paulGT3

I am lucky? (I dont know about the heat) but the track season is just getting started. Its too hot here in the summer to take out the cars in 115 degrees in the paddock.

yooker

Living in Vancouver has it's draw backs.

Mr Chaz Tsai

I'm actually looking to bring my C63 out to either Streets or Buttonwillow sometime soon. I've gone with Speedventures and Redline for nearly two years now with my S2000. Actually very interested in seeing how this car will do stock before upgrading any components.

bluert

BTW, what's behind the two square openings just next to the fog lights? You can put small plastic racing ducts and run that to your calipers with some custom bracket/duct? This and other brake mods will make it even better - braking deeper/harder.

I am holding back in seeing this car in person because I know I couldn't resist buying one, but not right now.

yooker

Anyone got a picture of the front bumper where you can potentially add a brake duct?

paulGT3

Vancouver would be GREAT, especially during the olympics. I am going if I can find a place to stay. I went to the 2002 olympics and paid $200 for a room at the super 8 in Provo!! it was at least a $30 room!!

CynCarvin32

I agree with Splinter about Open Track Racing. They are a well run group with track time for drivers of all levels. I have done likely 20+ events with them and there have been very few issues.

Any C63 guys who want to get to the track (big willow) sign up for the event in November. I hope to be there but I need to fix some bent valves in my car before then. Also need to install solid tranny mounts and replace some worn shifter bushings! Its best to go from 3rd to 4th on the up shift and not 3rd to 2nd.

I would like to see what a well driven C63 can do at the track since I think I had the quickest amg out there with a C32 doing 1:35.xx laps on a warm day. I think a C63 should be in the mid 1:30's stock if you have the nerve to stay in it through 7 and 8. That C32 was far from stock so its not a fair measuring stick. I had everything under the sun done in the suspension to make it as quick as possible in addition to 245 and 275 r-comp tires that measured out to 255 and 285 in most other sizes.

CynCarvin32

Aaron Bitterman runs a great event as well. Spedventures really has branched out into some great spec racing as well. I look forward to getting back to the streets. Please post your lap times if you do go. That track does not like heavy high hp cars with open differentials.

paulGT3

I wouldnt want to run with Speed ventures for my first runs in this car. The slower groups are abit chaotic. The faster groups are not. I think its because Aaron is out running in the fast groups. I have never tracked a front engined car and I want a organized well run group in the lower groups.
I like Speedventures but not for my first time in the C63
They are good value for the money.

Veho

does anybody know of any good tracks around the new york area (mainly Long Island)..? Do they have track days and how much do they charge?

bluert

How about this area in the front?


And put one of these behind it, depending on how much room you got behind the bumper?


You can make something like this to mount to your brake/rotor heat shield. Get some ducting and you are in business.

paulGT3

Veho

I answered your other thread.
Lime Rock and Watkins glen look like the closest.
Its not uncommon for us Cal Dudes to drive 3-6 hours to get
to a track. Even with all the different tracks we have in
SoCal and NoCal.

yooker

What tire pressure is everyone running on the street and on the road course with 18inch OEM wheels?

paulGT3

Pressure is going to come up on the track probably about 8 PSI?
my 305s on the GT3 came up 6-7 PSI so given the smaller 255
I am guessing 8-9 PSI and I would guess 38-40 PSI when you come off the
track?

yooker

Would anyone run these at the track? http://www.stopandgotires.com/models/Azenis-RT-615.jpg
Think these tires might help with the car eating up the tires since the sidewalls are stiffer than the OEM ones.

Mr Chaz Tsai

I've used them before, and they hold up great at the track... for about one session. They tend to start getting oily rather fast, and things begin to get inconsistent. I'd recommend using Yokohama Advan Neovas if you're not going to get an R-Compound tire. I've always used Advans on my cars (A048s on the S2000) so I replaced the stock Pirelli's on the C63 with Neovas, and there's way more grip. Very predictable, nice feedback, and even when you hit the limit of grip or go beyond it, it's extremely controllable. Very important if you run GMR, Azusa, or Malibu

MRAMG1

You can also try the Kumoo's Victorracer. A VERY long lasting R tire, that I used to use for a entire season. Please keep in mind that for your first time out on a track, I like many other instructors, recomend you do it on street tires. First learn your limits, then learn the cars limits is the thinking here. R tires will make you faster, however they do it at a higher threshold, aka less warning.

See yeah and be safe out there

yooker

I've officially made up my decision today, I am going with the C63 over the M3. This is a huge step up for me because I am coming from a Miata.

paulGT3

Yooker

CONGRATS!!! GOOD choice I can tell you. With 2 BMWs in my garage, I have inside info.

Hans Delbruck

What swung you to the C63? Keep your Miata for the track IMO. (With a 997 GT3, C63, Lotus Elise, Evo 8, Boxster S, 2 S2000s and a Radical SR3, I have inside info. LOL, what do I win paul? sorry couldn't help it anymore)

Agree on Advan Neovas! I love them on my Evo. Last I checked, they didn't come in stock C63 sizes... what sizes did you get Mr Tsai?

yooker

Miata is a great car to play with, love running the motor to redline and throwing it into the corners. Shame the lease is ending and the car is going back I'll greatly miss that tiny go-kart.

CynCarvin32

Agree there. I never will run in a beginners group. I skipped that whole world since I think my days of "stupid canyon runs" had me on pace to step into the intermediate group. I always feel safe in an advanced group as even if I am a tad slower (in a non full track car) the drivers are on a level where you trust them to split you in the middle of turn 9 and not get killed.

With a C63 and any idea of how to drive you can jump into the advanced group I think. Just be friendly with the point by's and you will be fine.

As for brake cooling, ducts will help but just upgrade the pads and you will be fine. Unless you want to wait till the very last second to brake the factory kit will be enough.

I would start at the big track just because its more suited to a C63. Also driving a MB is harmless. ESP on means you cant screw up and even when off a steady throttle foot and a half an ounce of skill means everything will be harmless. Understeer is safe and steady.

Mr Chaz Tsai

235/40/18 front, 265/35/18 rear

will definitely be more meaty once my new wheels come in.. looking to use a 285 in the rear

CynCarvin32

For the track you will want to get as close to a non stagger as possible. If possible roll your fenders and run 265 on all 4 corners.

If not go for 245 and 265.

But remember tire size will change the way ESP intrudes in your driving and sometimes the change in tire size can render the car useless since esp will think the car is slipping constantly. AMG might have changed the system since the C32 but tires on that car did cause serious problems when the rolling diam. was not kept consistent with stock.

CynCarvin32

that could be nice but make sure to use high temp brake cooling ducting. Standard ducting will just fall apart with high temps and fall out.

Porterfield sells great ducting in various sizes so you can find what you need for your application.