What's More Important Performance Mods Or Handling Mod For Getting A Car Track Ready

[mctwistuk]

Ok so new topic for discussion is what is more important when modifying a car to do novice track days. I means days like he sidc track day at knockhill etc. what mods would you do in order if you had a minimal budget of say £2k and what would you do if you had £10k?

Chris

[g1983]

Im looking to upgrade all my gear to whiteline once I get the majority of the bodywork done. Free fitting was available at Hypertech.

[lewisscoob]

For me, trackdays are all about fun. So I'd go down the power and brakes route first. Though for what I would like to fit, it would quickly swallow up £2K.

Even if just a remap, your looking at £300 at the cheapest. If you're lucky, you're already running brembos so Performance Friction brakes will 'only' be about £1000 including decent pads fr front and rear.

That takes care of go and stop. Handling I'd start with front and rear ARB's, ALK and a full geo setup.

That'll leave you with spare cash to carry out to a service after the big day and some towards the imminent need for new tyres.

Of course savings can be made on the above buy either buying alternatives or going down the second hand route.

[StrikE]

Handling & braking first Chris, no point in going for 400 bhp if you are going to drop your guts when you can't

A. brake up to a corner

B. actually make the turn!

Del

[lewisscoob]

Of course it depends on te car you start with. On a newage STI there's nothing major mechanically required up to 400hp plus maybe a little more depending on sympathy.

If its a classic then upwards of 400hp it's probably best to look into or be prepared for an engine rebuild and either PPG box or 6 speed. All of which will quickly swallow up your 10k budget.

[paul555sti]

Standard brakes would be the first thing to let you down so I'd start with improving them.

[davey l wrx]

In order for me....

Brakes - good stoppers are certainly needed

Uprated ARB's and bushes, ALK - handling always helps you carry more speed through the corners

Suspension upgrades - uprated shocks, adjustable top mounts even better handling

Power upgrades or weight saving (says a man with 2 full sets of Kevlar component speakers and a 12" sub in the boot) - more power or less weight is the same thing really. You can add more BHP or shed weight giving the same effect for less cash

2K isn't much to spend for 'track prep'. Decent brakes can be half of that as lewis said Performance friction discs and pads are roughly £1000, they are bloody good though.

[mctwistuk]

For me so far I have fitted rear CDF racing droplinks, hela stainless steel braided brake lines front and back, ebc red stuff pads all round, front strut brace, and some stainless steel exhaust bits but still have oem downpipe. I just wondered what to do next and what other people would recommend.

Oh I have front droplinks to fit but just waiting on Allen keys being delivered as I don't have one that fits, this is assuming I can get the bl00d! Bolts off lol.

Chris

[lewisscoob]

Just keep going and as long as you don't ever stop to add up what you spend, it's all good fun!

I would probably cry over what I've spent...

[paul555sti]

Just keep going and as long as you don't ever stop to add up what you spend, it's all good fun!

I would probably cry over what I've spent...

My bank manager crys. ( still no where as much as some over the years )

[scooby222]

with being patient and buying second hand or on special offers ive managed to only spend a ridiculous amount of money instead of an indecent amount lol

best lesson regardless of cost or budget is to wait and buy the right parts regardless of price - having tried to buy cheaper versions of uprated brakes to save cash it ended up costing me a lot more in the long run

with 2k on a newage sti I would blow the lot on serious brakes, harness and a set of ARB's

10k would be a md321 turbo and remap, AP brakes and KW suspension, set of harnesses and bin the seats, cards etc

[fai17]

Bin the seats.

What are you going to sit on Dave?

[scooby222]

Ive got a race lightened bucket I use Peter

[boab type ra]

i would say or first mod is to get rid of the red stuff pads av had them on ma classsic and got alot of brake fade threy them away for mintex.

[fai17]

Ive got a race lightened bucket I use Peter

Don't believe you. Shows it.

[spect]

First mod? Teach the driver to use what they have.

Second - brakes

Third - suspension and geometry

Fourth - power

[spect]

Probably only whiteline if you are going to do a lot of track work or you have a lot of nice smooth roads near you