Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

ROSSO Z · 02-07-2003, 04:52 PM

I'm joining the Audi Club on April 28 and 29 at VIR for a driver's school. I will be in the beginner group, which means the first half of the first day will be spent on the skid-pad and slalom course. Following that, we will hit the full course for a day and one-half.

I plan to:

Add a little extra motor oil
Change all fluids to synthetic before I go
Take my air tank
Tape up my car
Buy a good helmet- SA2000

What tire pressure should I start with?

Any other advice????

Thanks,

jrz1 · 02-07-2003, 06:25 PM

Check your rotors and your pads. Upgrade brake fluid to something with a higher boiling point (ATA Super Blue, Castrol etc. and have your system thouroughly bled). If you're car is relatively new, you probably don't HAVE to do it but it's not a bad insurance policy. Bring plenty to drink. You'd be surprised how quickly you can get dehydrated, even when it's not hot out.

Have lots of fun and focus on being smooth (transition from throttle to brake and back; steering inputs). Don't drive from point to point or cone to cone. Keep your eyes up (this is incredibly hard when you're new) and you'll naturally see more of the track and that will help you smooth out your driving. Don't worry about going fast. If you focus on learning the line and being smooth, the speed will come faster than you think. Don't EVER, let up on the throttle in the middle of Hog Pen (you'll learn this is the last turn before the straight). Loose all the speed you need to before you get into the corner.

Good luck and report back after you're done. I'll be there in early march with the Tarheel BMW club.

LtMash1A · 02-07-2003, 09:19 PM

Since it is a Driver's Ed event and not the 24 Hrs of Lemans, Just make sure your brake pads are good and add an extra (one whole)qt. of oil. I used 35lbs on my first Driver's Ed. and it seamed to work fine. You can take shoe polish and mark the edge of you tires, if it is wearing off on the edges, you need more pressure. Make sure you take the creature comforts, sun glasses, hat, clothes that will keep you warm or cool enough, a chair to sit in, water or soft drinks, a box to empty any thing loose in your car into (your helment box will do). Just make a check list before you go so you don't forget anything like your wallet and your paperwork. The previous post was the best advice. Learn the lines, go slow, make it flow. If you have never been to the track, get a video, that way you don't have to waste any track time learning your way around. You will also learn the lines, but be aware that your instructor may take a different approach to some of the turns. I think Ed Coon has a good vid on VIR. (www.fascarproductions.com).
You will really enjoy your day.

ROSSO Z · 02-08-2003, 09:15 AM

Thanks for the posts!

The brake fluid change sounds like a good idea. I get confused between DOT3 and DOT4 as it effects a new car warranty. I thought using anything but DOT3 was a warranty no-no. Are there better DOT3 fluids than OEM or is DOT4 the only alternative to OEM?

I have the same question concerning Clutch, Tranny and Rear-end fluid changes.

Thanks,

jrz1 · 02-08-2003, 11:43 AM

I'd go with ATE Super Blue or Motul 600. Can't see why they'd void the warranty and if they did, you could always change the fluid back and fully flush the system before bringing the car in for brake work. I wouldn't bother with the rest of the fluids you mentioned. They should all be fine. Just make sure that if you spend more time on the track, you accelerate your regular maintenance schedule a little bit.

LtMash1A · 02-09-2003, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrz1
I'd go with ATE Super Blue or Motul 600. Can't see why they'd void the warranty and if they did, you could always change the fluid back and fully flush the system before bringing the car in for brake work. I wouldn't bother with the rest of the fluids you mentioned. They should all be fine. Just make sure that if you spend more time on the track, you accelerate your regular maintenance schedule a little bit.

jrz1, I agree about not changing the rest of the fluids. In this weather, I think the standard brake fluid is fine.But after a few track events you have to change it anyway, so going to a higher heat range could be done then. Have you been down to Carolina Motorsports Park yet? It's about an hour from you in Charlotte. I'm going down in March for the Porsche Club Races and Driver's Ed Events. Let me know if you ever go down, I'd like to hook up with you and compare notes on running the track.
David

jrz1 · 02-09-2003, 07:03 PM

Been to CMP many times. No plans to go any time soon at this point. Going to VIR in early March with the Tarheel BMW club. Much nicer track (although not nearly as convienient). Make sure you have good pads, healthy rotors and fresh higher temp brake fluid. That track eat's brakes for snacks!

