[black86]

for the GRCs first day out; I swapped out all the fluids minus coolant @ ~621mi. I stuck with the OEM spec of 0w20 for the engine oil. I went with Pennzoil ultra platinum (I changed the oil filter too). ate typ 200 for the brake fluid and redline in the transmission, transfer case and rear diff. make sure all drain and filler bolts are torqued to spec and use new washers. I put in ti brake shims up front and wrapped the rear section of the exhaust.

for my next track day, I'm going to caliper bleed the brakes, change engine oil and filter (already did after first track day), rotate tires and check brake pad life (ordered an oem set just incase) I'm going to place temperature decals on the transmission, transfer case and rear diff. to monitor them. I'm also gonna put temperature paint on the front and rear rotors.

but other track day things, bring plenty of water and stay hydrated, also snacks, a chair, shade/hat, tools and be prepared to meet everyone

the tools I like to bring are a jack and 2 jack stands, chucks, torque wrench to check lugs between sessions, air pressure gauge, tire patch kit (I don't intend to use the OEM fluid one, even out in the wild) portable air compressor (brought my own, forgot it had one in the back), paper towels, gloves, basic tools to do repairs if needed, zip ties, blue painters tape, duct tape.

i bring extra fluids of engine oil (checked 8mins after turning car off after every session) brake fluid and coolant (it takes toyota super long life coolant)

i'm monitoring oil pressures with the factory oil and there's plenty of pressure for casual driving. curious to see what oil pressures people are seeing during track situations.

20min session in 65F ambient
0w20 Pennzoil ultra platinum
oil temp maxed out at 250F
no drop in oil pressure vs casual driving

any hotter than 75F ambient and the oil will likely top off at +270F

I would highly consider an aftermarket oil cooler at that point. but I don't intend to track this car when it's above 90F. maybe even 80F. it's miserable out there and then you're waiting in the heat between sessions haha. I'm all about that PB weather.

 

[noogie]

Aftermarket oil cooler come with its own risks and would not recommend unless you’re very serious at tracking. If you’re more of a casual track driver, just do a cool down lap.

 

[Debased]

It has a factory one. It’s a common Yaris mod to put a bigger one though

 

[black86]

Aftermarket oil cooler come with its own risks and would not recommend unless you’re very serious at tracking. If you’re more of a casual track driver, just do a cool down lap.

ha, that was with two hot laps and one cool down. prob have to do one hot lap and two cool downs when it's +80F ambient

 

[almazing]

One thing to add for extra track safety with all the talk of money shifting going around. Set the dash rev indicator for 6000 RPM. What that does is that the dash will flash yellow starting at 6000 RPM until it flashes red at the 7000 RPM redline. The idea behind this this is that you don't downshift when the dash is flashing red OR yellow. Downshift when it's not flashing at all, which will be under 6000 RPM if you set the rev indicator at 6000. If you're like me who mainly uses shift lights on track rather than periodically glancing at the dash, this is ultra helpful. The RPM differences between 4th to 3rd and 3rd to 2nd are just under 1000 RPM. And those are the most common gears you'll likely use on any given track.

 

[noogie]

TrackArmour – Protect My Car

 

[almazing]

for the GRCs first day out; I swapped out all the fluids minus coolant @ ~621mi. I stuck with the OEM spec of 0w20 for the engine oil. I went with Pennzoil ultra platinum (I changed the oil filter too). ate typ 200 for the brake fluid and redline in the transmission, transfer case and rear diff. make sure all drain and filler bolts are torqued to spec and use new washers. I put in ti brake shims up front and wrapped the rear section of the exhaust.

for my next track day, I'm going to caliper bleed the brakes, change engine oil and filter (already did after first track day), rotate tires and check brake pad life (ordered an oem set just incase) I'm going to place temperature decals on the transmission, transfer case and rear diff. to monitor them. I'm also gonna put temperature paint on the front and rear rotors.

but other track day things, bring plenty of water and stay hydrated, also snacks, a chair, shade/hat, tools and be prepared to meet everyone

the tools I like to bring are a jack and 2 jack stands, chucks, torque wrench to check lugs between sessions, air pressure gauge, tire patch kit (I don't intend to use the OEM fluid one, even out in the wild) portable air compressor (brought my own, forgot it had one in the back), paper towels, gloves, basic tools to do repairs if needed, zip ties, blue painters tape, duct tape.

i bring extra fluids of engine oil (checked 8mins after turning car off after every session) brake fluid and coolant (it takes toyota super long life coolant)




20min session in 65F ambient
0w20 Pennzoil ultra platinum
oil temp maxed out at 250F
no drop in oil pressure vs casual driving

any hotter than 75F ambient and the oil will likely top off at +270F

I would highly consider an aftermarket oil cooler at that point. but I don't intend to track this car when it's above 90F. maybe even 80F. it's miserable out there and then you're waiting in the heat between sessions haha. I'm all about that PB weather.

