Hi experience trackers, I'm going for a track day this month. 1st time going with 458 italia. Any things or parts to look out for in the 458? Just change oil, coolant, dct fluid etc, new brake pads, new tires. Anything i miss? Welcome and appreciate more inputs.
Crank the manettino up to at least CT to avoid cooking the rear brakes. I found that in the afternoon sessions the windshield washer fluid was boiling/leaking making a mess, so if you have recently filled it, tuck a couple shops towels or a rag between the reservoir and the bonnet. In general for track days I bring a tire gauge, air tank/compressor, an extra quart of oil and a torque wrench. And of course sunscreen if you aren't going to be in a garage. Zip ties and some basic tools are handy if you end up with some loose trim bits after an off-track excursion.
Oh my! I’ve been thinking about and wanting to finally do a track day but this is insane… Are you doing a demolition derby? Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I just got a 458 and am planning on doing a light track day or 2 with it. I have a dedicated track car but want to get the 458 out for just a bit. I’ve heard about messing up the rotors but thought that was from people keeping it in sport. I was going to try it in race but will that do the same thing? CT is the way to go to keep from messing up the rotors ?
LOL, nope. No demolition derby. Over here is the most expensive place to own a car on planet earth. My 458 only left with 7 yrs 6 months before i need to renew it. As of now, to renew it for another 10 yrs cost USD$110k
Depending on your skill level, I wouldn't necessarily turn to C/T mode right away. Much cheaper to go through a set of brake pads than wad the car, and you don't want to be pressing the car if you're not familiar with its behavior. Running in Race will allow you to feel where the brakes are gripping and provide feedback about how to manage corners. I ran with it on for quite a while. I'd put in Pagid race pads and better brake fluid (e.g., Castrol SRF or Motul 660) to reduce brake fade. Unfortunately the 458's brakes are not its strong point. I wouldn't change DCT or coolant, but definitely bring a tire gauge to manage tire pressure and a torque wrench to keep lug nuts tight. Most important - have fun! The 458 is a real joy to track.
I truly have NO IDEA what you're talking about.... 'renewing' your 458? huh? Is it made of sugar and disappears after a certain time?
Follow what @wthensler wrote. This is your 1st track event. Go to have fun open mind follow what your instructor says. If your brake fluid is over 1yr..change it. I'd change it anyway it's cheap. Take a quality air gauge. I use a digital Longacre . Take a torque wrench and re-torque after each session. Take a small cool with water and snacks and sunscreen.
Thanks for the input guys. I have a decent amount of track time but definitely not looking to mess the car up. For me this a car I will just take on the track from time to time to stretch it’s legs and have a little fun. Definitely not looking to wad it up !
Unless you are experienced with CT, I suggest race mode. Still some safety net, and pads are cheaper than bodywork. You’ll love it. The 458 is easy to drive on a track fast. Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat
Pagid RSC1 brake pads, DOT 5.1 brake fluid, Michelin PS4S tires (Pirelli are crap), a better geometry (Novitec springs if possible) and you will have a lot of fun! Image Unavailable, Please Login
