Track forum general chit chat.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by //steve\\

Last time I'll ask (I promise) before I just go do it.....

for those that have installed a DCT cooler (CSF, do88, etc) how much of a mess are we making to get the old cooler out? Drain trans first and that should help? I have an old washing machine pan that I stick under for these kinds of jobs but I imagine there will still be a good bit of fluid on the car too that needs to be cleaned up.

I haven't installed one, but good to review the do88 install guide - https://www.do88.se/bilder/artiklar/pdf/OC-110.pdf

The lines shouldn't be holding much fluid so I wouldn't expect a big mess. I'd use the new cooler to figure out the size of a plug for the lines so while you're getting the next steps of the install ready, the fluid isn't draining out. Draining the cooler after it's uninstalled should be easy.

The do88 DCT cooler holds 6.5 L of transmission fluid (#12)? I wasn't expecting that much.

[dparm]

Many of those drain pans you see at the auto parts stores are only 5 or 6 quart...so buy one of the oversized ones. Ask me how I know this.

[//steve\\]

Originally Posted by dparm

Many of those drain pans you see at the auto parts stores are only 5 or 6 quart...so buy one of the oversized ones. Ask me how I know this.

Hah!

The one I have is pretty large. I can usually do multiple oil changes before it needs to be emptied. Then I just stick it in my other large transport container to dump at the parts store.

[fsmtnbiker]

Originally Posted by Ximian

I haven't installed one, but good to review the do88 install guide - https://www.do88.se/bilder/artiklar/pdf/OC-110.pdf

The lines shouldn't be holding much fluid so I wouldn't expect a big mess. I'd use the new cooler to figure out the size of a plug for the lines so while you're getting the next steps of the install ready, the fluid isn't draining out. Draining the cooler after it's uninstalled should be easy.

The do88 DCT cooler holds 6.5 L of transmission fluid (#12)? I wasn't expecting that much.

0.65L. A dL is 1/10 of a liter.

[e36clubracer]

Originally Posted by OG Shark

Has anyone redone an epoxy coating on a concrete floor? The floor is in pretty good shape - looks like a couple of cracks and a few spots of oil that need to be addressed. The old coating has come off in quite a few places though so want to redo it now while the building is empty. Since there is still some coating on there I am thinking of renting a floor polisher & want of these pads - Coating Removal Disc - has anyone used one of these before? From what I understand after grinding with this should not need to do an acid etch? Any other advice?

I just did a floor coating on our new barn/shop we built at our house. I still used an etch even with new concrete. Your grinding should be more than sufficient. The biggest thing is to have the floor clean from any debris, dust or oil. I used an etch and it really didn't seem to to too much. It was a ton of work though, took my wife and I two 10 hour days for 2200sq ft. We did the etch and then let it dry for four days and then did the epoxy coating.

You have a lot more square footage than I so that is going to be quite the project! I used the off the shelf Rustoleum product because I get a screaming discount locally through a friend. I bought 10 boxes of their stuff and which was nice because you could pace yourself and not worry about the product drying in the bucket.

[MaximusB]

Originally Posted by dparm

Yes, I would agree it is a waste because that tire is basically half-used if you ignore the camber wear. Looks like the car needs a camber kit and perhaps a minor adjustment to driving style as someone else mentioned.

Can you please post your most recent alignment? Camber is just one component of tire wear.

Buy two new fronts, there's no reason to throw out perfectly good rears.

Do not make a habit of running mismatched tires unless you are in a bind. I have done it once because it was either that or I'd lose the $300ish entry fee for not being able to drive that day.

Here is my alignment spec. Appreciate the input. Definitely not interested in running mix and match tires.

Right now I'm deciding whether to get 2 new RE71R or a new complete set of something else, such as NT01. Price wise NT01 is only $10/tire more where I am. Both tires are in stock too.