Have you gotten a chance to check out your brake pads to see how much life is left? The lack of brake cooling could mean that this compound could just deplete rapidly when it gets hot. I bought another set of stock pads because I have 2 track days coming up and I don’t want to not have brake pads for the 2nd track day.

I measured the compound thickness of brand new front and rear pads as well. And they’re pretty thin. At least thinner than what I’m used to seeing.

Front compound is 8.5-ish mm
Rear is 9.5-ish mm

With the backing plates taken in to account, both measure roughly 14.6-14.7mm.

Might be worth measuring your pads to see how much pad one track day uses.

 

[iamblamb]

I haven't tracked a car and want to redeem my free HPDE and I have a specific track in mind. How do these events normally go? I bought myself a set of tires/wheels to run the track with but what else should I do before the event to make sure I'm going to have a fun, productive track day? Would y'all recommend using the discount Toyota is giving us on G-Force helmets? What tools or gear should I bring that I might need?

Can anyone provide a general description of how the events are structured so I have an idea of what to expect? Any advice is helpful too.

 

[Debased]

I’ve used gforce helmets before and also bought myself a new one they just fit me well. Tires aren’t that needed but might aswell. You’ll need some basic just in case tools, a good tire gauge, a hat or something(not much shade on race tracks), sunscreen, some snacks and drinks don’t hurt, and check with track you are running they might have certain gear you’ll need to bring. As far as setup that’s what the entire thread is about a lot of good info here.

 

[WolfpackAWD]

I haven't tracked a car and want to redeem my free HPDE and I have a specific track in mind. How do these events normally go? I bought myself a set of tires/wheels to run the track with but what else should I do before the event to make sure I'm going to have a fun, productive track day? Would y'all recommend using the discount Toyota is giving us on G-Force helmets? What tools or gear should I bring that I might need?

Can anyone provide a general description of how the events are structured so I have an idea of what to expect? Any advice is helpful too.

If you've never done one you'll be in a beginner novice group with an instructor. Passing zones (with point by) will be limited to 1-3 locations on the track (track dependent). You'll need to provide your own helmet. And since your car is new and you're a novice you don't need to do anything to your car. In between your sessions (you'll most likely have 4, each lasting 20-30 minutes) you'll have a few classroom instruction lessons. End of each session is a cool down lap (minimize brake usage), and when you park in the paddock don't use the parking brake.

Bring a cooler, a chair and plenty of water (to drink).

This is a capable car. Many things stated above are serious overkill, even for the experienced driver. Tires pads and brake fluid on a car this new and you're good to go. Swapping transaxle/diff fluids is overkill. And 270°F oil temps are nothing to be alarmed by. Certainly not 250.

 

[iamblamb]

If you've never done one you'll be in a beginner novice group with an instructor. Passing zones (with point by) will be limited to 1-3 locations on the track (track dependent). You'll need to provide your own helmet. And since your car is new and you're a novice you don't need to do anything to your car. In between your sessions (you'll most likely have 4, each lasting 20-30 minutes) you'll have a few classroom instruction lessons. End of each session is a cool down lap (minimize brake usage), and when you park in the paddock don't use the parking brake.

Bring a cooler, a chair and plenty of water (to drink).

This is a capable car. Many things stated above are serious overkill, even for the experienced driver. Tires pads and brake fluid on a car this new and you're good to go. Swapping transaxle/diff fluids is overkill. And 270°F oil temps are nothing to be alarmed by. Certainly not 250.

Rad, I can’t wait.

 

[black86]

If you've never done one you'll be in a beginner novice group with an instructor. Passing zones (with point by) will be limited to 1-3 locations on the track (track dependent). You'll need to provide your own helmet. And since your car is new and you're a novice you don't need to do anything to your car. In between your sessions (you'll most likely have 4, each lasting 20-30 minutes) you'll have a few classroom instruction lessons. End of each session is a cool down lap (minimize brake usage), and when you park in the paddock don't use the parking brake.

