Track forum general chit chat.

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by admranger

I've been off on the left hander after an E36M3 tossed the upper radiator hose and spewed coolant everywhere. Corvette that was chasing me did some impressive 360's. I just ran wide and recovered.

You did pretty well in the place most lose tons of time in, the >180 toilet bowl left hander right before the front straight. I always tell myself to not get lazy there b/c it's easy just to drive a nice arc there. Attacking the corner is something most don't do. Try running wide on the right hander entering it, carry the speed and double apex the left hander. Use the throttle to kick the rear around if the front won't bite (you're in 2nd so you have the torque to do it).

I broke the stock strut bar mount on the bus stop curbs when I hit one "just a bit too hard" the last time I ran the E46M3 out there. Whoops... Kaiv was there that day (he's all over M3 forum dot net -- a solid E46M3 forum).

Don't tell tito to wiggle the rear. He already does too much

[admranger]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

Don't tell tito to wiggle the rear. He already does too much

Bazinga! Trail braking works too if that's better for you. redpriest seems more of the "let's just jam the throttle down and see what happens" type of guy though...

Funny thing is, I'm in Vegas this week. Posts like this make me not want to get on the plane home Saturday.

[redpriest]

Originally Posted by admranger

Bazinga! Trail braking works too if that's better for you. redpriest seems more of the "let's just jam the throttle down and see what happens" type of guy though...

Funny thing is, I'm in Vegas this week. Posts like this make me not want to get on the plane home Saturday.

People tell me that Vegas Motor Speedway was boring, but I loved that course. Feels like it really rewards precision driving. I'm going to try your approach the next time I go

[redpriest]

$6300 in damages so far, including labor and tax. My control arms need to be replaced, wheel well liners, undertray, bumper + respray, oil cooler, radiator, power steering pulley, engine mounts and transmission mounts.

Having my track insurance take a look at it, my deductible is $3600. Price of doing business.

[roastbeef]

Well, all new shit, so that's good. For how much seat time and experience you have, it was going to happen at some point.

[scotty_miller]

So time for a mini rant. Did track night in America yesterday at pitt international In advanced group. Me, a viper acr, and a noble race car we're having a heck of a dog fight and of course we hit a train of two gt350's, a Camaro ZR1, and two Vettes both z06's. And guess what? They wouldn't give a point! Wtf is up with some of these American muscle guys thinking they're out here for a trophy and better than everyone that they don't have to give a pass? Like I know I have half the horses but just let me get you through a corner and I'll be gone. Us three even pitted to clear up some traffic and incidentally caught back up to the same exact group with the same exact problem. So I pitted and had a word with the track steward. If you want to run in advanced at least have some mannerism and understand guys will be faster than you. Anyone ever face the same problem?

[rhyary]

I ran into this problem with a Ferrari. Same issue.
I knew he is going to hit the brakes early before turn one so I accidentally hit my brakes much later, HAD to avoid him on the left and have not seen him for the rest of the session.

[XCUSE_M3]

Originally Posted by scotty_miller

So time for a mini rant. Did track night in America yesterday at pitt international In advanced group. Me, a viper acr, and a noble race car we're having a heck of a dog fight and of course we hit a train of two gt350's, a Camaro ZR1, and two Vettes both z06's. And guess what? They wouldn't give a point! Wtf is up with some of these American muscle guys thinking they're out here for a trophy and better than everyone that they don't have to give a pass? Like I know I have half the horses but just let me get you through a corner and I'll be gone. Us three even pitted to clear up some traffic and incidentally caught back up to the same exact group with the same exact problem. So I pitted and had a word with the track steward. If you want to run in advanced at least have some mannerism and understand guys will be faster than you. Anyone ever face the same problem?

Ya that's just the Track night people. All are in the wrong run group or big engines with big ego's. I done 1 of those days and will never do another.

[Visceral]

Originally Posted by XCUSE_M3

Ya that's just the Track night people. All are in the wrong run group or big engines with big ego's. I done 1 of those days and will never do another.

We had an identical experience with a group of wealthy international folks who literally didn't understand the english instructions when they signed up. Perhaps 15 cars with 5 very expensive cars with beginner drivers in *every* run group.

TNIA is an inexpensive and convenient place to test changes and hang out with friends. You'll probably not get the same opportunities to run unimpeded as you would with a regular, more expensive track day.

As an aside, there's an angry type-a fast guy at almost every track day I've ever been to. Sometimes it's me.

[redpriest]

Originally Posted by scotty_miller

So time for a mini rant. Did track night in America yesterday at pitt international In advanced group. Me, a viper acr, and a noble race car we're having a heck of a dog fight and of course we hit a train of two gt350's, a Camaro ZR1, and two Vettes both z06's. And guess what? They wouldn't give a point! Wtf is up with some of these American muscle guys thinking they're out here for a trophy and better than everyone that they don't have to give a pass? Like I know I have half the horses but just let me get you through a corner and I'll be gone. Us three even pitted to clear up some traffic and incidentally caught back up to the same exact group with the same exact problem. So I pitted and had a word with the track steward. If you want to run in advanced at least have some mannerism and understand guys will be faster than you. Anyone ever face the same problem?

