vhtan00 Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 Hi, I'm a noob here. I just registered for HPDE1 @ MidOhio on 07/23/2010. I do not have any track experience and would appreciate all the help I can get... I've got a BMW E46 M3 2003. I've recently done the following: - Oil Change - transmission flush - Flush brake fluid with ATE super blue - replace OE brake lines with stoptech stainless braided lines - service calipers and replace brake piston with stainless steel (OE were pitted) I'll be doing the following before track day: - replace thermostat - coolant flush - differential flush - Change alternator and A/C belt - spark plugs - swap OE with JVT headers - swap brake pads with hawk pads - get a SNELL rated helmet - replace fuel filter - some other BMW related crap (CPV, valve adjustment, etc) Current tires are Kumho with about 80% thread on 19" wheels. I was thinking of swapping 18"s, but since this is my first time out, I don't think it's gonna make a big difference. Car is pretty much stock except for the H&R springs. Any advice is much appreciated... Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninetyfourintegra Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 Get a good nights sleep Thursday. Show up early enough to not be rushed (Friday night, if you can) to set up paddock, unload car, get teched and make the 7:30 drivers meeting. Brings lots of water (and actually drink it) and sunscreen. Bring a good attitude for learning and enjoy the event. First time out, a car that can pass a basic state inspection is good enough. You sound well ahead in that aspect. Lets work on the nut behind the wheel for now. You WILL BE grinning from ear to ear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmchopeful Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 Get a good nights sleep Thursday. Show up early enough to not be rushed (Friday night, if you can) to set up paddock, unload car, get teched and make the 7:30 drivers meeting. Brings lots of water (and actually drink it) and sunscreen. Bring a good attitude for learning and enjoy the event. First time out, a car that can pass a basic state inspection is good enough. You sound well ahead in that aspect. Lets work on the nut behind the wheel for now. You WILL BE grinning from ear to ear. I agree with Ron you sound prepared and he's right about drinking the water. You will be suprised at the end of the day how much hydration you need. I drive a high horsepower car but first time out remember it's not how fast you go down the straights it's all about the corners You have signed up for the most addictive hobby on the planet, ENJOY. It's all about having fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vhtan00 Posted June 29, 2010 Author Share Posted June 29, 2010 I agree with Ron you sound prepared and he's right about drinking the water. You will be suprised at the end of the day how much hydration you need. I drive a high horsepower car but first time out remember it's not how fast you go down the straights it's all about the corners You have signed up for the most addictive hobby on the planet, ENJOY. It's all about having fun. Lol...I know, that's why I bought the M3. Everybody can drive a straight line, it's the corners that'll get you. I'm not at the track yet, and I already have a million and one things going on in my mind. I'm leaving my ego at home, and coming to the track to learn as much as I can from you gurus! Looking forward to the event!!! Vinny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmchopeful Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Vinny, That's the best kind of mental state to bring to the track. So you there. Here is a link to a video of me and an M3 playing at MO. He had been on my tail for 5-6 laps and I couldn't shake him, so I thought I follow him and watch his line. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5486275572028614079&hl=en# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcindric Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 you will have so much fun, people are awesome, and addictive can only be mildly explanatory, my home track, over 200 days, Jon Nasa instructor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vhtan00 Posted July 9, 2010 Author Share Posted July 9, 2010 Update** Okay, managed to do most of the stuff I listed in post #1 over the 4th of July weekend. Changing the Coolant on the M3 is a "beeotch". The person who designed the coolant system on these cars should be fired! Seriously, how difficult is it to put a "nipple" for coolant flush/maintenance. Anyway, accomplished all I listed above except for the spark plugs, headers and pads. I'll definitely be changing the plugs and pads before the event, but I don't know if the headers are going to make it on time. I think the valve adjustment can wait till after the event. I've got an "annoying" issue. My front tires are cupped and the vibration on the steering wheel is driving me nuts. I really don't feel like driving 4.5 hrs (Lexington, KY to Lexington, OH) on cupped tires. In addition, it doesn't help my confidence on the track, though I was told cupped tires do NOT affect performance on the track. So... Option #1 (19" wheels) Replace the front tires with the same brand and model (Kumho SPT). Rears are still good (80% thread life). I was told not to mix manufacturer and model tires as it makes the car steer unpredictable on the track. Option #2 I recently bought a set of 18" wheels from a friend. I am thinking of buying either a set of Nitto NT05 or the Hankook v12. This is a more expensive options, but at least I know I have ALL new shoes on the car. Also, do you think it is necessary for me to get a 4 point harness? All advice and help is appreciated... Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninetyfourintegra Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 IMO: re: Tires: Do what makes you comfortable with the decision you've made such that you are not thinking about or second guessing while on track re: Harness: No, keep the stock 3pt re: brakes: See tires comment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedengineer Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Dido to the guy above. Stock 3-pt is just fine. Also, if you intend to do quite a few track days in the future (which you will), then having a second set of wheels/tires is probably wise. I would expect street tires to last between 6-8 weekends on the track, depending on how hard you're driving them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmchopeful Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Vinny, Stay on the street tires your comfortable with and keep the 3 point belts unless you have the same belt setup for the instrutor. I'd keep the 3 point belts myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vhtan00 Posted July 26, 2010 Author Share Posted July 26, 2010 Hi Everybody! Just got back from Mid-Ohio this past weekend. We had perfect weather, and I absolutely had a blast!!! Brad Hille was right...I have not been able to take my mind off the track. I have been pondering myself with thoughts on how to improve my lines and how to brake and accelerate smoother. My car's performance was outstanding. I just had to convince the "nut" behind the wheel to trust the car. (and the tires) My first session was a disaster. I did not find the correct apex, used too much brakes and I fought with the car. My knuckles were white, and I felt like I was spinning out of control even though my overall speed was slow. Thankfully, I was assigned a very patient instructor. He offered to take me out for a spin in his car (Mustang with slicks). Boy oh boy! Talk about a crash course! (not literally! ) I have been behind the wheel for over 25 years, but I've never experienced going through corners that fast! Seriously, how the heck does a vehicle steer around a corner at such speed and not spin out??? On my 2nd session, he advised me to slower my pace and learn to find the lines. Well, I found them and started to gain confidence on each passing turn. By the end of the 2nd session, I was able to bring more speed into the turn, and I was on full acceleration on the exit. I was actually catching up to other participants on the track and passed a few of them. What a feeling!!! ! On the 3rd session, we started to fine tune some of the more basic skills. I was told to look further ahead, and keeping my hand position at 3pm and 9pm with my thumbs up. I was still having problems with the smooth transition of braking and accelerating. He (my instructor) wanted me to lessen the brake pressure into the corner and introduce a little more "steering" brake through the corner. Believe it or not, I managed to learn (NOT master) how to do that in just my 3rd session. This time round, I was passing quite a few cars (including a M3, Eclipse, vette and Lotus Elise, but who's keeping count!). On the 4th and final session, my instructor wanted me to slow down my speed and use minimal amount of the brake pedal. He wanted me to focus on feeling the weight shift of the car around the turn. I can't really remember what really happened, but I failed to listen! Terry, if you are reading...sorry! I was busy trying to catch some vettes and lotus on the track! I did push my car harder on this session. In fact, I took a "little" too much speed into one of the corner, and I felt the rear starting to slide. My natural instinct kicked in and I lifted off the gas pedal, but in less than a New York second, I heard "gas! gas! gas!" and somehow I reacted and saved the car from spinning out! Hey!...at least I was still listening! It is amazing how much knowledge I have gained in 4 short track sessions. Session one was not a completed disaster. It served as a good measuring stick...at least for me! My advice to those of you who are thinking of tracking your car, JUST DO IT! Don't worry about performance mod. Just make sure you have GOOD tires, and your brakes are in good working condition. Other than that, go have some serious fun!!! Thank you NASA for this wonderful experience...and YES, I WILL be back! Vinny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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