So I have several friends who regularly track their Turbos (x3 996 & 1 997) and they give me a hard time about my garage queen. So I'm considering getting my car to the track next season but would have to make a few investments. What I'm thinking is as follows:

1. Strong/light, relatively inexpensive 19" wheels

2. SS brake lines with racing fluid.

3. Steel rotors and pads.

I've read up on both p-car forums and did not see anyting conlcusive, would appreciate some input.

Cheers

 

For the 1st few times you go to the track you don't need to do any mods to your car. Your car is way faster than you are in your driving skill.

I suggest you flush the brakes with new fluid check your brake pad thickness and rotors.

If you end up getting into tracking your car you will want to get some 18" or 19" wheels...those 20's are aweful for performance.

Check out the guide Sharkwerks just wrote about modding cars.

Best thing you can do is go to the track with a open mind and listen to your instructor.

 

Excellent, get the beast out where it belongs!

Start with new tires would be my only suggested mod. FRONT & REAR's!

Lots good content starting on page one of the link below:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ls-re-11s.html

 

You don't need any of that stuff. It's a great car out of the box. The fluid is already Dot 4. Not sure about the Steel Rotors.....I have PCCB.

 

Oops.....forgot one major requirement! You will need a SA 2005 or newer Helmet first and then new tires!

 

+1

I run PSS tires and use a Simpson Bandit helmet! Don't forget the GoPro!

 

Don't do ANY mods...not even tires. As others have already mentioned, you need to get your skills up to par first. Just make sure you have plenty of brake pad left (at least 50%) and that you check your tire pressure before, in between sessions and after sessions and adjust as needed.

Forget about mods for now...

 

^^^REALLY?

Well then, please check the thread depth, especially on the inside rears and manufacturing date of your tires to make sure they are not completely dried out and useless. Remember your tires are the only thing connecting you to the surface. They are also responsible for the feedback and input you give your vehicle. If your tires are old & heavily worn you'll feel like your car handles terribly, and more than likely think its your suspension that needs to be address...when actually its the rubber.

Bad rubber and wasted brake pads will ruin your day. Not to mention end it early. Best to be prepared, rather than going home frustrated with yourself and your vehicle.

(IMHO)

Cheers

 

Agree with everybody's input.

No mods. Just do a proper tech inspection from a reputable shop.

Having driven modded BMW's for years and then driving the 997TT, it's more than capable that most cars out on the track in it's stock form.

Enjoy and stay safe!

 

I really don't want to get out there with 20's, they're my nice pretty shiney wheels and I want to keep 'em that way. I know I don't have the skills to push the car near it's limits but I do want to have a dedicated set of track wheels. Not sure where to go, OZ's, Victor equipment, or something similar in price and quality.

Second part is the PCCB's. I know I know, they'll be fine my first time out as again I won't be pushing it too hard( BTW pads are @ 95%) but what I do know is after I get out there I'll back very shortly. So I really would like to source new brakes, VID997 thanks for the input in your thread regarding AP cup rotors.

 

Great thread! I went from an M5 to the 997tt - tracked the M5 a bunch of times - what a pig! But the 997tt is just awesome right out of the box. I picked her up on a Monday and had her on the track on Friday (2009 CPO with 18k miles). What a monster - and agreed with the post about too much car for most of us to really push to the limit.

And absolutely get out with the PCA guys - I've been to a bunch of other club events and the PCA instructors I've met were outstanding and very safe.

I would also say for your first time, do NOT turn off the PSM - I've seen guys turn that off as they feel they need to at the track - and before you know it - bunch of grass and dirt stuck is all sorts of weird places...at best. I've come out of turns a bit too quick and PSM saved me a few times - with a tiny bit of tail play! Keep it on. But also put her in sport mode...and keep the suspension stiff - otherwise a bit much sway.

If you run the Green group - don't worry too much about taping the front end - should be ok as guys really don't stay that close to each other for long. Think about fire extinguisher - very easy install - and looks very cool.

Best of all - enjoy the car for what is was made for at a place where you can really drive it!

Rich

 

You'll be fine with PCCB's for a while. After a few events you'll will know if this is a hobby you would like to dive into or just "the flavor of day". If you stick with it, then swapping out the rotors is a wise decision. However, there are plenty of guys out there who say they have gone 40+ days on their ceramics.

Below is another good thread regarding usable rubber:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post3679169

Please note that whatever club you run with, brakes and tires will be number one on their tech inspection sheet.

 

Good input thank very much I don't plan on touching the PSM button

Well I already know Im intresting in making it a hobby, I've been a passgener at several HOD events at Thunderhill. But now it's my car so things are little different

So should I be okay with 20's for my first session in "A" group?

 

"So should I be okay with 20's for my first session in "A" group?"

Yes

 

welcome to the slippery slope! as most said the car is fine as it is for a novice. If it hasn't been done, the brake fluid is a good idea.

I was you not too long ago. sold the turbo, bought a dedicated 996 track car, trailer, SUV so get ready! LOL.

If you find out you really like it, another option is to find yourself a prepped spec miata - for (much) less than a new set of PCCB rotors. And a hoot to drive.