The go quick, but you can pick them up used for next to nothing.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 146
Likes: 36
From: Edina, MN
Thanks. I'm an instructor for HPDE events and have tracked with Porsches but not with Corvettes. I usually do some sort of enduro track pad like Pagid Yellows with Nitto NT01's or Toyo R888R and stock calipers and wheels. Since I'm just getting into Corvettes, I'm wanting to stay with stock gear for the most part and start with track pads and tires. Looking for pad and tire options for the stock caliper and wheels. I'm willing to go smaller wheels like 18/19's as well and wondering what tire options fill fit a stock C8.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 234
Likes: 147
Yourself a favor and learn from us who have been there done that.
the Girodisc are worth the money.
I’m a fan of the Gloc pads. I run R16 fronts and R10 rear compound.
switch your brake fluid out for Motul RBF 600+ or Castrol
As far as the wheel/tire choice.
I’m running 18” wheels
18x10 and 18x12.
less weight and tires are slightly cheaper.
I’m running Falken RT660 but my next set with be the Nankang AR10
also the MCS suspension is worth every penny.
If I were to do it all over again I would just bite the bullet and buy the AP system
the Girodisc are worth the money.
I’m a fan of the Gloc pads. I run R16 fronts and R10 rear compound.
switch your brake fluid out for Motul RBF 600+ or Castrol
As far as the wheel/tire choice.
I’m running 18” wheels
18x10 and 18x12.
less weight and tires are slightly cheaper.
I’m running Falken RT660 but my next set with be the Nankang AR10
also the MCS suspension is worth every penny.
If I were to do it all over again I would just bite the bullet and buy the AP system
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 608
Likes: 154
From: Gilbert, AZ
Your favorite track pad with stock calipers should be fine. Girodisc rotors are helpful but probably not necessary if you are good with brakes.. That said, some people (including me) have experienced fairly severe brake shudder with certain pad compounds, there is a thread on this in this section of the forum. I was able to eliminate the shudder by using Cobalt pads, but there are a ton of opinions, some contradictory on what the best pads that don't shudder are. Pads that shudder for one person don't for another.
In addition to the tires listed above, the Nankang AR1 is also available and usually in stock. Going to 18/18 or 18/19 will open up more tire options. With an 18 inch rear wheel, you may need to pay attention to suspension clearance as the suspension travels through its range, so 19's are a bit safer. C8s don't feel like Porsches on the track, they are their own animal. Torquey, fast, and fun. They do reward precision and smooth, deliberate inputs.
In addition to the tires listed above, the Nankang AR1 is also available and usually in stock. Going to 18/18 or 18/19 will open up more tire options. With an 18 inch rear wheel, you may need to pay attention to suspension clearance as the suspension travels through its range, so 19's are a bit safer. C8s don't feel like Porsches on the track, they are their own animal. Torquey, fast, and fun. They do reward precision and smooth, deliberate inputs.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 234
Likes: 147
a forum member has a set of MCS Coilovers for sale for cheap.
Also, consider a seat, harnesses and a harness bar
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 146
Likes: 36
From: Edina, MN
Working on the harness bar as well. Thinking the Paragon harness bar. Just need to source out the plastic trim pieces that need to be cut and getting those parts.
18/19" wheel setup seem like the safest bet without having to commit to coilover suspension for clearance?
18/19" wheel setup seem like the safest bet without having to commit to coilover suspension for clearance?
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 304
Likes: 191
This thread really interests me. I have zero track experience with a Corvette - for that matter I've only been on track in a car 2 times. One of those times I did have an instructor in the car with me. My car is several months away from delivery - getting a 3 LT Z51 coupe. I have every intention of doing track days with it, but it will not be a dedicated track car.
My problem is how to set it up - being realistic in regard to my experience. Here's my situation - I've been on race tracks hundreds of times, thousands and thousands of miles - all of it on two wheels. So I certainly have track experience - kind of sorta of.
Where should I start?
Here's a video at Barber I took. This is a typical session, you will see I'm pretty conservative - I don't make questionable passes, if I can't clearly see an easy safe pass I lay back and wait for a better opportunity. I have to think with my car I will be even more conservative.
My problem is how to set it up - being realistic in regard to my experience. Here's my situation - I've been on race tracks hundreds of times, thousands and thousands of miles - all of it on two wheels. So I certainly have track experience - kind of sorta of.
Where should I start?
Here's a video at Barber I took. This is a typical session, you will see I'm pretty conservative - I don't make questionable passes, if I can't clearly see an easy safe pass I lay back and wait for a better opportunity. I have to think with my car I will be even more conservative.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50,281
Likes: 518
From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
Carbotech makes various track compounds but with out a tire its hard to say what will work best for you. I would choose a tire than go to pads. Here is a compound guide. Carbotech Brake Compounds – Amp'd Autosport (ampdautosport.com)
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 628
Likes: 181
From: Macomb Michigan
This thread really interests me. I have zero track experience with a Corvette - for that matter I've only been on track in a car 2 times. One of those times I did have an instructor in the car with me. My car is several months away from delivery - getting a 3 LT Z51 coupe. I have every intention of doing track days with it, but it will not be a dedicated track car.
My problem is how to set it up - being realistic in regard to my experience. Here's my situation - I've been on race tracks hundreds of times, thousands and thousands of miles - all of it on two wheels. So I certainly have track experience - kind of sorta of.
Where should I start?
