458 - Track Info | FerrariChat

458 Track Info

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by BlackF271181, Oct 11, 2023.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. BlackF271181

    BlackF271181 Karting

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2022
    Messages:
    52
    Full Name:
    H.K
    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.
     
  2. PMiranda

    PMiranda Formula Junior

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2004
    Messages:
    640
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    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.
     
    wthensler likes this.
  3. FFan5

    FFan5 Formula Junior

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2018
    Messages:
    550
    Coolant, DCT fluid and brake pads is a bit aggressive unless you know they need to be replaced.
     
    wthensler and PMiranda like this.
  4. BlackF271181

    BlackF271181 Karting

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2022
    Messages:
    52
    Full Name:
    H.K
    Change for a peace of mind. Better be safe than sorry.
     
  5. 05F430F1

    05F430F1 F1 Rookie BANNED

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2005
    Messages:
    3,600
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Full Name:
    Todd
    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
     
  6. pizzadude

    pizzadude Formula 3

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2001
    Messages:
    1,276
    Location:
    Indianapolis, IN
    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 ?
     
  7. BlackF271181

    BlackF271181 Karting

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2022
    Messages:
    52
    Full Name:
    H.K
    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
     
  8. BlackF271181

    BlackF271181 Karting

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2022
    Messages:
    52
    Full Name:
    H.K
    Thanks for the CT info. I will take note
     
  9. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie Silver Subscribed

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2015
    Messages:
    3,509
    Location:
    Gator Country, FL
    Full Name:
    William
    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.
     
    pizzadude, mdrums and LVP488 like this.
  10. 05F430F1

    05F430F1 F1 Rookie BANNED

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2005
    Messages:
    3,600
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    Full Name:
    Todd
    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?
     
  11. mdrums

    mdrums F1 Rookie

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2006
    Messages:
    3,465
    Location:
    Tampa FL
    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.
     
    AD211 likes this.
  12. BlackF271181

    BlackF271181 Karting

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2022
    Messages:
    52
    Full Name:
    H.K
  13. pizzadude

    pizzadude Formula 3

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2001
    Messages:
    1,276
    Location:
    Indianapolis, IN
    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 !
     
    mdrums likes this.
  14. Need4Spd

    Need4Spd F1 Veteran

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2007
    Messages:
    6,678
    Location:
    Silicon Valley
    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
     
  15. jack

    jack Formula Junior

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2003
    Messages:
    269
    Location:
    Switzerland
    Full Name:
    Lionel
    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
     

Share This Page