SiI40sx

Ok now that I got all you flamer's attention I do want to admit that Im a track virgin. Ive never been to any event or have any track experience. With all this hype of the 240sx I honestly want to keep my car off the street and on the track (I live in Los Angeles) Yes I plan to turbo my car. Ive recognized the number of amount of track drivers that this forum has and I ask you experienced racers, how did you start off? If you could do it over what would you change about your car? Is there a right way to get into motorsports racing? I only plan to do this as a hobby when Im financially ready because for a while now Ive been getting more and more interested and excited about track racing. So I ask you fellow zilvians, how should I start? I have a completely stock s13, is that ok? What should I do to it before I go to my first event? How do I get into the events? Thanks a bunch in advance for all your advices.

blu808

I think out of all the post about newb track advice i have ever seen you are the man.

You allready have the right idea. When you goto the track just go out there and play around, dont think that since you are on the track you have a better handling car, just go out there and slowly push yourself until you know the grip limitations.

I know that if i had never been on a track before and i was to do this all over again, I would take a stock 240 out threre and just mob it. Dont have any hopes (worries) about looking good and getting sponsored. Just go out there and have fun. If your love of cars has taken you this far, then just keep doing what you are doing.


Also. Dont let the better guys at the track make you feel like you have to push yourself. Because if you feel like you have to impress other people then you wont have fun or learn anything. I am in orange county here for awhile. if you ever want to invite me out to a track day i would be willing to come be your pit crew/helper. no joke.


Now lets all pos rep the crap out of this guy for being real, and down to earth.

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TurK

uh oh there you go man. hes all you need.

HaLo

If I had one thing I would change of my track 240sx, it's getting rid of the turbo. The turbo is not friendly at all for track events, endurance, or anything similar: it overheats and prevents you from pushing your car fully.

Take a stock car, drive it till you can't learn on it anymore, then mod it. Taking a modded car will only slower your development..

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-> HaLo
Race Car: '98 E36 BMW M3
Daily Driver: '08 Fiji Blue Honda Civic Si
SOLD: 01 GPW Honda S2000
PARTED: 93 Pearl White 240SX LE Fastback w/SR20DET
SOLD: 93 Super White 240SX SE Convertible w/Silvia Front

itsmeviet

hey, im very new to motorsports and all that good stuff too. Some of the guys here recommended doing HPDE's, http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html i just signed up for the next event at willow springs(probably a little over 100mi away from you). They provide you with an instructor too, so it sounds like a very good learning experience, fun too.

Yuri

Yeah, just start with your stock car, just make sure you have the basics taken care of: decent tires in good shape (preferably a fresh set for ease of mind), fresh fluids and filters, and clean out the interior as much as you can. The last thing you want to happen at the track is something breaking or coming loose and flying around when you can prevent it. But you probably already knew that.

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SpeedMonkeyInc

Glad to hear you are gearing up for the track! It takes being a car enthusiast to a whole new level. You will enjoy owning and driving a car you like 10x more than before! As well as gives purpose and meaning to any modifications you do.
Personally, I started out autocrossing. You can ask for instructor ride alongs, and timed laps will really show you the improvements you are making. Its a very low pressure and low risk way to learn some basic driving techniques, but its a little boring unless you are competing.
If I did it all over again, I would have spent less time at autox and more time doing HPDEs. Also, I am with HaLo, no turbo. Its just been a pain in my ass despite how awesome boost/horsepower is.
Just be sure your car is in good shape mechanically and well maintained and you are good to go! Have fun!

KA24DESOneThree

Upgrade pads and fluid.

Drive the crap out of the car. Don't worry about being slow, or being on the right lines; worry about being smooth. When you're smooth, focus on lines. Once you have lines down, focus on braking and acceleration points.

I would recommend your first track day be at the Streets of Willow. It's a tight, technical course without very high speeds so you're relatively safe. You can focus very hard on lines without worrying about spinning off the track at 130, although I would not recommend flying off the Bowl even at 40.

Once you have all that down... drink a couple root beers and empty your bank account on suspension and braking parts.

kognition

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be like the next guy out there on the track. It's like school and you are there to learn, and there is ALOT to learn.
Turbo isn't everything, it just makes it easier to go fast without using skills. If you learn NA then you will really hone your skills. Then down the road, turbo.
I never thought i would be doing my own engine work! I got a D in Auto Shop in H.S. It is a great journey to take if you just keep an open attitude about it, and
just have fun for now.

S13SilviaGirl

My first event was a DD at irwindale. It was fun, mostly stock minus the suspension, exhaust and a VLSD.

