Over The Hill Gang , Old Farts with Young Cars

[RubyCamaro]

Mike does not want me changing the tranny or differential fluid. It took a lot to convince him I needed to do the DOT 4. He knows just enough about mechanics to be dangerous so everything like that takes a lot of convincing. I'm getting excited too.

I'm up early to get Ruby serviced. I want to get her there early so they can take their time. Rain is coming so they say. Hopefully I can avoid driving Ruby in it but we need it. HAGD all.

[w1mnk]

Jan, is DOT 4 different than what is normally used? If so, what are the advantages? Thanks.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

[Norm Peterson]

Jan - I'm glad you held out for the DOT 4. Brakes will get HOT in road course driving, even on your first outing. There just isn't anything in street driving, drag racing, or even autocrossing that can compare to what your brakes need to be able to cope with over a 20 minute session out on a road course. And just because you'll be a newbie out there doesn't mean you'll necessarily be a whole lot easier on them, particularly if you bring your street braking style out there with you (this being relatively mild braking dragged out over a much longer distance).

On pads, most tracks want you to have at least 50% thickness remaining, and this is important for more reasons than not running out of friction material. Among the others is the fact that pad friction material also behaves as a layer of thermal insulation between the pads' contact surface and the caliper pistons (and ultimately that fluid). More is better. I'd at the very least have your pads measured and inspected for condition (replace them if there are any cracks in the pad material or signs of lifting around the edges); near as I can tell they're 5 years old already . . .

If the opportunity presents itself and the NCM track permits, you and especially Mike should try to get a ride-along with an experienced driver who's been signed off at least to run solo/have a passenger, preferably an instructor. It's one thing to tell somebody that they'll probably be at WOT for maybe 10 minutes total out of the 20 and hard on the brakes in total for 3 or 4 more, but something else entirely for them to experience it.

If your AT fluid has any burnt toast smell to it at all, get it changed. Check this again after your track time.


Norm

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by w1mnk

Jan, is DOT 4 different than what is normally used? If so, what are the advantages? Thanks.

DOT 4 is a fluid that's capable of handling significantly higher temperatures before it boils (which would leave you with greatly reduced braking ability . . . not a good thing at 100+ mph with a 70 mph turn fast approaching).

DOT 4 is really just a minimum spec; many fluids that are tagged 'DOT 4' have significantly higher dry and/or wet boiling points than the spec requires. Dry boiling is more important in a track car that gets frequent bleeding, wet boiling in a DD that doesn't get such rigorous maintenance.


Norm

[w1mnk]

Thanks Norm, good information.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

[RubyCamaro]

Yeah, Thanks Norm.

[69supersport396]

Looks like C5 Fest will be going on when I'm driving cross country.

[RubyCamaro]

Ruby has new brake fluid & a flushed radiator Apparently I did not select the best brake fluid or even a very good one but it is DOT 4, new, clean & without the moisture it accumulates over time & synthetic so it is bound to be better. I kind of wish I had held out for better fluid but I barely convinced Mike I needed to do it at all. I can tell the brake pedal is firmer though. They said my transmission fluid is fine & I have plenty of brake pad left so I'm good to go. Also got Pepper's oil changed.

My class & doing my mile walk, fast walk & sprint wiped me out again! Then I participated in a planning call for the fest. Well part of it. Technology failed me and I lost sound part way through & missed a good chunk of the call. Anyway, it is cool being a part of the planning.

We are supposed to get storms tonight & into rush hour tomorrow so my commute may be rough. Think I'll turn in early. In case any of you are hitting the road early for the fourth, safe travels.

[69supersport396]

Glad we have a short work week. Everyone is doing their best to crap up my days. Getting harder to defend myself.

[RubyCamaro]

Sorry Rick. Mean people suck! Just one more day. We love you.

Rain & thunder here this morning. I am supposed to get together with former co-workers from the Therapeutic Preschool for lunch. I hope the rain will subside for lunchtime so traffic will not be more tangled than usual. Glad today is the last work day this week. Have a good one crew.

[69supersport396]

Originally Posted by RubyCamaro

Sorry Rick. Mean people suck! Just one more day. We love you.

Rain & thunder here this morning. I am supposed to get together with former co-workers from the Therapeutic Preschool for lunch. I hope the rain will subside for lunchtime so traffic will not be more tangled than usual. Glad today is the last work day this week. Have a good one crew.

Thanks Jan, and yes, you are right about mean people.

[RubyCamaro]

Just moderate rain on the way in this morning & I managed to time my return trip to be just behind a serious gully-washer heavy rain storm. I just got the spray from wet roads. Pepper is filthy but that is okay. I did not need to be driving in that crazy heavy rain & wind.

Hip, Hip Hurray! Work week over & now we get a 3 day weekend! Have a great one crew!

[MrIanB]

Going for long weekend ride from Austin to Seabrook Texas near Galveston to stretch Shakiras legs. It's gonna be a great weekend. Please be safe everyone and no drinking and driving!

Ian B

[skipinminn]

Originally Posted by MrIanB

Going for long weekend ride from Austin to Seabrook Texas near Galveston to stretch Shakiras legs. It's gonna be a great weekend. Please be safe everyone and no drinking and driving!

Ian B

I thnk I found a winter rental in Galveston for January to end of March. Will know more end of next week.