Hello, And A Couple Of Newbie Questions
Discussion
Firstly, hello everyone.
I'm new to the whole track-day scene. I'm usually found messing about with old Land Rovers.
I've inherited my wife's old e36 328i, which I've decided to turn into a track car. As I'm new to this, I think I need some help.
I'm looking at going to Castle Coombe next month, as they are pretty close to me, and do a 'new to track' scheme. Does this seem a good idea?
I'm slightly concerned about the noise limits, although my car is running a stock exhaust, is it worth getting it tested first?
I've had the beemer on the ramp and replaced a couple of worn drop-links, and a steering rack end, so it's better than when it passed it's MOT 4 months ago.
I've replaced all the disks and pads, and the brake fluid.
It's just been serviced too.
Can you guys think of anything else to look at/check?
Sorry for the silly questions, and any info would be gratefully received.
I don't want to ruin anyone else's fun by not knowing what I'm doing.
Thanks.
I'm new to the whole track-day scene. I'm usually found messing about with old Land Rovers.
I've inherited my wife's old e36 328i, which I've decided to turn into a track car. As I'm new to this, I think I need some help.
I'm looking at going to Castle Coombe next month, as they are pretty close to me, and do a 'new to track' scheme. Does this seem a good idea?
I'm slightly concerned about the noise limits, although my car is running a stock exhaust, is it worth getting it tested first?
I've had the beemer on the ramp and replaced a couple of worn drop-links, and a steering rack end, so it's better than when it passed it's MOT 4 months ago.
I've replaced all the disks and pads, and the brake fluid.
It's just been serviced too.
Can you guys think of anything else to look at/check?
Sorry for the silly questions, and any info would be gratefully received.
I don't want to ruin anyone else's fun by not knowing what I'm doing.
Thanks.
GT4EDS said:
Thanks for that.i also run a bmw 328i on trackdays - our experience...
standard exhaust is fine, tests at a mere 82db at bedford, no where near the limit.
brakes and pads are a good shout, did you bleed with high temp brake fluid? if not you're liable to boil the fluid then you'll have no brakes.
we found the standard suspension terribly wobbly... especially on 15 inch wheels. get some cheap coilovers and they'll make a load of difference.
standard exhaust is fine, tests at a mere 82db at bedford, no where near the limit.
brakes and pads are a good shout, did you bleed with high temp brake fluid? if not you're liable to boil the fluid then you'll have no brakes.
we found the standard suspension terribly wobbly... especially on 15 inch wheels. get some cheap coilovers and they'll make a load of difference.
brillomaster said:
i also run a bmw 328i on trackdays - our experience...
standard exhaust is fine, tests at a mere 82db at bedford, no where near the limit.
brakes and pads are a good shout, did you bleed with high temp brake fluid? if not you're liable to boil the fluid then you'll have no brakes.
we found the standard suspension terribly wobbly... especially on 15 inch wheels. get some cheap coilovers and they'll make a load of difference.
Thanks for that.standard exhaust is fine, tests at a mere 82db at bedford, no where near the limit.
brakes and pads are a good shout, did you bleed with high temp brake fluid? if not you're liable to boil the fluid then you'll have no brakes.
we found the standard suspension terribly wobbly... especially on 15 inch wheels. get some cheap coilovers and they'll make a load of difference.
Yes new high temp fluid used, I once boiled the breaks on a Range Rover (don't ask), so know what you mean.
I have fitted a set of adjustable coilovers (both height and stiffness) and fitted a set of 17 inch M3 alloys with decent tyres.
Was planning on sripping out a lot of the interior...
As I said, I'm more used to Land Rovers, so it feels weird making something lower and lighter, rather than bigger and heavier!!
Most important thing is that the day is trouble free, as in you can lap happily without anything breaking. Handling and power can come later.
The single biggest difference to driving on the road is the braking...as said before, make sure you bleed the brakes properly and use good fluid. You might find even then you need to upgrade as an E36 is a big old lump to use as a trackcar but I never used any of mine on track so I don't know how they fare. Having to be light on the brakes all day because they're not up to it will ruin your fun.
The next biggest difference is the time spent at high revs so make sure the cooling system is top notch (no hoses about to split or pop off etc.), use decent oil and check it frequently through the day.
The last thing, speaking from experience of using old cars on track, is that things like bumper and trim mountings and exhausts that are damaged or rusty tend to choose that moment to give up the ghost, presumably due to the G-forces involved. I always take tools with me but the things that have saved me losing track time the most have typically been gaffa tape, cable ties and wire, so take a supply with you!