Go out, have fun....ASK for instructors to ride with you and give you all the pointers you can handle. Ask them to ride with you until they are sick of you. BUT, it is why they are there. Take Luke up on his offer...not many people are willing to do that.

Also, what type of motorsports do you want in on? Drifting set up is totally different from drag racing wich is opposite of grip. Knowing what you want your car built for is key to saving money and doing it right the first time.

I agree with Halo. I almost want my SR out and go back to my KA. It was a mix of s13 and s14 parts...had WAY more torque than the SR and was much more responsive (imho). Hope that this helps ya out some too.

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My Review Thread

Kn1ves

HPDE @ streets of willow, they had acouple of events the past few months. I believe Infenion is doing something with the s2k members august.

but ya helmet + oil change + $$$$$$

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there's something here

HaLo

That is partly why I want to VQ my Vert.

__________________
-> HaLo
Race Car: '98 E36 BMW M3
Daily Driver: '08 Fiji Blue Honda Civic Si
SOLD: 01 GPW Honda S2000
PARTED: 93 Pearl White 240SX LE Fastback w/SR20DET
SOLD: 93 Super White 240SX SE Convertible w/Silvia Front

JaeTea

Suspension, suspension, suspension!!

I can take turns and feel more comfortable in my slow ass SOHC than in my 300hp WRX.

Also tires are really important. Spend the extra money for good track tires. The last thing you want is to be taking a turn in third gear and feel like the car is gonna leave the track!!

Oh and brakes. Track driving is NOTHING like driving on the street. Brake fade is seriously scaring shit when your diving into a turn.

HPDE's are definetly worth it. You DO NOT need a dedicated track car. Almost everyone that goes to HPDE's drives their car 2-3 hours to the track and runs it.

How much hp you have doesn't really matter.

Now if you plan on drifting you only REALLY need 3 things. Good coilovers, LSD, seat.

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KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!

OptionZero

Whatever event type you plan to do (AutoX, road course, drift), get as much seat time as possible. Before driving yourself, i find that its useful to ride along and talk to drivers (even talking as you ride) to get a feel for the course and what the car is doing, as well as what the driver is doing to get his car going.

After that, throw yourself into it and drive. Come back, listen to your instructor/helper person.

Above posters are right, just try to be smooth, learn the layout of the course or track, focus on controlling the car.

Things you can do off track are practicing heel-toe and being smooth and confident with your shifting. You don't want a jerky shift to upset the car on the track.

If you're committed, get a bucket seat and helmet of your own (you dont want to rent).

Irukandji

Don't stress too much on upgrades just yet. Just make sure your car runs great, and do routine maintenance so you aren't stuck at the track if something breaks. But of course, things WILL break, crack, rub, etc... you just have to fix these problems as they occur, since most are unpredictable.

Always remember to let your car cool down every once in a while, and check all your fluids and what not just to make sure you'll be able to drive back home!

Neejay

Wow...good information guys. Reading this makes me a little more at ease about not having turbo. I've really been thinking about just rebuilding a ka.

I think I've delayed going to track/autox because I dont have a manual. I also have minimal 5sp skills (I can drive it fine, just haven't had a lot of practice...especially on the streets). Maybe one day I can either get a 5sp 240, or do a 5sp conversion.

I'd assume there really isn't a point to going out there with an automatic?

JaeTea

You can, but its lame as fuck and you'll never be able to drive as fast as you could with a 5 speed.

If I were you I'd do a 5-speed swap ASAP.

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KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!

S13SilviaGirl

having an auto for road racing is fun...you don't have to worry about shifting. You can concentrate more on the course.

also http://www.dromo1.com/ is good for getting seat time and fun. Plus you don't have to worry about your car being in track condition.

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My Review Thread

downshift_sideways

Damn Cesar, I figured you've has some seat time, considering you've been through a good amount of 240's. I myself have only been to 3 track events.

Since your car is still stock, Just have fun , and test the limits of grip of your car. When your upgrading ( suspension,torque etc.) you then notice that your limits will be increasing. Its a fun thing to watch your car progress.

but as everyone else says make sure you keep your car in tune.
there is always little things that will mess up. i PROMISE.

just remember the search tool is our friends hehe.

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allntrlundrgrnd: "you never really appreciate your parents fridge until you look into your own and its full of condiments only"

94cc0rd

I am also looking forward to my first track event. Somebody recommended I check out SpeedTrialUSA.com and they are having an event August 12 @ Buttonwillow. Have any of you guys been to a SpeedTrialUSA event? Would this be just as good as going to a HPDE event?

