Track forum general chit chat.

[dogbone]

Originally Posted by Ximian

It doesn't look like you're not shifting yourself. Is it auto shifting?

I'm shifting with the paddles. No auto-shifting. I've never once been on a race track with auto shifting on.

By itself, the DCT in the auto-mode would never hold high revs when you're accelerating. And auto-mode does not downshift aggressively at all while braking. You gotta control all that yourself with the paddles.

Where the GTS-DCT tune comes into play is how aggressively the DCT will chase the rev-matching on downshifts. The stock DCT software doesn't work so hard to perfectly rev match to preserve the balance of the car. The GTS-DCT works very hard to aggressively rev-match on downshifts. The car doesn't get upset even a little with the GTS-DCT downshift rev-matching. It's amazing. Of course, you build up more heat in the transmission when the car is working that hard to rev-match. But it's worth it for me. I can be in the perfect gear at the perfect time on corner exit with the revs where I want them so I can get the hell out of the corner as fast as possible.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by dogbone

I'm shifting with the paddles. No auto-shifting. I've never once been on a race track with auto shifting on.

Looked again and it was more subtle than I expected. Everyone else (including me) is conducting an orchestra while pressing the paddles.

[dogbone]

Originally Posted by Ximian

Looked again and it was more subtle than I expected. Everyone else (including me) is conducting an orchestra while pressing the paddles.

haha is this the part where I come in and talk about my mad paddle shifting skills? Maybe all those years of piano gave me an unfair advantage.

Now if only I could stop missing the damn brake pedal and stop straining my ankle…….definitely could use some mad skills there…….

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by dogbone

haha is this the part where I come in and talk about my mad paddle shifting skills? Maybe all those years of piano gave me an unfair advantage.

Now if only I could stop missing the damn brake pedal and stop straining my ankle…….definitely could use some mad skills there…….

A switch to the pedal from an automatic might help. I think rhyary has the brake pedal assembly from an automatic installed. I went the Bimmerworld automatic pedal cover route -

https://www.bimmerworld.com/BimmerWo...nsmission.html

[Bartledoo]

Originally Posted by Ximian

A switch to the pedal from an automatic might help. I think rhyary has the brake pedal assembly from an automatic installed. I went the Bimmerworld automatic pedal cover route -

https://www.bimmerworld.com/BimmerWo...nsmission.html

The grip pyramids on those covers are so nice. Game changer in my manual car, especially in the wet.

[rhyary]

Originally Posted by Ximian

A switch to the pedal from an automatic might help. I think rhyary has the brake pedal assembly from an automatic installed. I went the Bimmerworld automatic pedal cover route -

https://www.bimmerworld.com/BimmerWo...nsmission.html

I do.
it is one of the best modes I have.
I left foot brake religiously including pulling out of the driveway.

The only time the left foot brake failed me is driving my friend manual E46 M3 coming into NYST's Turn 18 and I left foot " braked" the clutch and almost went off the track at 70mph.

But I regained my "footing" on time.

[redpriest]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Anyone have recommendations for trailer strap brands?

Also, has anyone used any hitch balls that display tongue weight? I'll be towing two very different vehicles on this trailer, so I figure it might help.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...fe/WSUN-2.html

I've been using these Rhino USA straps, and it works for me:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like having the safety clasp for extra piece of mind over the other ones I had which were just home depot stuff (it worked).

[redpriest]

Originally Posted by sbo76

I am considering going halves on one of these with a buddy of mine. These things are super expensive (12K+). I also have a side by side that will be towed with it as well. In your experience are these things tough enough for heavy use? when i looked at a loaner it seemed really flimsy although i know aluminum is very strong without using as much material. Given the price tag it had better last for 20 years.

You want a modern Futura - like a new one post year 2019; I have a friend who was stranded multiple times because his Futura broke down on him.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Anyone have recommendations for trailer strap brands?

Also, has anyone used any hitch balls that display tongue weight? I'll be towing two very different vehicles on this trailer, so I figure it might help.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...fe/WSUN-2.html

Mac's straps. End of discussion.

[Dreamer99]

Originally Posted by Dreamer99

Hey Guys, looks like my 295/30/18 Nankangs wore a hole through my right fender well liner and the washer fluid reservoir. Is this due to bushing deflection under braking? I have one more track event Tuesday before I can replace these parts. Is there any concerns?

Turns out my control arm bushing exploded.

[Ximian]

Which control arm is that from?

[Dreamer99]

Originally Posted by Ximian

Which control arm is that from?

Front right control arm

[Redd]

Looks like a tension arm bushing. Time to go monoball!

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by dparm

Mac's straps. End of discussion.

I have a set in the mail.

[roastbeef]

I haven't listed them, but I have a set of fall line monoballs I can sell.

[P1zzaboy]

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

The grip pyramids on those covers are so nice. Game changer in my manual car, especially in the wet.

Do you have the automatic pedal in a manual car?

[Dreamer99]

Originally Posted by Redd

Looks like a tension arm bushing. Time to go monoball!

Tension arm bushing, yes that's it. Mono ball bushings installed👍

[Bartledoo]

Originally Posted by P1zzaboy

Do you have the automatic pedal in a manual car?

No. They have the same covers for the manual pedals as well.

[Move Over]

Originally Posted by dparm

Mac's straps. End of discussion.

I've used Macs in the past and they've been great. I currently use AutoHaulerSupply over the wheel diamond straps and they are right on par with macs straps.

[roastbeef]

Cool webinar alert. rhyary I think you might like this one.

[rhyary]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Cool webinar alert. rhyary I think you might like this one.

Already registered.

:-)

[roastbeef]

Ok, here's another one for you trailer people who are 2 for 2 with great suggestions- any recommendations for battery management systems? The trailer and Jeep have an eight pin connector. The trailer has a winch and electric emergency brakes. I may also be interested in a powered kickstand.

Is there a good management system that will charge the battery while driving, but trickle charge with solar when it's not hooked up?