I did a search, but didn't come up with anything. What specific things should I do to my 328 prior to tracking it? I would say that I would only track it one to two times per year. Here is my short list: - New suspension - I think I'm going to go with stock bushings unless there is opinion otherwise. I don't have the skill to win any race so high end performance isn't the ultimate for me. - New brakes - My car needs this anyway, but not sure what to go with. Stock?? Other? - Standard timing belts, fluids filters etc. Major service items - Fire suppression? Not sure about this one. - Racing seat / harness? I appreciate any information that could be provided. Thanks! Gene
You really don't need anything unless you get seriously into it. You need the mandatory tech inspection(recent brake fluid change) from your dealer and thats about it. You need a helmut. Good comfortable shoes. Long sleeve shirt and long pants. I would tape up your car to avoid chips. Take the floor carpets out. Once you get more advanced, then other things may come into play. I took my regular stock 328 to the track and it was a blast!!
Ferrari brakes are way too much $$$ order brakes & pads from porterfield, they are much better & less $ get a harness so you are not flopping around in your seat you will have to get a fire extinguisher have fun
If your brake lines are original, you'll probably want to replace those. And any other ~20 year old "rubber" lines -- fuel, coolent, etc.
As far as performance mods, the best thing is to go to a good school. As far as the car, Ferraris in general are performance oriented and should be OK. I would look into brake COOLING as many street cars lack here. You might want to add a quart of oil if wet sumped. This is a slippery slope when you start modding a car as one is always looking for the "one more mod, and then I'll quit."
The only piece of required equipment is a good helmet. Generally needs to be Snell 2000 or more recent. Make sure you get a car helmet and not a motorcycle helmet because a lot of events won't accept motorcycle helmets (designated MA or DOT on helmet). A good tech inspection will also be required. If you only go a couple of times per year that's all you really need. Brake pad upgrades are not a bad idea, but track oriented pads tend to be noisy for road use. A good driving school is a very good idea. Driving on a track is not like driving on the street. With a little bit of common sense track days are great fun. Always remember you are there to have a good time and not racing. At the end of the day you won't be getting any prize money and kissing the pretty girl so don't drive beyond your own personal limits.
Thanks a lot for all of the replies. The only driving school I have been to is stunt driving, and that only teaches you how to control the car after breaking traction. I am not a good driver on a track and I know that. I plan on driving hard but not beyond my own limits. On a side note, I did My main concern is making sure my car is up to snuff when it comes to maintenance for the track. From what it sounds like, a Ferrari is track ready as long as all of the general maintenance and rubber items are new. Thanks again! Gene
I always take my own pretty girl, to kiss at the end of the day......LOL! GTHill you might want to check out the New Orleans event as there are some excellent guys there to show you around No Problems Raceway.......
Unless your car has a roll bar or cage, I wouldn't get the harness. You don't want to be strapped upright in case the car rolls and the roof collapses.
Make sure your brake fluid is freshly changed, and your oil is topped off. A good place to mount a fire extinguisher is at the base of the front of the passenger seat; there's a good thread on this, along with a good mount bracket for 308's -- may work for 328's as well. Beyond that, as you say, a well maintained 328 with good rubber should be track ready. (Make sure your tires have the required speed rating.) A harness is not required, but I put one in my last 308; I really liked the extra help keeping me in place in my seat. I hadn't considered the point above regarding potential rollover concerns.
Boom. Go here. should be of help. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153202 Cheers Eric
I've seen cars end up on their roofs at recreational track days. Once a car goes off track, it can trip over its own wheels especially if the driver makes big steering inputs.
I've tracked my 328 last March, at Estoril. My advice would be (in this order): - get a fire extinguisher. Saw a Porsche burn a bit after the engine blew and before the marshals got to the place ... - replace the brake lines with stainless. Much better feel - replace brake fluid - replace the brake pads with something a bit better. My choice was EBC "Red Stuff", very happy with them - check tire pressures (best thing on track is to have good brakes!!) - check ALL your rubber hoses. Replace them if you are suspicious or if they are old. Use silicone for the coolant ones - when you get the hang of it, get a set of slick tires and have more fun !
