I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Servicing requirements before a track day
Hey all! I’m planning on entering the world of Track Days this year. I bought my current NC1 a few months back and have fitted coilovers, BBR exhaust, roll bar, rear wing - it’s looking really nice now! However, I need to service it. And obviously I want to ensure it is going to stand up to life as a semi regular track day car. But we’re getting into the realms of things I am not particularly familiar with here, so I thought I’d ask for some opinions from those who know better
My plan is to change the pads for Mintex M1166.
I want to replace the spark plugs, but would appreciate some advice as to what to go with.
I’ll replace the engine, diff and transmission oil - but again, would be interested to know what oil to use for each of these.
Beyond that, what am I missing? What else needs doing?
Hi Jon
Sounds like you have done most of the work already.
As long as the brake discs and pads have plenty of life in them, the oil looks ok and the coolant and brake fluid look ok, the next step for me would be book a track day asap and get out on track.
An NC with all the fluids at the right level will sit on track all day.
If you’ve fitted coilovers have you had it alligned? Probably needs the drop links changing as well to be sure.
Only other thing is tyres, brake fluid and coolant.
my advice - if you have any shortcomings with your car it will most likely be brakes (specifically, brake fade).
speed, handling, course layout you will get to know and learn and push as you progress. the first thing to give up will be your brakes. this is in general, not a specific issue with your brakes. cool-down laps can be used to manage the heat buildup but can ruin a ‘chase’ if you were on someones heels.
Making sure your brakes are decent & recent will be well worth time spent
Other important checklist items:
belts. drive/aux/cambelt etc. anything rubber. check + replace if needed.
The usual fluids check is a must. (which type? i’ll leave to NC experts)
Geo you have mentioned, good.
Tyre Pressure - take a way to deflate and inflate your tyres at the track. i have been on tracks where i can gain 6psi+ on tyres. when pressure AND heat builds up it can really affect the traction limits. so on your cool-offs in the pits you may want to drop some PSI if needed. and re-flate once cooled down/journy home.
Also take a screwdriver set, pliers, cable ties. these dont need to do laps with you (leave in the paddock) but theres nothing worse than being stranded due to a jubilee clip coming off under that engine bay and not having the tools! like a coolant pipe etc. very unlikely needed but can save a track day (and a safe trip home). Anyone with a boosted conversion may also have had battle scars here
Wipers + RainX (or similar). your ‘good enough for the road’ wipers which you keep forgetting to replace… replace! if you have a wet track day you will be close behind anther car, at speed, with spray! you need to be able to see. RainX (a water repellent) really REALLY helps. especially over about 50mph.
The better you can see and react, the less chance of hitting a barrier.
sunglasses!!
race helmet is mandatory
driving gloves/race gloves. these are optional. for me i find i get very sweaty hands quickly on track. making steering wheel contact slippery. gloves fix this.
lightweight clothing - while you will need no skin showing, most (maybe all now?) tracks wont allow windows open on track. you will get hot. dont overdress.
Take engine oil with you. Check the oil during the day and top up to 2mm above full. If you let it go to halfway on the dipstick it will start drinking oil!
At the track…do not park it with the handbrake on. It can cause a hot spot and warp the disc
like a coolant pipe etc. very unlikely needed but can save a track day (and a safe trip home). Anyone with a boosted conversion may also have had battle scars here