Track day preparation on a FD

[overboost]

Before anyone asks, the car is pretty standard. Just bought it from Jit http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57195
 
Have two trackdays coming up on the 22th at Snetterton and 25th at Bedford.
 
Since I just got the car so will stick to the basics for now. Just ordered a set of frc discs and type-z from Dixcel along with hose and fluid. So I guess braking is sorted.
 
As for tyres, I decided not to jump straight to A048 and instead order a set of RSII for now so I get the chance to learn to communicate with the car. The only thing is the size. I am running 235/40/18 in front and 255/35/18 in rear. Should I
 
1. stick with this set up just with better tyres?
 
or
 
2. go all out and get a square set up 255 all around . I think RE-AMEMIYA run this set up on their touge car, so does Amuse S2000 (265 all around I think)
 
I\'ve also been told by Jit that a larger radiator is a good idea along with a water tem gauge. If you have any of those plz pm me:chat
 
Any other inputs will be highly appreciated!

[AshRX]

I have done Snet loads of times now and to be honest its not to hard on tyres at all. There are only 3 bends that need a lot of braking and you find FD\'s will understeer a little on these without good tyres. The straights at Snet you will hit quite high terminals for a track but if the car has no problems then should be fine. Also at Snet becuase of the straights you will use a lot of petrol. I tend to use about 2 tank fulls on a full open pit day there.

Just check the basics really, oil, brake fluid, fuel, no leaks, coolant topped up.

Tyres you should be fine. I run 18\'s but with 255 on front and 285 on the rears but the car is set up purely for track.

Just remember for the first couple of laps dont go to hard and let the car get up to temp ie oil, tyres and water.

Have you ever done a trackday before?

[Bobbit]

I say change to coolant before you go bud, best thing is to try and keep the engine as cool as possible, hence the new rad and temp gauge advice from Jit.

[overboost]

I have done Snet loads of times now and to be honest its not to hard on tyres at all. There are only 3 bends that need a lot of braking and you find FD\'s will understeer a little on these without good tyres. The straights at Snet you will hit quite high terminals for a track but if the car has no problems then should be fine. Also at Snet becuase of the straights you will use a lot of petrol. I tend to use about 2 tank fulls on a full open pit day there.
 
Just check the basics really, oil, brake fluid, fuel, no leaks, coolant topped up.
 
Tyres you should be fine. I run 18\'s but with 255 on front and 285 on the rears but the car is set up purely for track.
 
Just remember for the first couple of laps dont go to hard and let the car get up to temp ie oil, tyres and water.
 
Have you ever done a trackday before?

Thanks a lot.
 
And yes, I have done a bit of track day in a S2000 but more with my M3. I tend to find that a lot of FR cars use the square set up all around. rx-7, s2000, 350z, M3 even some of the gt cars like the new FIA GT GTR.
 
On a M3 the square set up is used to eliminate the understeer. I ran 265 or 255 all around on mine and it worked. So I was wondering the same concept will apply to FDs. Not that the FD is a heavy understeering pig like the M3 to start with but it seems even Amemiya san is doing it so...
 
I think my car will be lucky to show a 250 sth on a Dyno so 255/285 is no go for me. Has anyone tried 255 all around at all?:wiggle
 

 

[AshRX]

i did use 255 all round but was getting too much grip on the front so change to 10j on the rear with a 285

[overboost]

i did use 255 all round but was getting too much grip on the front so change to 10j on the rear with a 285

So... with stock power, it should be a good idea to stick with 235/255?
 
Only problem is I can only get RSII in 265 not 255, will it be too much grip in the back and make the car understeer? 235/265 is the standard CSL setting though.

[slingo]

i use 235 all round,its a 50/50 car so unless you got massive powers id stick with the same sizes

[Timmy]

Re-a used 235/255 on the twin turbo touge car mazda use 235/255 on the rz. There\'s a reason for the sizes i would stick with them.

[Speedline Imports]

M3 looks familiar, were you at Brands last month?  We were up there testing some MX5\'s.

[overboost]

M3 looks familiar, were you at Brands last month? We were up there testing some MX5\'s.

I was actually. I do remember it was a Mazda driving day.
 
Had a little bit too much fun with the GT3 lol. Hence the FD now.

[Speedline Imports]

Thought it was the same car!  Take it easy in the FD

[Jit]

http://mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57115

Id say that looks like a decent deal!

[JayDee]

Has anyone tried 255 all around at all?:wiggle
Yes i use a 255 all round on a 17, mine is very balanced

Jason

[Kieron]

Has anyone tried 255 all around at all?:wiggle
Yes i use a 255 all round on a 17, mine is very balanced

Jason

Snap. 255/45/17 all 4 corners.

[gmogle]

Just make sure when you have done a load of laps you dont come back in and put the handbrake on straight away !!!