How to Prepare Your GT86 or BRZ for Track Days
Introduction:
Taking your Toyota GT86 or Subaru BRZ to the track is one of the best ways to truly experience the car's potential. These cars are designed with driving enjoyment in mind, and a track day allows you to push them to their limits in a safe and controlled environment. However, before you hit the track, it's crucial to ensure your car is properly prepared. While all you truly need is to ensure your car is in good shape before hitting a track including fluids, brake and tyres, In this guide, we'll walk you through the many popular steps to prepare your GT86 or BRZ for a successful and enjoyable track day.
1. Perform a Thorough Inspection
Keywords: GT86 pre-track inspection, BRZ track prep
Before heading to the track, it's important to conduct a comprehensive inspection of your car to ensure everything is in good working order. Here’s a checklist of key areas to focus on:
Fluids:
Engine Oil: Check the oil level and quality. Consider using a high-performance synthetic oil to handle the high temperatures of track driving.
Brake Fluid: Ensure the brake fluid is fresh and at the correct level. Consider upgrading to a high-temperature brake fluid to prevent brake fade.
Coolant: Check the coolant level and condition. Track driving generates a lot of heat, so ensure your cooling system is up to the task.
Brakes:
Brake Pads: Inspect the brake pads for wear. For track use, performance brake pads are recommended as they offer better heat resistance and stopping power.
Brake Rotors: Check for any signs of warping or excessive wear.
Tires:
Tire Condition: Inspect your tires for tread depth and any signs of damage. Consider using performance tires designed for track use, such as Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R.
Tire Pressure: Set your tire pressures according to the manufacturer's recommendations or slightly higher for track use. Be prepared to adjust pressures throughout the day as the tires heat up.
Suspension and Steering:
Suspension Components: Check for any signs of wear or damage in the suspension, including bushings, shocks, and struts.
Steering: Ensure the steering system is free of play and operates smoothly.
Which Should You Choose?
This inspection is critical for safety and performance on the track. If any issues are found, address them before your track day.
2. Upgrade Your Brake System
Keywords: GT86 brake upgrade, BRZ track brakes
Brakes are one of the most critical components for track driving. The standard brakes on the GT86 and BRZ are adequate for street use, but if you're planning on regular track days, upgrades can save you some pain in the log run. we offer a fantastic big brake kit to suit the GT86 and BRZ
Performance Brake Pads:
Why Upgrade? Performance brake pads are designed to withstand higher temperatures and provide more consistent braking performance under extreme conditions. Brands like EBC, Hawk, and Project Mu offer excellent options for the GT86 and BRZ, note that aggressive pads will be dustier and sometimes noisier than standard as well as ware your disk at a faster rate.
Stainless Steel Brake Lines:
Why Upgrade? Stainless steel brake lines provide a more consistent brake feel by reducing the flex that can occur with rubber lines under high pressure, realistically though most of the benefit people feel from doing lines is the replacement of the fluid. unless your hoses are in poor shape or you just fancy some GT86 BRZ braided brake lines. this should be last on the list.
High-Temperature Brake Fluid:
Why Upgrade? High-temperature brake fluid has a higher boiling point, reducing the risk of brake fade during extended track sessions. Consider fluids like Motul RBF 600 or Castrol SRF.
Which Should You Choose?
Investing in a brake upgrade will not only enhance your track performance but also significantly improve safety.
3. Upgrade Your Tires and Wheels
Keywords: BRZ track tires, GT86 lightweight wheels
Tires and wheels are crucial for track performance. The right setup can dramatically improve your lap times and driving experience.
Performance Tires:
Why Upgrade? Track-oriented tires offer superior grip and handling compared to standard road tires. Options like the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or the Nitto NT01 are designed specifically for high-performance driving.
That said, a good set of street tyres will perform just fine so long as you don’t over do it, on street tyres we tend to come in every 4-6 laps and let everything cool down, then go out again, on track tyres and pads you can stay out a little longer, we love the Michelin Pilot sport 4 for a great all round tyre.
Lightweight Wheels:
Why Upgrade? Reducing unsprung weight by switching to lightweight wheels can improve acceleration, braking, and overall handling. Brands like Enkei, Rays, and OZ Racing offer a range of lightweight options that fit the GT86 and BRZ, Lightweight wheels are absolutely none essential if you are just getting started, at some point though you may find yourself wanting more tyre width.
Which Should You Choose?
Prioritize performance tires if you’re on a budget, as they provide the most noticeable improvement on the track, but most importaqntly, ensure
4. Consider Suspension Upgrades
Keywords: GT86 coilovers, BRZ track suspension
While the stock suspension on the GT86 and BRZ is well-tuned for sporty driving, track enthusiasts often look for upgrades to further enhance handling.
Coilovers:
Why Upgrade? Coilover suspension systems allow for adjustable ride height and damping, letting you fine-tune your car’s handling characteristics. Brands like KW, Tein, and BC Racing offer coilovers specifically for track use.
Sway Bars:
Why Upgrade? Upgrading to stiffer sway bars reduces body roll during cornering, allowing for more precise handling. This is a cost-effective way to improve your car’s performance on the track.
Which Should You Choose?
Coilovers offer the most flexibility and performance benefits, but sway bars are a great entry-level upgrade if you’re working with a limited budget.
5. Optimize Engine Performance
Keywords: BRZ ECU tuning, GT86 track prep
Maximizing engine performance is key to getting the most out of your GT86 or BRZ on the track. There are several ways to enhance your car's power and responsiveness.
ECU Tuning:
Why Upgrade? An aftermarket ECU tune can optimize your engine’s performance by adjusting air/fuel ratios, ignition timing, and other parameters. Tuning solutions like EcuTek or OpenFlash Tablet allow you to tailor the engine’s performance to your specific needs.
Cold Air Intake:
Why Upgrade? A cold air intake increases airflow to the engine, but honestly the GT86 and BRZ intake is pretty well designed, the one thing we like is to replace the rubber serrated hose with a silicon version that deletes the sound tube, this reduces some annoying noise in the cabin that some people find grating on track days, we offer a very affordable version of the GT86 and BRZ resonator delete intake hose
Exhaust System:
Why Upgrade? A performance exhaust system reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more freely. This not only increases power but also gives your car a more aggressive exhaust note.
Which Should You Choose?
ECU tuning offers the most significant gains, especially when paired f=with a free flowing exhaust manifold. after this realistically forced induction is needed for serious improvements.
6. Prepare for the Track Day Itself
Keywords: GT86 track day preparation, BRZ track checklist
Preparing your car is only part of the equation. You also need to be ready for the track day itself to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Tools and Spares:
What to Bring? Bring a basic toolkit, a tire pressure gauge, extra oil, brake fluid, and a spare tire. Having these on hand can save you from cutting your day short due to a minor issue and even mean you can get back home should a tyre burst for some reason.
Driver’s Gear:
What to Wear? Wear appropriate clothing, including a helmet that meets track safety standards. Most tracks just require your arms and legs to be covered.
Documentation:
What to Have? Make sure you have all necessary documentation, most importantly your driver’s license and track day registration.
Which Should You Choose?
The right preparation ensures you can focus on enjoying the day and improving your driving skills.
Conclusion:
Preparing your Toyota GT86 or Subaru BRZ for a track day is an exciting process that allows you to unlock the car’s full potential. By performing a thorough inspection, upgrading key components, and being well-prepared for the day, you can ensure a safe, fun, and rewarding experience on the track. Whether you’re a seasoned track enthusiast or a first-timer, these steps will help you get the most out of your GT86 or BRZ.