Bring a cooler, a chair and plenty of water (to drink).

This is a capable car. Many things stated above are serious overkill, even for the experienced driver. Tires pads and brake fluid on a car this new and you're good to go. Swapping transaxle/diff fluids is overkill. And 270°F oil temps are nothing to be alarmed by. Certainly not 250.

what would be alarming?

I've always done a cool lap once it hits 270F I usually do 2 hot lap; 1 cool lap. especially with the 320tw OEM tire. but that's at 65F ambient. I reckon when it's above 80F ambient it'll probably be a 1 hot lap; 1 cool lap ordeal. kind of a bummer for me since I like the muscle memory of back to back hot laps. so that's why I might throw in an aftermarket oil cooler, like the previous 2 Toyotas... this won't be a track dedicated car. it'll be daily driven so maybe no oil cooler and no back to back hot laps and no track days above 75F ambient 😂 I'll keep those days for the other car 😁

 

[WolfpackAWD]

Apologies if I misread your statement, but I was under the impression you wanted to install an oil cooler if your oil temps hit 270? Seems unnecessary for HPDEs, unless you do plan to track a lot in the middle of summer (something I avoid because the heat is harder on everything, including ME lol). I've tracked a variety of cars at HPDEs and never had to mix in any cool laps, though I've had to back off from time to time if the tires (PSS on my Porsche) or brakes (on AMG) got too hot.

 

[almazing]

what would be alarming?

I've always done a cool lap once it hits 270F I usually do 2 hot lap; 1 cool lap. especially with the 320tw OEM tire. but that's at 65F ambient. I reckon when it's above 80F ambient it'll probably be a 1 hot lap; 1 cool lap ordeal. kind of a bummer for me since I like the muscle memory of back to back hot laps. so that's why I might throw in an aftermarket oil cooler, like the previous 2 Toyotas... this won't be a track dedicated car. it'll be daily driven so maybe no oil cooler and no back to back hot laps and no track days above 75F ambient 😂 I'll keep those days for the other car 😁

I've seen the oil on my Veloster N get as high as 286F in 90-something weather and 60% humidity. Didn't skip a beat. No cooldown laps. Just full send the entire 20 minute session. No limp mode. Nothing. I do use motorsports specific oil with a large amount of ZDDP and other additives so it stays together in really high temps. Does that mean its safe? An oil analysis from Blackstone said it was fine with no signs of overheating the oil. But it did shear a just a little, meaning that when oil gets that hot, it needs to be changed more often. I do track my cars any chance I get. In the middle of summer, rain, hot AF whatever. Because I enjoy it, despite the torturous heat. I wont track my car when it's under 50F ambient because tires just wont get any heat and people are spinning out all over the place. I did end up getting an oil cooler for my VN because I go to the track when it's 90-something out and I wanted a bit more breathing room and didn't want to change oil after every very hot track event. That brought oil temps down to about 250-260 on similarly hot days, but since the oil cooler is directly in front of the radiator, water temps also rose slightly, but not super concerning. The GR is my daily, so I won't be getting an oil cooler for it because I want that oil to heat up quickly on my regular mundane drives. 270F isn't bad. If you have oil that can handle it. But you should take an oil sample and send it in to Blackstone for analysis. Without analysis, you're just guessing. Coyote/Voodoo Mustang and LS-whatever V8 guys are seeing oil temps at 300 and up and they're doing alright.

 

[black86]

Apologies if I misread your statement, but I was under the impression you wanted to install an oil cooler if your oil temps hit 270? Seems unnecessary for HPDEs, unless you do plan to track a lot in the middle of summer (something I avoid because the heat is harder on everything, including ME lol). I've tracked a variety of cars at HPDEs and never had to mix in any cool laps, though I've had to back off from time to time if the tires (PSS on my Porsche) or brakes (on AMG) got too hot.

cool down laps are to reset everything for another hot lap. get everything ready to go full send again. cooler brakes, less greasy tires, cooler engine, cooler everything. hot lap after hot lap and you hardly get faster +4laps in. at least in my experience.