I have 1 track day left this season. Two weeks away. So I'll look into getting camber plate over the winter.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by //steve\\

Last time I'll ask (I promise) before I just go do it.....

for those that have installed a DCT cooler (CSF, do88, etc) how much of a mess are we making to get the old cooler out? Drain trans first and that should help? I have an old washing machine pan that I stick under for these kinds of jobs but I imagine there will still be a good bit of fluid on the car too that needs to be cleaned up.

In my do88 writeup I showed it. Barely anything comes out of the cooler, it was a minimal mess

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by MaximusB

Here is my alignment spec. Appreciate the input. Definitely not interested in running mix and match tires.

Right now I'm deciding whether to get 2 new RE71R or a new complete set of something else, such as NT01. Price wise NT01 is only $10/tire more where I am. Both tires are in stock too.

I have 1 track day left this season. Two weeks away. So I'll look into getting camber plate over the winter.

You need camber plates

I don't know why you would want to try the NT01 with rear RE71s still operational. It's slower and worse in pretty much every way.

Remember that even if you're running staggered wheels you can still switch between sides during the weekend

[//steve\\]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

In my do88 writeup I showed it. Barely anything comes out of the cooler, it was a minimal mess

Confirmed....I ran out at lunch and disconnected it. Put some paper towel below it and maybe a drip or two but basically nothing. Easier and less messy than I thought it might be.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by //steve\\

Confirmed....I ran out at lunch and disconnected it. Put some paper towel below it and maybe a drip or two but basically nothing. Easier and less messy than I thought it might be.

The lines go way up above the DCT and the cooler and that just happens to be where the disconnect is, so it couldn't be any easier.

Thank you BMW

[MaximusB]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

You need camber plates

I don't know why you would want to try the NT01 with rear RE71s still operational. It's slower and worse in pretty much every way.

Remember that even if you're running staggered wheels you can still switch between sides during the weekend

I am definitely getting camber plates over the winter. I have only 1 track day left this year and it is in two weeks. I can likely get them on the car by then (pay for faster shipping and schedule an appointment with my shop like today), but not sure if it is worth the rush. Rather spend some time to do some research and look for a deal, like during black friday sale or boxing day.

Main reason for wanting to try NT01 is just for the sake of trying a new tire to see how I like them. Also I get tires through a friend who has contacts with tire distributors. As I was reading your comment, he texted me and said the NT01s are on route from the warehouse. So no going back now, don't want to be "that guy" who asks for a deal and then back out haha.

I do plan on getting two more rims over winter (currently running 18s square) for track day spares. So I am going to keep the two rears of the RE71R and put those on the spare rims. I know I said I don't want to mix and match tires, but as spares in an emergency, it would at least let me finish the day and get myself home. Once I'm done with the NT01 I'll re-assess to see which tire I like more between the two. Then will end up with all 6 of the same tires, which I can rotate all 6 through a season.

[dparm]

The NT01 is a step up in grip but will be impossible if there is any water on the track. The 71 at least has voids and circumferential grooves. Just something to consider if you don't have a second set of "wet" tires.

If you're looking at NT01s, might as well just look at the Toyo RR or other slicks -- all of these are a step up from the 71. Higher limits but also less forgiving at the limit. Not sure how comfortable you are with something like that.

[XKxRome0ox]

Originally Posted by dparm

Many of those drain pans you see at the auto parts stores are only 5 or 6 quart...so buy one of the oversized ones. Ask me how I know this.

https://www.autozone.com/shop-and-ga...gal/134895_0_0

i bought this one from autozone after comparing several options online
plenty big to catch it all and cheap
because my friend's pan was not big enough when i used his and it started overflowing

[//steve\\]

Finally got this thing off. Way easier than I thought it would be and I had been putting it off far too long.

Kelse92 has first shot at it and then the guy who bought my SC (for which the shroud is trimmed) but if both pass it will be up for grabs here first.

