Here's a very basic list of seven items and I'll suggest you also do a search to see what others have recommended:

1. Highly recommend upgrading both front and rear brake pads. For OEM brakes, I'd suggest Hawk HP+, Carbotech Panther (?) or other type of semi-track/autocross type pad. Do this well in advance and take the time to bed the pads in for best performance.

2. Replace your DOT 3 brake fluid with DOT 4 by bleeding all four corners (while you're changing pads). Personally, I find Valvoline Syntech DOT 4 to work fine- it's easily available locally and cheap.

3. Do an oil/filter change (if it's time) and make sure your engine, tranny and rear diff are completely topped off. Check the DIY section for details on any of these.

4. Check your tires and make sure they're in good shape. 1/2 worn tires are better than new ones for what we'll be doing. Buy a tire gauge (if you don't already have one) and make sure your tire pressures are set to recommended levels (35# cold).

5. Torque all wheel lugs (in a star pattern) to 85#. Check them at least once before you hit the track.

6. Clear out all the stuff that accumulates in your Z's cockpit and when we get to the track, I'd recommend taking out your spare tire, tools, etc. so they won't roll around and distract you.

7. If your car has been having any problems, NOW is the time to get them taken care of! Don't expect to handle ANY work at the track (outside of torquing the wheels and checking tire pressures) as you'll be way too busy!

 

Well the snow tire are already on, the brake pads have maybe one track event left, the rotor's are at 0.87", and my normal tires are also getting near the wear indicators, but count me in.

Plus we can have left over turkey and stuffing for lunch.

David

 

And Gary can bring the GRAVY! Oh yeah, that'll be the track time.

Take off those snows- your "normal" tires will be just right for one last run! BTW-I have some old, cupped OEM BS 18" fronts that I'll GIVE to anyone who needs some tires for this event.

Glad you're coming, David- it's shaping up to be a great time!

 

Yeah, the wheels have to come off anyway. I was planning on putting the norms back on for this event.

Actually it was weird, when I was putting on my snow tire's (4) of the front lug nuts seized up on the bolts. I was able to break off (3) of them, but I have to drill one of them out. I don't know what happened because I'm really carefull about starting them by hand.

BTY, how did Gary get away with saying '***' in his post?

 

Well I guess *** isn't a banned word anymore. I wonder if **** is?

 

Ooo... don't get me started. You know that **** is one of my favorite words!

 

all those things u recommended, do you recommend any mechanics that can do all that for me?

 

can i bring my CRX instead of my Z?

 

Bah, I just bought my tickets to fly to Chicago and see my brother for Thanksgiving weekend, or I would be there...

Oh well.

Dave

 

I'd highly recommend recommend that you learn to do these items yourself. They are not difficult and if you don't have the tools or shop, drop me a PM and I'll have you stop by for a few hours. I also have a strong recommendation for a mechanic, but his services are best left for the BIG jobs.

 

You could, but PMI has such long straights that (most likely) your CRX will have a difficult time keeping up with the pack as we learn the line. And when we open the track up to limited passing, it's gonna feel like you're tied to a post! Do you have concerns with bringing your Z?

 

This is a no-brainer... Count me in David, and thanks for hosting this event!

Joel

 

I can help you with most of these items. PM me if you want to schedule a time to stop by. Fluids only take 20 minutes or so, and pads are more involved unless you have Brembos.

Joel

 

Suggestion: A minor mod/fliud day before the event??? As said fluid don't take that long unless you replace the brake fluid. Longest part is jacking up the car.

 

OK, I meant this very tongue in cheek. I'll be there, and bring my pads if anyone wants to use them. I'll also have my helmet to loan out if anyone needs, and maybe to hitch a ride with David and Gary iif they don't mind. But my Z is not in any condition to be on the track. At least not to my standards. Once I rebuild that rear caliper and replace my severely worn rotors over the winter, then I am all up for track days next year. This time though, I'll be the spectator, and can time some laps for you guys as well if anyone wants. It will be good to hang with everyone and see some boosted Z's on the track for sure. I hope Juztin shows up for this. And where's Don?
Will

 

Good idea. I'd be more than happy to come to anyone's house and help bleed the brakes or change pads, change diff fluid, etc.. if anyone needs.
Will

 

I have the bare essentials in terms of tools, and enough space for a few cars at my house. If this gets much larger than 2 or 3 cars in addition to mine, we may need to think of an alternate, more suitable location. Otherwise, I'd be glad to host a small mod/fluid event.

Joel

 

Any chance my imposter Nissan *** could tag along?

 

Great offer and I hope folks down in the Springs/Pueblo take advantage of both Joel and Will's generousity in getting these minor items taken care of. For a more central location for Denver Z owners, I just posted a separate thread on a tech day at my garage next Saturday:

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....62#post2944862

 

You bring up a great point- anybody who wants to come along and spectate is certainly welcome. We may make you a participant observer by having you help and watch during some of the HPDE exercises. Also, try to bring along a helmet and take some laps with some of the more experienced drivers. You'll definitely see and feel some things you never knew were possible!