350zjc

i have an opportunity to go to mosport race track next month.is there anything special i should do to prep the car ,it is stock right now.will my stock non-brembos brakes be fine.any suggestions would be very helpful.thanks

goneinsixtyseconds

iTrader: (1)

and by track, do you mean grip racing or drag racing?

if it's grip racing, i would think about buying a separate set of pads (hawk hps plus perhaps), but you'd want to make sure the more aggressive compound doesn't chew up your rotors.

but of course, if you're just talking about drag, your car will be fine w/o changing anything. drive there and drive home, same with grip. all grip events i've gone to i didn't really need to do anything special aside from an oil change after (and before if your running really old oil).

general things would be to double check to make sure your tire pressure is at as close to spec as possible (i like it being 35 psi at cold and 38 to 39 when warmed up). if you have a set of tools, bring them, but i've found them to be unnecessary for someone with a stock z. the z was designed well enough not to have to worry about it, not unless you run off and really screw up your z, but i don't want to jinx things.

so take it slow, don't get too cocky and enjoy yourself

350zjc

where would you recommend to buy and install the hps pads.and yes it is grip tracking.

goneinsixtyseconds

iTrader: (1)

you could do it yourself even, but if you would rather have a mechanic do it, just bring it to any reputable shop (Speedstar but they're always busy, ART Motorsports, RT Motorsports, Gilman's, etc.) or even goto a *good* nissan dealership. buy the pads and just show up asking them to install them for you.

350zjc

thanks for the quick input gonein60.are you saying the hps pads or the hps plus pads.would the plus pads be good for track and street also.

goneinsixtyseconds

iTrader: (1)

well, the hawk hps is ONLY good for street, so don't bother running them on the track ... the hawk hps plus is decent for track, but it may squeel for the street.

so that's why you could buy a separate set just for track (say, something with the more aggressive compound like in hps plus) and swap them out before a track day or at the track, but keep your stock pads for street.

then again, i found the stock brembo pads to be good for street and track, but they brake dust like crazy.

350zjc

i will go for the hps plus ,and if i cant stand the squealing for street,i will swap them out.thanks

XuperXero

iTrader: (2)

Don't bother wasting money on HPS, they suck *****. I can probably say they're worse than OEM bite.

As for HP Plus, they're much better and can take track abuse. I'm running them on streets, squealing ain't so bad when you see people's hilarious shocked expression of why a $50,000 car is squealing brakes

jhau

just take it easy on mosport. I have been a few times. It is a v challenging track with blind, off-camber high speed turns. Seen a few wrecks there last few times i have went, M3, 944 racecar, gt3, m5, rsx

have to respect the track for what it is unless you are going on the development track - thats the really big gokart track

get someone to go out with you first few times to learn the lines and drive 70%. Any more and your car will be a write-off

you will have lots of power on back straight but more experience drivers in lower-powered cars will catch you every time in the turns so let them pass

tighten your nuts and make sure you have enough brake pads and tire tread

good luck and have fun

350zjc

i will take it easy.first time driving, but been on the track before with other drivers, me passenger.

NH01

iTrader: (3)

Change all your oil..
most important.. rear DIFF oil.. i just blew my rear diff at mosport on monday

XuperXero

iTrader: (2)

^Ouch, good thing I'm packing Motul Gear300 there.