All the time. My GTR incident is prime example of this. I had a turbo RS that did it to me in another session too.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by redpriest

All the time. My GTR incident is prime example of this. I had a turbo RS that did it to me in another session too.

What I've found to be effective in these situations is a couple of approaches. 1 is the adult approach so it doesn't apply for me... but if you're so inclined you can talk after a session and say, 'hey, I saw a place where you could pick up some time if you want to follow me for a few laps. I tried to help but your hp was too much for me.' You'll probably be looked at with a 'ya, right, buzz off beamer driver.'

So, approach 2 is that you'll inevitably catch these turds by turn 2 after the straight so you 'accidentally' have a brake problem into a turn and Rosberg them to the outside of the corner. Usually, they'll give you a wide berth after that. IF you get chewed on by the organizers, you state you thought you had a point by and the other guy turned in on you as you took your normal BMW line, which is different than car X's line. I have heard of this being done at a POC event, but my memory is failing me. Might just be a rumor. Helps if you drive a car that's not as nice as the car you're trying to pass.

[roastbeef]

is anyone running a water separator in-line with their air compressors for the purpose of limiting water vapor from getting into their track wheels?

[jid2]

I do it for the purpose of nothing that uses air from a compressor really wants a bunch of moisture to come along with it. From wheels, tools, machines etc. So yeah I do.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

is anyone running a water separator in-line with their air compressors for the purpose of limiting water vapor from getting into their track wheels?

I used to, it was called "Vegas". Worked great. Highly recommended.

I'd drain a few dribbles of water out of the compressor twice a year.

[roastbeef]

Well, I'll be more specific. I'm looking at a little thing like this to run in-line with my portable compressor's air line.
I used to use co2 on my truck, but recently got this compressor because it was my co2 tank was running out too fast with my 37" tires when filing them up from airing down for off-roading.
Why is this relevant? Just putting my finger over the compressor nozzle for a second created a surprising amount of moisture.
I don't care about moisture in the truck tires, but if that is what is going into track wheels, it certainly contributes to tire pressure fluctuation.
So, I'm looking at a relatively small moisture collector... nothing wall mounted or anything.

[inTgr8r]

delete...
moved to new thread

[kyippee]

So I had a great day at Thunderhill West today:

• Set a new PB of 1:26-1:27 with new RE71R 275 square on Apex EC-7 18x10 and upgraded pad compound
• Slonik DCT pan was great, no more clunky shifting and no limp mode. Last time at T-Hill West on March 10th, I got limp mode and code for transmission complete loss of pressure.
• Front tires look beat, appears to be locked up brakes
• Rears look ok, some spotting, but not bad
• Started with 30 psi cold all around
• Middle of tire looks to be unevenly worn, my suspension is stock except for Dinan front sway bar, set to middle stiffness
• Are monoballs and/or camber plates a solution? Any other ideas?
• Rears don't look as bad though!

[rhyary]

>> Set a new PB of 1:26-1:27

Congratulations, always a good feeling

[furry]

Thinking about cheap track wheels options. I have a set of sport edition a7 winter wheels, 18x8 square. Would it be a horrible idea to just throw some track tires on these for my first couple of times out? Maybe some 245's? My summer set are the 19' ZCP's...

[CXRS]

Hey guys! Sorry for the long winded first post, but I wanted to share my experience with all of you. Non-Bimmer owner here, looking at getting a lightly used 3 series. I just figured I'd share my introductory experience(falling in love story) with BMWs as my required first post here. I have had a few vehicles in my short lifetime, but currently I'm on an H6 Outback and a fourth gen six speed Trans Am.

I come from a mother who never owned anything with less than eight cylinders until last year. The list of cars was impressive, but they got pretty boring once I came around. Once I turned 13, she decided to go for something a little spunky, so it was off to the Dodge dealer for a Charger R/T. This car is the one that breathed on the ember within for me. I got my start with a motorcycle, then on to a big, old fashioned V8 sedan. Very American, but it didn't give me the same feeling I had driving her car. So, a year into my freshly acquired license, I went on the hunt for something better. I took a number of steps back in time and got myself a bargain on a used Firebird. It had some problems, but as I sorted them out I found it to be a great car to learn how to handle high power and rear-drive. It had a good bit of money in it, just not as much thought was invested.

Once I got the kinks sorted out, it was my daily over the summer. If you've never daily driven a sports/muscle car, I can't recommend it enough. The thrill is amazing, and I am fortunate enough to live in a place with some really good roads and curves with good visibility, along with being a working student, affording me the opportunity to be driving when most people are either sleeping or at work, keeping the roads mostly empty. I often came across cars that wanted a piece of me. I will never forget the time I showed a brand new Audi S5 just how regrettable of a purchase he had made on a beautiful 3 mile stretch of farmland. But the one that will always stick with me was a black E92 M3.