LtMash1A · 02-10-2003, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrz1
Been to CMP many times. No plans to go any time soon at this point. Going to VIR in early March with the Tarheel BMW club. Much nicer track (although not nearly as convienient). Make sure you have good pads, healthy rotors and fresh higher temp brake fluid. That track eat's brakes for snacks!

Tires Tooo!

JOEZ06 · 02-15-2003, 06:23 PM

Tips...

Take your antenna off.
Take your center wheel caps off if running on stocks.
Remove all loose objects inside... CD's flying around the back can be distracting. ;-)

Your wheel pressure will vary greatly as you run. I like the 35 cold tip someone said above. I ran 36 my first day. I was coming off the hot track in the low 42s... On the advice of some of the more seasoned drivers I lowered to 32F/ 35R last time out I noted I could enter a little faster into some turns.

The car should be ready to rock given all the other advice you have above....

The car clean up/risk is something you will need to decide for yourself. There are some good posts on this forum about that.. tape, bras, spray on protection...etc.

I expect a post from you on April 30!! Words can not describe the thrill of driving the car in the way it was designed, on the track the first time.

Good luck and be safe....

jrz1 · 02-15-2003, 06:57 PM

The other thing you may want to consider is to take your car into an alignment shop and have some more negative camber added. On the track, if you run with stock settings, the outside of the tires will wear far faster than the inside and this uneven wear will cause you to eventually cord the outside edge of your tire(s) even while the inside edge still has good tread depth. The downside of this of course is that on the street, where you spend most of your time driving in a straight line, you're likely to wear the insides more quickly. Even so, I think another 1-1 1/2 degrees is appropriate.

racer01 · 02-16-2003, 07:31 AM

I second the notion for an alignment, especially if you are going to do more than one or two DE's per year. VIR is pretty easy on tires, but a few days at Roebling Road with the stock alignment will absolutely ruin a new set of tires.
I run -2.25 degrees up front and my last set of GY supercars were worn out on the inside and outside at about the same time with 11K street miles, 2 test and tune track days (>350 track miles) and 2 autocrosses. I am pretty hard on tires though, so less neg camber may better suit your driving style.

I run about 32-33 psi cold in the supercar tires (shoot for 40 hot)
Stock pads should be fine with some decent (and fresh) brake fluid like Motul 600 or ATE.
Although many may not agree, I recommend learning with the traction control and active handling turned completely off.

Geoff
02' QS

trumperZ06 · 02-16-2003, 10:23 AM

Follow your instructors advice. He may sugest turning Active Handling OFF on the skid pad if you have plenty of run-off area!

DO NOT run on the track without being in Competitive mode if you are a newbe! The power of the Vette will "Bite" you in a heartbeat! Concentrate on being smooth, smooth braking, turning, and roll into the throttle... nothing abrupt!!! Complete your "braking" in a straight line before turning into the corner!

Did I say "Listen to your instructor"... he's there to help you. You will gain speed as you progress so concentrate on following the line and being SMOOTH! HAVE FUN !

**blkZ06** · 02-16-2003, 10:34 AM

BE in competitive mode or not?

jrz1 · 02-16-2003, 11:28 AM

I typically run in competitve mode. The indicator light only comes on occasionally but it's probably not bad insurance, especially if you're new. To the extent the light is coming on more frequently, you're either pushing the car to its limits while maintaining relative control (ie. you're very good), or your being too much of a hack and need to re-examine how you're driving (more typical).

**MSiska** · 02-16-2003, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by blkZ06
BE in competitive mode or not?

I've been to two FATT DE's at Summit Point Raceway. I always keep it in comp mode. Coming out of turn 7 into turn 8 before the little staight that goes under the bridge, I powered a little too early in third gear and the rear stepped left. AH came on and saved my butt from sliding off the track!! My third FATT is March 7th and I may do a little experimenting with it off. The real fast guys always turn it off as it slows them down.
Larry...have Fun!!!