The cut in the shroud doesn't stick out as much as you think it would when actually on the car. Previous owner had the Harrop SC on the car and it had to be trimmed to clear the heat exchanger lines.

The pushed in fins on the back side are from where the fender liner bumps against it right below the factory vent.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by //steve\\

Finally got this thing off. Way easier than I thought it would be and I had been putting it off far too long.

Kelse92 has first shot at it and then the guy who bought my SC (for which the shroud is trimmed) but if both pass it will be up for grabs here first.

The cut in the shroud doesn't stick out as much as you think it would when actually on the car. Previous owner had the Harrop SC on the car and it had to be trimmed to clear the heat exchanger lines.

The pushed in fins on the back side are from where the fender liner bumps against it right below the factory vent.

I'll be third in line then.

[//steve\\]

^You got it!

[LeveragedTiger]

Originally Posted by Kelse92

Bought some rt660’s today. But they’re BRZ sized lol
Looking forward to trying them and reporting back.
My car is sadly getting pulled apart and is gonna sit for a few weeks after this weekend while the shocks get sent off to KW and I get the new coolers installed.

What size did you order?

I'm sad that they didn't do a 295/30 in 18", but also wonder if the 315/30 can get stuffed in the rear.

Safe option is to get just run 275/35 square of course.

[m3heaven]

Originally Posted by LeveragedTiger

What size did you order?

I'm sad that they didn't do a 295/30 in 18", but also wonder if the 315/30 can get stuffed in the rear.

Safe option is to get just run 275/35 square of course.

Reading mixed reviews on the new Falkens. Not sure why you wouldn't just go with one of the many other proven tires already out.

[tsk94]

Originally Posted by m3heaven

Reading mixed reviews on the new Falkens. Not sure why you wouldn't just go with one of the many other proven tires already out.

Because half of the fun is trying new things/setups?

The Falken's get plenty of great reviews. Just as the RE71R's got 'mixed' reviews when they were released.

[Kelse92]

Originally Posted by LeveragedTiger

What size did you order?

I'm sad that they didn't do a 295/30 in 18", but also wonder if the 315/30 can get stuffed in the rear.

Safe option is to get just run 275/35 square of course.

There's a spec tire for the autocross class the BRZ is in, ordered 225/45/17 for a whopping $550. Man I wish the M3 wasn't so heavy and had smaller wheels... lol the price we pay for power.

My plan is to likely try 285/315 staggered when they become available. It will either be an 11" square setup or 10.5/11 staggered.
In the meantime looks like 275 JUST popped up on Tire Rack for October delivery so I might be tempted to pull the trigger on a set of those sooner for the M3.

Originally Posted by m3heaven

Reading mixed reviews on the new Falkens. Not sure why you wouldn't just go with one of the many other proven tires already out.

I am really looking forward to the Falkens, I have yet to hear anything "mixed" about using them other than FWD cars killing tires but they are always killing tires. Mounting up the set we ordered tomorrow, and I'll be autocrossing on them for the next 3-4 weeks while the M3 is down for maintenance so I'll have a good idea of how they are soon.

[dbyrd]

Originally Posted by MaximusB

Here is my alignment spec. Appreciate the input. Definitely not interested in running mix and match tires.

Right now I'm deciding whether to get 2 new RE71R or a new complete set of something else, such as NT01. Price wise NT01 is only $10/tire more where I am. Both tires are in stock too.

I have 1 track day left this season. Two weeks away. So I'll look into getting camber plate over the winter.

Camber plates

[StripclubDJ]

Originally Posted by //steve\\

Last time I'll ask (I promise) before I just go do it.....

for those that have installed a DCT cooler (CSF, do88, etc) how much of a mess are we making to get the old cooler out? Drain trans first and that should help? I have an old washing machine pan that I stick under for these kinds of jobs but I imagine there will still be a good bit of fluid on the car too that needs to be cleaned up.

Zero mess

Just put a rag by the lines on top
Pre fill new cooler, done

Super easy