Here's a video at Barber I took. This is a typical session, you will see I'm pretty conservative - I don't make questionable passes, if I can't clearly see an easy safe pass I lay back and wait for a better opportunity. I have to think with my car I will be even more conservative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO_hsIEiuJo
My problem is how to set it up - being realistic in regard to my experience. Here's my situation - I've been on race tracks hundreds of times, thousands and thousands of miles - all of it on two wheels. So I certainly have track experience - kind of sorta of.
Where should I start?
Here's a video at Barber I took. This is a typical session, you will see I'm pretty conservative - I don't make questionable passes, if I can't clearly see an easy safe pass I lay back and wait for a better opportunity. I have to think with my car I will be even more conservative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO_hsIEiuJo
Have fun with the new toy!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 146
Likes: 36
From: Edina, MN
This thread really interests me. I have zero track experience with a Corvette - for that matter I've only been on track in a car 2 times. One of those times I did have an instructor in the car with me. My car is several months away from delivery - getting a 3 LT Z51 coupe. I have every intention of doing track days with it, but it will not be a dedicated track car.
My problem is how to set it up - being realistic in regard to my experience. Here's my situation - I've been on race tracks hundreds of times, thousands and thousands of miles - all of it on two wheels. So I certainly have track experience - kind of sorta of.
Where should I start?
Here's a video at Barber I took. This is a typical session, you will see I'm pretty conservative - I don't make questionable passes, if I can't clearly see an easy safe pass I lay back and wait for a better opportunity. I have to think with my car I will be even more conservative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO_hsIEiuJo
My problem is how to set it up - being realistic in regard to my experience. Here's my situation - I've been on race tracks hundreds of times, thousands and thousands of miles - all of it on two wheels. So I certainly have track experience - kind of sorta of.
Where should I start?
Here's a video at Barber I took. This is a typical session, you will see I'm pretty conservative - I don't make questionable passes, if I can't clearly see an easy safe pass I lay back and wait for a better opportunity. I have to think with my car I will be even more conservative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO_hsIEiuJo
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 146
Likes: 36
From: Edina, MN
Carbotech makes various track compounds but with out a tire its hard to say what will work best for you. I would choose a tire than go to pads. Here is a compound guide. Carbotech Brake Compounds – Amp'd Autosport (ampdautosport.com)
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 304
Likes: 191
When you pick up your amazing C8, I highly recommend the Ron Fellows C8 Driving School in Spring Mountain, NV. If you go within your first year of ownership, it costs only $1k for 2 days of learning and driving this great piece of machinery. Many of us have done it, but non of us regret going.
Have fun with the new toy!!!
Have fun with the new toy!!!
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 304
Likes: 191
I've been riding bikes for 55 years I was 10 or 11 when my dad bought me my first mini bike. Going fast is a lot of fun, going fast and doing it well is another thing. The car is going to be a completely new experience, from my 2 times driving on track in a car, I can tell you, I'm making no mistake about this, I basically sucked in the car - brake markers - backing it in to the corners, well everything I did poorly, I tried driving the car like it was a bike - didn't work out so well.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 234
Likes: 147
I've been riding bikes for 55 years I was 10 or 11 when my dad bought me my first mini bike. Going fast is a lot of fun, going fast and doing it well is another thing. The car is going to be a completely new experience, from my 2 times driving on track in a car, I can tell you, I'm making no mistake about this, I basically sucked in the car - brake markers - backing it in to the corners, well everything I did poorly, I tried driving the car like it was a bike - didn't work out so well.
the C8 is tons of fun on track but IMO not in stock form.
but just like I’m sure you are aware from the motorcycle world. Suspension is worth every penny.
The MCS suspension was an absolute game changer for me.
I ran my PB a the other day at Road Atlanta of a 1:36.5
time for me to add some aero!
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 304
Likes: 191
I too had never tracked a car but spent the last 8 years coaching for STT and racing with WERA.
the C8 is tons of fun on track but IMO not in stock form.
but just like I’m sure you are aware from the motorcycle world. Suspension is worth every penny.
The MCS suspension was an absolute game changer for me.
I ran my PB a the other day at Road Atlanta of a 1:36.5
time for me to add some aero!
the C8 is tons of fun on track but IMO not in stock form.
but just like I’m sure you are aware from the motorcycle world. Suspension is worth every penny.
The MCS suspension was an absolute game changer for me.
I ran my PB a the other day at Road Atlanta of a 1:36.5
time for me to add some aero!
My dilemma is trying to find a setup that works both on the street and track - I'm mostly driving it on the street with the goal of going to the track a handful of times a season to let it rip without worrying about getting hurt or hurting anyone and of course going to jail.
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 304
Likes: 191
I too had never tracked a car but spent the last 8 years coaching for STT and racing with WERA.
the C8 is tons of fun on track but IMO not in stock form.
but just like I’m sure you are aware from the motorcycle world. Suspension is worth every penny.
The MCS suspension was an absolute game changer for me.
I ran my PB a the other day at Road Atlanta of a 1:36.5
time for me to add some aero!
the C8 is tons of fun on track but IMO not in stock form.
but just like I’m sure you are aware from the motorcycle world. Suspension is worth every penny.
The MCS suspension was an absolute game changer for me.
I ran my PB a the other day at Road Atlanta of a 1:36.5
time for me to add some aero!
My dilemma is trying to find a setup that works both on the street and track - I'm mostly driving it on the street with the goal of going to the track a handful of times a season to let it rip without worrying about getting hurt or hurting anyone and of course going to jail.