Quote:
Originally Posted by GostRidr
Hey Glenn,
Congrats on getting her on the track! How did it compare to what you thought it would be? Did you complete your list or is it still in progress?
Good luck!
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Thank you. It really was more fun than I even expected and all the other drivers were very courteous.
I learned that with my limited horsepower, it is best for me to grid near the back of the pack. I have a lot to learn as a driver, but happily not as much as some of the others.
I also learned that 20 minutes can go by very quickly when you have an open track and almost empty mirrors but when your mirrors are full, it is a completely different story.
The car felt very solid, braked well but could use different gearing. There were several sections where I had to decide to hold it at red line or hit the next gear for a second or two before clamping on the binders. And my speed at least one turn was right at the 2-3 shift point.
I was on Toyo Proxes (225/50/15) on 15x7 phone dials. Since I rarely needed 5th gear, I think when I wear these out, I will move to 205/50 to lower and tighten the effective gearing. I really liked the feel of the Proxes.
Also learned that the side extensions on my accelerator pedal are not needed with my wide foot, in fact they get in the way. So, I've taken those off. I'm also considering putting a pedal riser on the brake pedal to get better alignment between the brake and gas at full brake.
Mostly, I learned that I need to hit the lottery so I can stop working and spend as much time as possible on the track. It really was that much fun.
Regarding my list, I suppose it is time for a summary update....
- Replace front rotors and brake pads - Turns out they were not needed yet. So I've put the parts on the shelf for later
- Rebuild front brake calipers - Done
- Water pump noise (belt tensioner?) - Adjusted the balance shaft belt tension and, thanks to my new HF stethoscope, I know that that tensioner is the source of the noise. But with the adjustment, it is much better. Regardless, I ordered the parts and will be replacing it.
- Replace belly pan - Done
- Replace TT bearings - Not in a hurry but will likely send it out for a rebuild with super bearings. Perhaps a winter project.
- Rebuild wiper motor - low on the list
- Replace current race seats with something lower - With some adjusting, I found a position that worked. But I have now removed the interior trim from the roof and gained a 1/2 inch or so. Still considering my seat options
- Replace fuel tank (or repair leak) - After some research, realized that my assumption that the tank was leaking may not be true. I plan to tear into it to see if, hopefully, it is an easier fix like an old hose.
Added to the list:
- Replace worn tie rods - Done
- Power steering rack was improperly converted to manual - Had Martin Willis (The Machine Shop) rebuild it
- Steering wheel was loose - Tightened
- Couldn't see out the back very well - Removed tint from rear window
- I have only seen one of the cooling fans run - need to investigate
- Rear hatch didn't like to open - removed and cleaned latches