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S14DB

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Comments should be taken as Opinions not as Statements of Fact

exitspeed

Not that it hasn't already been said but:

Just start off with your car stock and learn to drive before you go modding your car. Suspension and power is great but if you don't know how to control it, it's pretty useless. The 240 is a very easy car to drive to it's limits. Most of all though just have fun. It seems like you have the right additude and your not in it to win, but to learn how to track your car.

With that said, quit reading our replies and get your ass out there!

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What I do for a living...www.mhrussell.com

420sx

let me tell you something.

i started tracking my car one a month a few months back.

the statement that was made about "i wish i kept my car stock" is VERY true. learn your car first, then upgrade later.

yes, its all about driver skill. BUT mods do help alot. and if u start out with alot of mods u become mod dependent. im going to my 3rd event this month and i already have a basic idea of future plans for my car, eventhough i really didnt have major ones. best bet - get another beater so u have something to back u up once shit breaks, and it will. if u as serious as i am taking track time, your money will go towards :
1) track fees.
2) gas to get there.
3) tires.
4) maintaince.
5) tires.
6) shit like water food etc.

then if u have left over cash mod ur car.

lets just say there is a reason im reverting back to mech. fan on my Sr s14 and selling altima fans.
im actually doing DE-tuning to make it slower so i can learn better (stock boost etc).


track time is what makes you a better driver. mods dont.

since im a still a track noob let me tell u about my first event.
dont pay attention to other drivers - most of them have more skill than you. dont try to impress anyone, forget everything, just go and practise and learn for yourself. its ok to fuck up and you will, everyone starts out there not like top drivers are born, they are made.
i took a pos s13 sohc with stock everything besides a welded diff.... it was a lil emberassing but i had lots of fun lol....
next even i took out my s14 sr.... mmmm.... i dont think i ever had that much fun.

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hydropgrahics!
ls1......

SochBAT

the one problem with dromo is that you feel like a kid again, and wanna drift. I went there not too long ago, with a group of buddies. I was messing around the track rather than placing. Seattime is crucial. After a few tracks/events, you'll notice how retardedly insane common drivers are, and are way more alert. Nowadays, i keep the radio off when i drive, just in case.

Be one with the car, have fun.

tacotacotaco

You know what would be great if we setup a day, got some track virgins together and some more experienced zilvians together and have a track day. Great way for members to bond and share experience, insight, and advice. Also when your actually teaching and helping others you actually learn alot yourself. Ooooh!! its like a field trip with shapperones. (how do you spell chaperones?). But no seriously.

HaLo

Would be absolutely great!!

But I live in CAnada, eh!

__________________
-> HaLo
Race Car: '98 E36 BMW M3
Daily Driver: '08 Fiji Blue Honda Civic Si
SOLD: 01 GPW Honda S2000
PARTED: 93 Pearl White 240SX LE Fastback w/SR20DET
SOLD: 93 Super White 240SX SE Convertible w/Silvia Front

ep510

Well if you and the gang from Quebec want to come a little south to play.....

http://home.nycap.rr.com/patroonbmw/DriversSchool.htm --Trust me I can get you guys in

Off to Watkins Glen with the s13 next week.

Hey Oktay --We have been talking about trying to put on an event at Mt Tremblant again ( have not been there since Hilfiger bought it) ---If we did , Do you think there would be interest from your club or other clubs in the Montreal area?

DJ

Oh --and the comments about going fast in a slow car --All these guys are right on target. If you can make a slow car fast--then once you add the turbo it gets really fun.

tacotacotaco

So how about a so cal track day? Mid september sounds fun.

HaLo

Sorry... no can do next week: Canadian Nationals...

As for the Tremblant event, if you build it, they will come!

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-> HaLo
Race Car: '98 E36 BMW M3
Daily Driver: '08 Fiji Blue Honda Civic Si
SOLD: 01 GPW Honda S2000
PARTED: 93 Pearl White 240SX LE Fastback w/SR20DET
SOLD: 93 Super White 240SX SE Convertible w/Silvia Front

rollhard

There are advantages and disadvantages of both the ka and sr when racing. Yes, the turbo cars are going to heat up and youll suffer from heat soak and power loss. That has been a problem unless the car is set up right. As for tq, I have seen guys slap on huge turbos just so they can tell people or show them what they have. Its all bogus. Its all about set up. TC's car was here for about a month. He had overheating problems after about 11 laps at SoW. We made some changes with his tune and addeed W/I which got rid of the heat problem. I have talked to many racers just from the line of work I do and most of them recommend by reading a good driving book. They are a great source for driving technique, etc. I know its more boring to read than it is to go out and mess around, but if you are serious about track racing, that is what I suggest.

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Eloy
Race Precision Inc.