Mods to Improve Times

[MaX PL]

In order, how do these rank in terms of improving the cars track performance? What is the cars biggest weakness and what requires little improvement?

Big Brake Kit
R Compound Tires
Suspension

Tires are the cheapest fix that will likely accompany one of the others once I upgrade, but which is most important for track performance?

[j09333]

Driver skill...
Best decision I made was get pro driver teach me.
Get brake frist and it can be heavier than stock but will give one more consistancy and confidence.

[CanAutM3]

Most important component to mod to improve lap times resides between the seat and the steering wheel

[MaX PL]

there were three choices in the question.

[MaynardZed]

Originally Posted by MaX PL

there were three choices in the question.

Besides driver mod, a distant second is alway tires.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Like others said, driver mod and tires would be a good start.

Mike

[imyopusha]

Wow, I think everyone in this world is aware driver mod is first. OP clearly stated the rubric. I would say tires, too, as earlier stated. Suspension mods is very general, though.

Side note- Brake fluid and racing pads are cheap mods that pay huge dividends as well.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by imyopusha

Wow, I think everyone in this world is aware driver mod is first. OP clearly have the rubric. I would say tires, too, as earlier stated. Suspension mods is very general, though.

Side note- Brake fluid and racing pads are cheap mods that pay huge dividends as well.

But it seems that folks need to be reminded of it. Where most time is left on the table is by the driver. IMO, it is not the smartest move to invest in modding a car to go-faster before one is a damned good driver to start with. If someone needs to come to a forum to ask "what are the best go-faster mods?", he is clearly not a good enough driver (understanding of vehicle dynamics) to be ready for those mods.

[turbo8765]

Seat time.

[tom @ eas]

If just a beginner, experience and training isn't repeated enough on the forum. This is intended so you learn proper techniques and don't develop any bad habits from the start.

Assuming you have all the proper safety equipment in check:

Pads/Fluid (or BBK if funds allow)
Tires (Hankook RS3s are good double-duty)
CG Lock or Quickfit Harness

Tools are always part of the cost, like a quality torque wrench and tire pressure gauge (not the cheap autozone pocket ones). Forget about lap times and focus on technique. Also try to run 100 octane at the track, especially in hotter weather or when pushing the car heavy. This is a hobby that can get expensive quickly once the bug hits.

[supremepower]

Toyo R888 are great for the track, replacing the brake pads are also a great alternative if BBK is not in your budget. The stock brake pads are rather weak, we've had quite a few cars come in to swap brake pads day one.

Top recommendations for brake pads are: Pagid RS29 and Hawk Ceramic Pads

[MaX PL]

Thanks. I already installed Endless MX72 pads and Endless fluid as the Pagids were not in stock at most places.

[Pyrat 2]

1. Tires
2. 4 point harnesses (not on your list)

Not necessarily in above order.

[turbo8765]

I think the F8x needs camber. Tire is almost always the single biggest factor.

If you're just looking to rip off a fast time throw some R7s on it.

[neo871]

Maybe changing the pads and using track wheels & tire is a good idea just to save the usage of oem parts, regardless of skill level.

[Pyrat 2]

1. Tires
2. 4 point harnesses (not on your list)

Not necessarily in above order.

[IND-Distribution]

A component of the modification picture is also that past a certain level, the car must be viewed from a holistic approach.

A basic set of upgraded pads and fluid is always a good idea, and camber plates could improve front grip and tire wear. Beyond this level, one modification will begin to impact the rest of the components on the car.

As a very obvious example, installing brake pads that have a higher operating temperature will (clearly) overheat the factory brake fluid more quickly. Similar relationships between parts exist throughout the car, and must be carefully managed to maintain the dynamics of the car.

Adding a very high grip tire, for instance, will give more traction and therefore increase loads on every system of the car. Increased traction in braking means that the brakes will operate at a higher overall temperature. Increased traction in cornering means that the factory rubber bushings will deflect more from the increased load applied.

It's helpful to look at the impact of each modification on the rest of the car, and modify the car in stages to ensure that the car functions properly as a complete system.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Ilia@IND

A component of the modification picture is also that past a certain level, the car must be viewed from a holistic approach.

A basic set of upgraded pads and fluid is always a good idea, and camber plates could improve front grip and tire wear. Beyond this level, one modification will begin to impact the rest of the components on the car.

As a very obvious example, installing brake pads that have a higher operating temperature will (clearly) overheat the factory brake fluid more quickly. Similar relationships between parts exist throughout the car, and must be carefully managed to maintain the dynamics of the car.

Adding a very high grip tire, for instance, will give more traction and therefore increase loads on every system of the car. Increased traction in braking means that the brakes will operate at a higher overall temperature. Increased traction in cornering means that the factory rubber bushings will deflect more from the increased load applied.

It's helpful to look at the impact of each modification on the rest of the car, and modify the car in stages to ensure that the car functions properly as a complete system.

So very true.

I went through the modding spiral with my time attack VW A2 GTi back in the early nineties

I've since swore that I would keep my cars as stock as possible with mods limited to safety and durability. I now focus on my driving and having fun. I am no longer running competitively though, and the urge to win can be strong .

[DaBean]

Echoing on the posts above, I would suggest that you do all three of these mods simultaneously.

Tires will provide the best time savings, but sticky tires on stock suspension will make your car feel very boat-y. So do the suspension.

Then with the added grip and speed, you'll want braking to be on par, so get new pads / fluid.

Then drive. A lot.

[nicknaz]

The other mod we haven't discussed is data logging. I guess that is related to driver mod.

[MaX PL]

ok so for tires, i'm thinking trofeo R in 265 square.

i have 18x9 wheels. will a 265 set be okay on a 18x9 square setup? i read that 265 should be the limit on a 9 inch wheel, and thankfully the trofeo R is offered in that size, otherwise i would have to get larger wheels.

whats the largest wheel/tire i can do up front?

i'm thinking of going 18x10 square for the track and could thus move up to 295s all around, but would that fit up front?

[M3 Number 86]

turn DSC OFF and learn. Until you have proper skill, you don't need anything else yet.