Looking to track!

[Lert]

So I've got gti pp dsg, recently took a performance driving course and now I really want to track my car. I have lighter wheels, ps4s tires, stage 1, and a rear sway bar. So what would be recommended and what could i get away with in terms of brakes, suspension, camber or toe (really don't know much about those two). Trying to keep the ride near stock due to my area and this will still be my daily.

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[DAS_STIG]

RS3 brake ducts, brake pads (plenty of threads out there about which you should pick depending on your needs), RBF600 brake fluid. That's all you'll need. No need to mess with camber/toe for now. I think folks have been saying the PS4S aren't great for track, but as a beginner you should be fine.

 

[R Golf]

RS3 brake ducts, brake pads (plenty of threads out there about which you should pick depending on your needs), RBF600 brake fluid. That's all you'll need. No need to mess with camber/toe for now. I think folks have been saying the PS4S aren't great for track, but as a beginner you should be fine.

Very good advice. You already are starting in good shape with your rear sway and Stage 1. The high temp brake fluid is a must, and I also would recommend Motul RBF600. The next time you need to change pads I would recommend Ferodo DS2500, but stock pads are more than sufficient for first few days on track. If you do use the Ferodo's in the future, make sure to bed them according to spec. I'd question the need for brake ducts at this time, but they will help brake temps some and they are cheap.

PS4's have been rolling a bit too much for me (running in advanced groups), but they will be totally fine for your first season.

After that you will be set until you notice you want something specific changed.


Oh, and be prepared to get hooked!

 

[DAS_STIG]

Very good advice. You already are starting in good shape with your rear sway and Stage 1. The high temp brake fluid is a must, and I also would recommend Motul RBF600. The next time you need to change pads I would recommend Ferodo DS2500, but stock pads are more than sufficient for first few days on track. If you do use the Ferodo's in the future, make sure to bed them according to spec. I'd question the need for brake ducts at this time, but they will help brake temps some and they are cheap.

PS4's have been rolling a bit too much for me (running in advanced groups), but they will be totally fine for your first season.

After that you will be set until you notice you want something specific changed.


Oh, and be prepared to get hooked!

Only reason I throw brake ducts in is because of how cheap they are. At $35 for a set it's about the same price as doing a brake fluid changeover and definitely worth it IMO.

 

[CDM MK7]

The RS3 brake ducts (and removing my front dust shields) made a major difference in brake temps for me. Was the difference between overheating my pads and getting pad deposits all over my rotors, to (after some vigilant cleanup) having the best day I've ever had in terms of brake performance on track and absolutely loving my brake setup.

It's a no brainer for these cars. I'd go as far as saying a mandatory mod for track driving on this platform. Especially if you're on the smaller 312mm setup. The stock cooling is terrible.

 

[R Golf]

The RS3 brake ducts (and removing my front dust shields) made a major difference in brake temps for me. Was the difference between overheating my pads and getting pad deposits all over my rotors, to (after some vigilant cleanup) having the best day I've ever had in terms of brake performance on track and absolutely loving my brake setup.

It's a no brainer for these cars. I'd go as far as saying a mandatory mod for track driving on this platform. Especially if you're on the smaller 312mm setup. The stock cooling is terrible.

That's really good to hear. I'm planning on adding ducts next season. Hot summer sessions get my rotors above 900 degrees. Didn't think it's necessary for new track driving, but as mentioned, it's one of the less expensive improvements.


Do you have any data pre and post data regarding the brake ducts. Not at all questioning your post, just curious about what the actual measured deltas I could expect.

 

[CDM MK7]

Nothing too scientific, but pre-RS3 ducts, my rotors would peak over 1166f/630c at times and change the thermographic indicators on my rotors. I would also get pad deposits all over my rotors from overheating the bonding resins in the pad. Never any fade, but still annoying (this is why you spend the $$$ on good quality brakes!).

Post-RS3 ducts, none of the above happened. Same track, same setup, similar ambient temp, similar lap times, only difference was the ducts. Same line, all proper threshold braking.

A bit anecdotal, but it's a big win in my book. Especially for the price and effort to get them in.

