Hey everybody,

I'm going to be taking part in a high performance driving school in October at Buttonwillow Raceway, and I wanted to know what you guys think I should do to prepare my car (and myself) for it.

So far I've these performance/suspension upgrades on my 06 MCS:

JCW Brakes
m7 STB, USS, Intake, Aerogel EX (backordered)
Borla Street Exhaust
Shoe's Engine Damper


What else would you guys recommend?

Thanks all,

Matt

 

Fill the tank, tighten the nut behind the wheel, and you're good to go.
I've tracked a stock Cooper and stock S. Both fun.

But... if you like neutral handling, I'd add a rear sway - 19 or 22, depending on your preferences. My stock S plowed pretty seriously at Buttonwillow.

 

REAR SWAY BAR!!!
Pulley just for that little extra umph!

 

Yep, I was gonna say the rear sway too. You already have the JCW brakes, I don't know if they already have stainless steel brake lines on the kit, but if not they are a good idea also. Make sure you change your brake fluid before the day comes; ATE blue or Motul are the usual recommendations there.
Have fun!!!

 

Get a good SA2005 or M2005 rated helmet that fits you well.

What tires and wheels are your using? Stock ones?

Before you go, put in brake fluid that withstands higher temps before boiling, the stock fluid isn't so good.

Add adjustable rear sway bar, could be 19mm or 22mm, softest setting would be good place to start.

Read-
http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Solo-R...5820560&sr=8-2
Secrets of Solo Racing by Watts for $10.17!

 

Yeah, I'm using stock wheels (17" Webspokes) and the stock run-flat tires. I was planning on renting a helmet, buying some high temp brake fluid (like you have mentioned), and maybe better brake pads. Also, do you think it would be good to buy a Schroth harness, or wait to get into autocross for that?

 

camber plates and tires.

 

Do yourself a favor and buy a helmet. If you're going to be doing autox, you'll need one anyway. Put that $$ towards the one you want to buy. Rental helmets get pretty nasty.

A good first question is: What do you want to get out of the track day?

IMO, starting with stock rubber and brakes is a good idea, as you get a feel for how the car would feel on the street (vs. dedicated track rubber and brakes.) The Schroth is nice, as IT holds you tight as opposed to using the wheel to help keep you in the seat. But I wouldn't put it on the top of the list.
Again IMO, the track (especially the first couple) is about finding, expanding, and exploring your limits and the handling dynamics of the car, not being the fastest car out there. (you won't be!)

 

All of the above recomendations are great. I would seriously put in a pulley. I have a 19%, but since you are autox-ing do not excede 15% or 16%(m7). also think about a lightened crank pulley. and take the rear seats out if its allowed.

 

A rear sway bar will improve dramatically the handling.

If you have not change your tires yet, get rid of the runflat and buy a flat repair kit.

But if you want to have fun and improve your car, get a rear sway bar. It is a great mod and in my top five!

 

#1 Rear Sway Bar