I'm not sure what was done to it, but it definitely was not stock. This M3 had the most beautiful sound, and a driver who looked like he was having the time of his life. Our cars were pretty evenly matched, which was a pretty rare occurrence for me. He would gain a little bit of ground in the corners, and I would gain a little bit of ground in the straights, and we took turns passing each other, I assume to listen to the exhausts. I know for a fact I let him pass me at least two times so I could hear that incredible sound, and I know he let off the gas a bit to let me in front of him a few times. We cruised for about 15 minutes with mostly uninterrupted open road, and probably about two gears lower than we needed to be when cars appeared ahead. Eventually I had to turn off, so I let him in front of me and went on my day feeling much happier than I had been in a while.

This is what started my love affair with the Bavarian Beauty. Since then, I have learned a lot more about cars, and even more about driving. And as I am building up my Firebird day by day to be faster, tighter, quicker, smoother, and more effective at putting down times, I have been on the hunt for a daily car that engages me as much as that car does, only in a much more practical and fuel-efficient manner.

While on the search for a car to replace her R/T, my mother took my suggestion and test drove a 2014 335i Xdrive. A week later, I go home to find an Alpine White 2015 sitting in my driveway. This is the car that has brought me here. Today, I am here among all of you so I may learn what I can before I purchase my first BMW, and to hopefully prepare myself for a few years down the road should I choose to get my own M3. Whatever I get, I plan on tracking it and driving it the way a BMW was created to be driven.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by CXRS

Hey guys! Sorry for the long winded first post, but I wanted to share my experience with all of you. Non-Bimmer owner here, looking at getting a lightly used 3 series. I just figured I'd share my introductory experience(falling in love story) with BMWs as my required first post here. I have had a few vehicles in my short lifetime, but currently I'm on an H6 Outback and a fourth gen six speed Trans Am.

I come from a mother who never owned anything with less than eight cylinders until last year. The list of cars was impressive, but they got pretty boring once I came around. Once I turned 13, she decided to go for something a little spunky, so it was off to the Dodge dealer for a Charger R/T. This car is the one that breathed on the ember within for me. I got my start with a motorcycle, then on to a big, old fashioned V8 sedan. Very American, but it didn't give me the same feeling I had driving her car. So, a year into my freshly acquired license, I went on the hunt for something better. I took a number of steps back in time and got myself a bargain on a used Firebird. It had some problems, but as I sorted them out I found it to be a great car to learn how to handle high power and rear-drive. It had a good bit of money in it, just not as much thought was invested.

Once I got the kinks sorted out, it was my daily over the summer. If you've never daily driven a sports/muscle car, I can't recommend it enough. The thrill is amazing, and I am fortunate enough to live in a place with some really good roads and curves with good visibility, along with being a working student, affording me the opportunity to be driving when most people are either sleeping or at work, keeping the roads mostly empty. I often came across cars that wanted a piece of me. I will never forget the time I showed a brand new Audi S5 just how regrettable of a purchase he had made on a beautiful 3 mile stretch of farmland. But the one that will always stick with me was a black E92 M3.

I'm not sure what was done to it, but it definitely was not stock. This M3 had the most beautiful sound, and a driver who looked like he was having the time of his life. Our cars were pretty evenly matched, which was a pretty rare occurrence for me. He would gain a little bit of ground in the corners, and I would gain a little bit of ground in the straights, and we took turns passing each other, I assume to listen to the exhausts. I know for a fact I let him pass me at least two times so I could hear that incredible sound, and I know he let off the gas a bit to let me in front of him a few times. We cruised for about 15 minutes with mostly uninterrupted open road, and probably about two gears lower than we needed to be when cars appeared ahead. Eventually I had to turn off, so I let him in front of me and went on my day feeling much happier than I had been in a while.

This is what started my love affair with the Bavarian Beauty. Since then, I have learned a lot more about cars, and even more about driving. And as I am building up my Firebird day by day to be faster, tighter, quicker, smoother, and more effective at putting down times, I have been on the hunt for a daily car that engages me as much as that car does, only in a much more practical and fuel-efficient manner.

While on the search for a car to replace her R/T, my mother took my suggestion and test drove a 2014 335i Xdrive. A week later, I go home to find an Alpine White 2015 sitting in my driveway. This is the car that has brought me here. Today, I am here among all of you so I may learn what I can before I purchase my first BMW, and to hopefully prepare myself for a few years down the road should I choose to get my own M3. Whatever I get, I plan on tracking it and driving it the way a BMW was created to be driven.

Hello friend, pass on the 335's and such. The easy power will be tempting, but the m3 will speak straight to your heart. Drive one and you'll understand.
Even if you have to save more money and then leave it stock, it is a superior experience.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by furry

Thinking about cheap track wheels options. I have a set of sport edition a7 winter wheels, 18x8 square. Would it be a horrible idea to just throw some track tires on these for my first couple of times out? Maybe some 245's? My summer set are the 19' ZCP's...

You will be fine with street tires your first couple of times out. Focus on the basics and being smooth. Don't scrub the tires or try to be a drift hero and you will be just fine.
Once the addiction sets in, get a proper set of track wheels if you want to go that route. 245's on snow wheels is a waste.