I've seen the oil on my Veloster N get as high as 286F in 90-something weather and 60% humidity. Didn't skip a beat. No cooldown laps. Just full send the entire 20 minute session. No limp mode. Nothing. I do use motorsports specific oil with a large amount of ZDDP and other additives so it stays together in really high temps. Does that mean its safe? An oil analysis from Blackstone said it was fine with no signs of overheating the oil. But it did shear a just a little, meaning that when oil gets that hot, it needs to be changed more often. I do track my cars any chance I get. In the middle of summer, rain, hot AF whatever. Because I enjoy it, despite the torturous heat. I wont track my car when it's under 50F ambient because tires just wont get any heat and people are spinning out all over the place. I did end up getting an oil cooler for my VN because I go to the track when it's 90-something out and I wanted a bit more breathing room and didn't want to change oil after every very hot track event. That brought oil temps down to about 250-260 on similarly hot days, but since the oil cooler is directly in front of the radiator, water temps also rose slightly, but not super concerning. The GR is my daily, so I won't be getting an oil cooler for it because I want that oil to heat up quickly on my regular mundane drives. 270F isn't bad. If you have oil that can handle it. But you should take an oil sample and send it in to Blackstone for analysis. Without analysis, you're just guessing. Coyote/Voodoo Mustang and LS-whatever V8 guys are seeing oil temps at 300 and up and they're doing alright.

the GRC has an water to oil heat exchanger. it heats the oil up faster and stabilize it faster too during cool down laps. I use to track whenever too but +90F is harder on everything, (like @WolfpackAWD said) especially hard on me 😂 i intend, and did, swap oil out after my first track day with the GRC, unfortunately I forgot to catch any oil to send but I sent the break-in oil prior to the first track day 😂 I get other cars are fine, those v8 have 7+ quarts of oil, the GRC has 4.5qts. since it's knew (ish) platform (data on gry been out for 2+ years now) I'm just being cautious.

 

[WolfpackAWD]

Where do you live? LOL. I avoid summer HPDEs. Did a track event first weekend of June once, in Savannah GA. "That's not summer, it'll be fine". Huuuuuuuuuge mistake. Sunny and 100° both days. My Cayman seemed fine, but that car also didn't have an oil temp gauge (or pressure), ignorance is bliss. Only had to back off occasionally for tires, as the Super Sports just can't take it. Sent an oil sample to Blackstone after (Mobil1) and they said it was fine. 2 years later the engine grenaded on track though...so I dunno. Meanwhile the AMG will stabilize around 265° on track, but I've never tracked it above 55° ambient. Also it's hit 286° running Tail of the Dragon (going uphill) when 80° ambient. It has a huge OEM oil cooler, but it just runs hot.

 

[black86]

Have you gotten a chance to check out your brake pads to see how much life is left? The lack of brake cooling could mean that this compound could just deplete rapidly when it gets hot. I bought another set of stock pads because I have 2 track days coming up and I don’t want to not have brake pads for the 2nd track day.

I measured the compound thickness of brand new front and rear pads as well. And they’re pretty thin. At least thinner than what I’m used to seeing.

Front compound is 8.5-ish mm
Rear is 9.5-ish mm

With the backing plates taken in to account, both measure roughly 14.6-14.7mm.

Might be worth measuring your pads to see how much pad one track day uses.

I just checked, both fronts are 7.9mm and the rears are both rears are 9.3mm
next track day, ambient temp will be 56F. haha, I think I'll be okay. but I have a set coming in, hopefully tomorrow.

 

[noogie]

Crank the temp to the highest and the fan to reduce engine heat.

 

[almazing]

I just checked, both fronts are 7.9mm and the rears are both rears are 9.3mm
next track day, ambient temp will be 56F. haha, I think I'll be okay. but I have a set coming in, hopefully tomorrow.

That's not bad at all! What track do you go to? My home track is Heartland Motorsports Park, which is 2.5 miles long with one long straight and 2 shorter straights. So I guess 3 heavy braking zones. I feel like this track layout is a little easier on the brakes compared to other tracks though.

 

[black86]

That's not bad at all! What track do you go to? My home track is Heartland Motorsports Park, which is 2.5 miles long with one long straight and 2 shorter straights. So I guess 3 heavy braking zones. I feel like this track layout is a little easier on the brakes compared to other tracks though.

View attachment 9052

my local track is streets of willow springs, I did the clockwise configuration. it has two straights that can see triple digits. front straight is up hill but back straight is down hill to what locals call the chicane of death. it's only 1.55 miles long