flash_xx

Ok, so I finally made it out to a track day. I can honestly say people who haven't gone to one don't know what they are missing.

The car behaved fantastic, only two problems were the brakes and the seat.

My brakes are stock GT with EBC redstuff pads, they performed admirably for all of three laps before fading, so I had to do three lap stints with a cooldown period in-between. For the next outing I plan on installing take-off discs with Carbotech pads. What would be the best compounds for the S197?

The other issue was the driver's seat, not only does it suck for lateral support but I couldn't straighten my head because the helmet hit the stupid headrest. If anyone can recommend a decent sport seat that doesn't cost an arm and a leg I'd appreciate it.

I've heard people say that wider tires in the back induce understeer but I didn't feel any. The car was perfectly balanced even though the only mods are H&R springs, GT500 shocks and an adjustable panhard. 4:10 gears really helped push it out of corners and the Nitto NT555's behaved really well.

All in all I'm really happy with the car, its capabilities are well above mine and it did well, especially considering I drove it to and from the track with zero modifications and mine was one of the few that didn't need some sort of adjustment or repair on the track. I didn't open my hood the whole day. Just gas and Go.

Oh, and I need a good helmet, I was using a loaner but for the next trip I want my own. Some advice would be useful here as well.

Now some pics...











And some Eye-Candy

VistaBlueFrank68

Tilting headrests,$300 on AM.
What brake-lines are you running?

UrS4

At the least upgrade to stainless brake lines. Change to Motul 600 or better brake fluid. Go to a track oriented pad. A 4 point harness is cheaper than a good seat. Headrest as stated above or see if you can put it in backwards so it aims away from you.

Nice pics. Looks like a wide variety of cars there.

Is that 18x10s in the back and 18x9s in the front? Staggered 255/45/18 and 285/40/18? Short or long track?

I would recommend raising your hood after each session to help cool down faster.

flash_xx

Stock brake lines. Those headrests are cool although a bit expensive. Thanks, I guess I could start with the brake lines and fluid.

flash_xx

Yup, 18x9 in the front and 18xqo in the rear, but the rears are 275/40.

This is the track

UrS4

Looks like a track that has some speed and can be pretty technical depending on the turns used.

tigercrazy718

whatre your speeds in the heavy braking zones? that seems like some crazy fast fade. def upgrade the brake fluid to something DOT4 like ATE blue. ive done several track days in the heat with just hawk HPS and ATE blue, and havent experienced much fade but i probably dont get up to the speeds you do.

flash_xx

110+ at end of main straight, the others I couldn't see because I was too busy to look, but for the next track day I'll install a video camera.

tigercrazy718

thats not really much faster than i experience. i would def suggest the DOT4 fluid and the SS brake lines then

msp

I installed SS brake lines, high temp fluid and Carbotech pads (xp10 in front, xp8 in rear). Amazing difference, stops on a dime, no fade what so ever. I have the Corbeau FX1 seat, got it from American Muscle for around $319. Pretty good seat for the money, has a little more flex at the shoulders than I would prefer but for the money can't complain. Just recently installed JLT brake cooling kit for $179, made an incredible difference also.