 

[Lert]

Thanks for all the info so basically just brake improvments and suspension is ok at stock for now [emoji106] Any other advice still welcome from anybody who happens to drop by, one can never have to much knowledge.

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[GIACUser]

Thanks for all the info so basically just brake improvments and suspension is ok at stock for now [emoji106] Any other advice still welcome from anybody who happens to drop by, one can never have to much knowledge.

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Have fun and as folks have said get ready, you are going to be addicted. Also talk to folks at the track, you will get lots of good info. Concentrate on getting info from other FWD owners with of course special attention to cars similar to yours.

I might add that you need to pay close attention to tire inflation throughout the day so make sure you have a 12v compressor and gauge ready to make adjustments between runs. Lot of articles on the web about trackday inflation and how you can use it to adjust your handling and protect your tires as much as possible.

 

[DAS_STIG]

Also talk to folks at the track, you will get lots of good info. Concentrate on getting info from other FWD owners with of course special attention to cars similar to yours.
.

Following this thought, if the group you sign up with for a track day offers instructors, even if it's just random folks from the advanced group, take advantage of it. I started tracking this year and was surprised how many people in novice don't sign up to have instructors ride along. You've already paid for the track day so it's no extra cost. Last day I did had 8 or so instructors and maybe 22 cars in novice... maybe half the instructor slots were filled. Made it nice for me so I could have an instructor for each session.

 

[replicate]

Nothing too scientific, but pre-RS3 ducts, my rotors would peak over 1166f/630c at times and change the thermographic indicators on my rotors. I would also get pad deposits all over my rotors from overheating the bonding resins in the pad. Never any fade, but still annoying (this is why you spend the $$$ on good quality brakes!).

Post-RS3 ducts, none of the above happened. Same track, same setup, similar ambient temp, similar lap times, only difference was the ducts. Same line, all proper threshold braking.

A bit anecdotal, but it's a big win in my book. Especially for the price and effort to get them in.

Have you tried ducts with dust shields on? I have mine removed with TTRS shields but my mechanic recommended putting them back on as they are designed to cool the brakes he says. I’m semi inclined to listen as they do have the fastest MQB on our local track (IS38 GTI).

 

[burgerkong]

Have you tried ducts with dust shields on? I have mine removed with TTRS shields but my mechanic recommended putting them back on as they are designed to cool the brakes he says. I’m semi inclined to listen as they do have the fastest MQB on our local track (IS38 GTI).

My brake shields have been cut to cover up the ABS sensor and pretty much nothing else. Big mistake with just the RS3 ducts as they don't cool enough but my brakes get really really hot. Our rotors aren't directional so essentially you're just distributing cooling air onto the face of the rotor and filling up the wheelwell with very, very hot gasses plus adding the heat radiating from the rotors. This is fine if you had remembered to wrap your ball joint dust boots and brake pad wear sensor, I forgot to do both.

Word of advice haha.

 

[DAS_STIG]

Have you tried ducts with dust shields on? I have mine removed with TTRS shields but my mechanic recommended putting them back on as they are designed to cool the brakes he says. I’m semi inclined to listen as they do have the fastest MQB on our local track (IS38 GTI).

Bit confused. You have the TTRS dust shields on and the shop told you to put gti OEM ones back on?

 

[Swoope]

So I've got gti pp dsg, recently took a performance driving course and now I really want to track my car. I have lighter wheels, ps4s tires, stage 1, and a rear sway bar. So what would be recommended and what could i get away with in terms of brakes, suspension, camber or toe (really don't know much about those two). Trying to keep the ride near stock due to my area and this will still be my daily.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

enjoy the track time, listen to your instructors.

track time track time track time. then upgrade.

when you start to notice an issue then upgrade.

on the gti platform first will be brake pads and fluid.

next will you think will be tires. but it is really camber.

third will be tires.. by that time you will know about it..

really keep it stock as long as you can, you will learn faster.

beers

 

[donefor]

Getting ready to take your first hit off the track pipe


Keep calm and have fun!!!


In short order, you will think nothing of spending $1k to support a weekend of your new habit.