The single biggest difference to driving on the road is the braking...as said before, make sure you bleed the brakes properly and use good fluid. You might find even then you need to upgrade as an E36 is a big old lump to use as a trackcar but I never used any of mine on track so I don't know how they fare. Having to be light on the brakes all day because they're not up to it will ruin your fun.
The next biggest difference is the time spent at high revs so make sure the cooling system is top notch (no hoses about to split or pop off etc.), use decent oil and check it frequently through the day.
The last thing, speaking from experience of using old cars on track, is that things like bumper and trim mountings and exhausts that are damaged or rusty tend to choose that moment to give up the ghost, presumably due to the G-forces involved. I always take tools with me but the things that have saved me losing track time the most have typically been gaffa tape, cable ties and wire, so take a supply with you!
As a veteran of many track days in an e36 328 I would say brakes, brakes & then after that brakes.
Make sure you have with you a full set of spare front pads as a minimum, I have toasted many road/track compound pads in under a day whilst trying to find a good set up that works & lasts. I have settled on Pagid RS29 or Ferodo DS Uno on non-standard calipers/discs.
I only use Ate Super Blue racing brake fluid as I too have had even new fluid boil on me before.
Make sure you have with you a full set of spare front pads as a minimum, I have toasted many road/track compound pads in under a day whilst trying to find a good set up that works & lasts. I have settled on Pagid RS29 or Ferodo DS Uno on non-standard calipers/discs.
I only use Ate Super Blue racing brake fluid as I too have had even new fluid boil on me before.
Above post about brakes is very true, I too have run through a set of front pads on my E36 328i in a day. Admittedly I was hard on them and they were only standard road pads, but nonetheless!
For your first day I think having a new / nearly new set in and keeping an eye on them through the day would be OK. Do remember that the inside pad will wear quicker so you can't necessarily see the worst wear. Keeping your sessions short will help with brake wear, as it's when they get really hot that you'll eat through pads.
There's a lot of good advice above and in the linked thread
apart from care with your brakes, my main advice is to take plenty of food and drink, build your pace gradually and don't push too hard.. and enjoy yourself! It's fabulously addictive.
For your first day I think having a new / nearly new set in and keeping an eye on them through the day would be OK. Do remember that the inside pad will wear quicker so you can't necessarily see the worst wear. Keeping your sessions short will help with brake wear, as it's when they get really hot that you'll eat through pads.
There's a lot of good advice above and in the linked thread
apart from care with your brakes, my main advice is to take plenty of food and drink, build your pace gradually and don't push too hard.. and enjoy yourself! It's fabulously addictive.Thanks for that guys.
Think I'll get some up-rated disks and pads, apart from the above, any recommendations for brands/suppliers?
I'll be going with a mate/work colleague who is a mechanic and a veteran of building rally cars. He has a van full of toys, I mean tools, so we should be well covered in that respect.
With regard to insurance; I've got standard fully-comp and I understand that won't cover me on track.
Any suggestions?
Think I'll get some up-rated disks and pads, apart from the above, any recommendations for brands/suppliers?
I'll be going with a mate/work colleague who is a mechanic and a veteran of building rally cars. He has a van full of toys, I mean tools, so we should be well covered in that respect.
With regard to insurance; I've got standard fully-comp and I understand that won't cover me on track.
Any suggestions?
Don't worry about the discs yet, as apart from going bigger (can pass on advice there too but I don't think you need worry for your first day, I didn't) upgraded discs make precious little difference. Pads are where I'd make a start - try EBC Redstuff on the front at least, rear as well would be better but not necessary. They are much more durable and you shouldn't see anything like as much fade.
Definitely pair with a good fluid, ATE Super Blue is common and perfectly compatible with E36 (which I understand doesn't like DOT5.1).
Definitely pair with a good fluid, ATE Super Blue is common and perfectly compatible with E36 (which I understand doesn't like DOT5.1).
Do some PAX laps first before you go out to drive (except for sighting laps). I usually do PAX laps first when at a new track, and I actually spent a long time doing PAX laps with a friend before I got my car ready for track use. It really helps to be familiar with the format of the day, knowing when accidents are bound to happen, knowing which cars/drivers are best avoided etc. If you have to drive your car home it really helps to focus the mind, especially if you are at a distant track in another country.
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