Track preparation required on ZL1?

[Bosse'sBoss]

Hi Guys,
I was reading the track preparation link for the '16 Camaro SS:

http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=427473

Do you also need to do track preparation on your ZL1 and set things back afterwards when you go on occasional tracking days?

Any limitation to your warranty if you track your car? Like on the 6th. gen Camaro SS, mentions the following:

"During a first time track or racing event, high rear axle temperatures can occur. Damage could be caused to the rear axle and would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not drive as long or as fast the first time the vehicle is driven on the track or raced."

I will like to DD my next Camaro but not to have limitations if I want to spend some time at the track.

Please advise

[jessrayo]

That link you included is a pretty good little post. As soon as I read your post I thought, you need to change the brake fluid. I don't know how aggressively you drive at the track, some people do perfectly fine with stock fluid but if you start to boil it it is done. I tried to take my Z51 package stingray to the local track stock and boiled the brake fluid on the second session. Even, "track package" upgrades need better brake fluid. The stock brake pads will wear faster but will work for you.

Unless you put a track track alignment on the car, I wouldn't change anything back. And even if you do a track alignment it will just increase the wear on the inside of the tires.

[z28lt1]

Right from the horse's (GM's) mouth.

[z28lt1]

In addition to the video, owner's manual has this:

Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Track events or competitive driving
may affect the vehicle warranty. See
the warranty manual before using
the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving.

{Caution
If you use the vehicle for racing or
other competitive driving, the
engine may use more oil than it
would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
For information on how to add oil,
see Engine Oil on page 10-15.
Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near the upper mark
that shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.

For track events or competitive
driving, it is recommended that the
brake fluid be replaced with a high
performance brake fluid that has a
dry boiling point greater than 279°C
(534°F). After conversion to the high
performance brake fluid, follow the
brake fluid service
recommendations outlined by the
fluid manufacturer. Do not use
silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.

If operating a Z/28 on a closed
course during hot temperatures,
reduce the coolant/water mixture to
a 30/70 mix and increase under
hood airflow by removing the water
deflector on the engine side of the
hood scoop.

ZL1, 1LE and Z/28: For racing and
competitive driving, the vehicle load
should be limited to the driver only
and no cargo. The tires should be
inflated to at least 180 kPa (26 psi).

Because the fluid temperatures may
be higher, it is necessary to change
the rear axle fluid every 24 hours of
racing or competitive driving. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.

{Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high rear axle
temperatures can occur. Damage
could be caused to the rear axle
and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Do not drive as long or as fast the
first time the vehicle is driven on
the track or raced.

For extended track use, GM
recommends installing a rear
differential cooler to protect the rear
axle. This excludes the ZL1 and Z/
28 as it has a rear differential cooler
as standard equipment.
1LE comes with an oil control kit
that should be installed for track use
only, to ensure proper oil control
and prevent engine damage. This is
not for street use. This kit may also
be purchased from your dealer.

[Bosse'sBoss]

Clear as water. Thanks for the advise.

[DonutSS]

First time out:

replace stock brake fluid with a Motul 600'or equivalent.

Lower tire pressure to 26psi cold

Don't overfill engine oil

[JusticePete]

Your fluids should all be fresh, including filters.

I recommend Castrol SRF brake fluid. It has a wet boil higher than many brand name high performance brake fluid dry boil points. If you don't bleed before every track event, the need for SRF is greater.

Brake pad should have at least 60% of the original pad material. The pad material acts as an insulator and protects the caliper. The thinner the pad, the greater the heat transfer t the caliper. OE pads are good for light to medium track use. Aggressive drivers and late brakers should be using track pads. Hawk DTC 70 front and DTC 60 rear or CobaltFriction XR1 front and XR2 rear.

Check your lug nut torque.

[Bosse'sBoss]

Great suggestions Justice Peace