First track day help

[Rick H]

Even though its your first TD be careful as the brake fluid will be standard and if you are hooooning it your brakes might go of in a couple of laps.

Agreed, I went round in Oulton in our e46 325 resplendent with new budget pads and disks (by budget I mean normal, decent road pads not something like RS29s) plus standard fluid. 2 laps tops (full circuit) and a 3rd to cool down :bigcry:

Standard CSL brakes are now "resting" in the loft - BEST PLACE FOR 'EM.

Standard discs should be ok, but may be worth shelling out for some pads to put in for the day and then remove (not forgetting to bed them in).

[Jonnymaz]

OK, brakes starting to concern me a little! Despite the obvious benefits of upgrading brakes, was hoping that for a first track day where I am unlikely to be pushing it to extreme, I could get by with the standard fairly new set that is on there.

Is this going to end in disaster, or is it likely to be fine if I don't push it too hard and have regular cool downs?

Anyone had successful track days using standard brakes??

Would simply changing the fluid to one with a higher boiling point be worth doing?

[0836whimper]

OK, brakes starting to concern me a little! Despite the obvious benefits of upgrading brakes, was hoping that for a first track day where I am unlikely to be pushing it to extreme, I could get by with the standard fairly new set that is on there.

Is this going to end in disaster, or is it likely to be fine if I don't push it too hard and have regular cool downs?

Anyone had successful track days using standard brakes??

Would simply changing the fluid to one with a higher boiling point be worth doing?

You'll be fine if you don't go crazy and are really sympathetic to the state of the brakes and tyres. These are the first to start complaining. Brakes go all soft and you'll lose confidence in them and tyres get squidgy/floaty, grip lowers siginficantly and they will then wear really fast. So, some warm up laps, a maybe 2 or 3 hot laps (depending on track) and then cool down, check everything and have a rest for a bit. Repeat until tyres are shagged.

Swapping the brakes and tyres will give you the ability to properly exercise the car and reveal it's full capabilities.

[shimmy]

I disagree, you will likely boil your brakes in 6 laps, especially at bedford and especially if you are going "easy" which normally results in less cooling and more brake hovering.


Minimum fluid and pad upgrade needed but even that may not be enough and you may well waste half the day.

[billyboysm3]

Personally, If you go to Bedford or Snetterton they are hard on brakes, if your new to track days then you might use the brake to much etc.

2 laps of Bedford GT or Snett and the below could happen.

You press the pedal at 120mph and the pedal goes to the floor and do not stop.

So, you get HEL braided hoses from Martin on here for about £85 ish
Set of RS29, say £400 +
Decent brake fluid £15

But it will not ruin your day or the car. OEM discs are fine.

You will always sell the RS29 even after 1 use for easily £300.

[Rick H]

I disagree, you will likely boil your brakes in 6 laps, especially at bedford and especially if you are going "easy" which normally results in less cooling and more brake hovering.


Minimum fluid and pad upgrade needed but even that may not be enough and you may well waste half the day.

I'd agree, the 325ci day was before my training with CAT so was braking like a lead footed "road" driver rather than a racing god (:clown so will have had an adverse effect on the system.

I remember lots of chatter and wobbling which ceased after cool down.

[Curly]

OK, brakes starting to concern me a little! Despite the obvious benefits of upgrading brakes, was hoping that for a first track day where I am unlikely to be pushing it to extreme, I could get by with the standard fairly new set that is on there.

Is this going to end in disaster, or is it likely to be fine if I don't push it too hard and have regular cool downs?

Anyone had successful track days using standard brakes??

Would simply changing the fluid to one with a higher boiling point be worth doing?

Fuchs (BM3w):whistle::hahaha: