SouthFL_Mk7.5
Autocross Champion
- Location
- South Florida
- Car(s)
- 2019 GTI S
Sebring a few months ago was my return to track days after a decade off. It was scary, humbling and I felt helpless until I got some coaching to bring me back to speed.
Today I returned to Homestead for the first time in a decade. I didn’t know what to expect other than I used to run here often and got some professional coaching here a dozen years ago.
To my delight, after a few warm up laps, I realized the track brake zones and turn in points were burned into my skull. I wasn’t lost at all and it was like riding a bike- I hadn’t forgotten!
Now as to setup. Last December at Sebring I was running Superpro Strut Mounts and LCA’s up front, Porterfield R4S pads all around, TRW 600 brake fluid and on Pirelli P Zero tires at 36psi. 034 intake plenum, factory air box with drop in filter, JB4 Map 1.
Today, in addition to the above I used ECS 2pc Slotted Rotors, Porterfield R4 pads up front (kept the R4S in back), Superpro 22mm Rear Sway Bar and endlinks. Same tires at 35psi. Autotech intake lid and hose, 034 Turbo Inlet Pipe. JB4 Map 1.
The differences between Sebring and Homestead (in terms of the car):
-The rear swaybar made the car more Neutral.
-I held down ASR button long enough to go into ESC limited mode. Noticeable!!!
-Zero Brake Fade (brakes were fading at Sebring, now they took everything I threw at them).
-JB4 Map 1 (roughly +5psi) hit limp mode a couple times. I then ran Map 0 (factory) and all was good. Then I filled up with 98 octane and ran Map 1 again with success.
I pushed myself today and what I call an OEM+ setup pretty well today. I‘m feeling really good with the way the car responded! It really is a joy to drive out there- even if it’s a front wheel drive vertical box on wheels! Put a huge smile on my face.
Vid of a session today (by lap 2 we’re pushing it!);
Today I returned to Homestead for the first time in a decade. I didn’t know what to expect other than I used to run here often and got some professional coaching here a dozen years ago.
To my delight, after a few warm up laps, I realized the track brake zones and turn in points were burned into my skull. I wasn’t lost at all and it was like riding a bike- I hadn’t forgotten!
Now as to setup. Last December at Sebring I was running Superpro Strut Mounts and LCA’s up front, Porterfield R4S pads all around, TRW 600 brake fluid and on Pirelli P Zero tires at 36psi. 034 intake plenum, factory air box with drop in filter, JB4 Map 1.
Today, in addition to the above I used ECS 2pc Slotted Rotors, Porterfield R4 pads up front (kept the R4S in back), Superpro 22mm Rear Sway Bar and endlinks. Same tires at 35psi. Autotech intake lid and hose, 034 Turbo Inlet Pipe. JB4 Map 1.
The differences between Sebring and Homestead (in terms of the car):
-The rear swaybar made the car more Neutral.
-I held down ASR button long enough to go into ESC limited mode. Noticeable!!!
-Zero Brake Fade (brakes were fading at Sebring, now they took everything I threw at them).
-JB4 Map 1 (roughly +5psi) hit limp mode a couple times. I then ran Map 0 (factory) and all was good. Then I filled up with 98 octane and ran Map 1 again with success.
I pushed myself today and what I call an OEM+ setup pretty well today. I‘m feeling really good with the way the car responded! It really is a joy to drive out there- even if it’s a front wheel drive vertical box on wheels! Put a huge smile on my face.
Vid of a session today (by lap 2 we’re pushing it!);
Attachments
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BBBD8DAC-798B-4864-A1E4-1DB6E26178D5.jpeg
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