What's needed to ready a 96 Firebird for an open track day?

I feel like a shmuck for asking such a general question, but I'm going racing in Phoenix this weekend with NASA and wanted to know if there was anything I need to do to make sure the car will last. I know it's really hard on brakes & tires, but is there anything I can do to help them out? or any other parts to watch out for?

Thanks a lot!

Stephen Moretti

Brakes, Brakes, Brakes! Even with good street/track pads you will probably ruin the rotors and pads if you run hard and deep(or even if you don't). Better put in fresh brake fluid. If you plan on doing more of this change the tranny and rear fluids to synthetic. But brakes are really going to be your weakness. Especially with that kind of HP you better watch your entry speed and know if your brakes are starting to fade.

Stephen,Nice to see a member,I'm w/ northern Cal. Region.:D
I have a blast,Definitly what chris said brakes,I swap @40-50% on the pads.And the fluid good to change it before,when I get the C5 upgrade I'll switch to Dot5,I use Valvoline Syn Dot 4 protects to 538 degrees freshly changed.I heard you have to have rebuilt/new brakes before switching to Dot5 after 3 has been used:confused: Flush brakes easy
The Power steering flush if you dont want to put a cooler in now(advised) You could just flush it,add Red Line PS fluid,coolers are cheap and easy too...I fried my perfectly good pump out there b/c no cooler,$40 or$90-100!
Balance tires ,wheel Alignment
Change oil,tranny,check dif,look for leaks,clean K&N,torque lugs,tire pressure,check bearings,tires,belt,seat belt,xtra fluilds all around,clean glass.
Bring all nec. tools, rags,wheel chuk,jack,star wrench,DC compressor,tire gauge,window cleaner,helmet,10" magnetic numbers.
Check the NASA web site for checklist and other things you'll need a tech form,waiver
I allways make sure she shiny too...even though I filled her w/ gravel and weeds last time :eek: Sears Point on the 12th for me:D Give the tires,car,yourself time to get warmed up before lighten it up killer.
T.

I don't think I'd consider DOT 5 fluid.

Originally posted by BobC
I don't think I'd consider DOT 5 fluid.

I agree with Bob. I wouldn't do this either. Just use a high boiling point brake fluid. Here are some comparisons:

Brake Fluid Comparisons (http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/lig/k/w/kwh29/cars/tech.html)

I personally use the cheap Ford HD that is bought at your local Ford dealerships for about $4 a bottle. It has a high dry boiling point. And since I change it before every event, the wet boiling point is of no interest to me.

Many guys I run with use the Motul brake fluid that is usually sold at motorcycle shops. It is more expensive, but is a good brake fluid also, just a bit more expensive at around $8 a bottle.

As for anything else, just make sure you have good pads on front and back and enjoy the weekend.

After this, you will be hooked and can start feeding the addiction with mods and stuff. :D

Here's what I do for track days (I leave for Mid Ohio this afternoon, actually):
1) Check all fluid levels
2) Pack the car with:
Spare brake pads
Spare Serpentine belt
Oil, Tranny Fluid, Gear Oil, Power Steer Fluid (PS fluid is important if your car is stock)
Tools
Jack and jack stands
Air compressor and gauge

Originally posted by WS6Formula
I know it's really hard on brakes & tires, but is there anything I can do to help them out? or any other parts to watch out for?
Another thought - it sounds like this may be your first time out, so it may not have come to mind. You will add far more stress to your car overall if you're shooting for the ultimate speed on straights and negative G's on braking, and learn far less doing it. Far better (IMO) to work on keeping corner speed high, by hitting the right line and knowing when to accelerate through a turn, and you can have just as much fun doing it. So, with all the torque you've got in that car, see if you can drive most of the track in 4th gear. I've never been to that track, but I'm assuming it's like most others, and you should be able to do that except for the tight turns. That'll help keep you smooth, and stop you from doing all sorts of crazy shifting and braking. Work on holding your speed through a turn, not on accelerating on the straights simply so you can jam on the brakes at the next turn. Pretend you're in a Miata, that's all those folks can do.

You'll have far less wear on the car, and I'd suggest far more learning.

Dave

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate all the tips!