[Could've_had_a_V8]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on bringing my LT V6 RS to a performance driving course on track. I've never driven on a track before and I can't seem to find info on whether I need to do anything special to prep my car. I've seen the performance supplement to the owners manual, but that applies to the SS, V6 w/ 1LE, and ZL1. Will I be safe using the stock brakes and stock all season runflats? I want to upgrade the brakes to the 4 piston Brembos. Would that make sense, and if so, would I then have to follow the brake prep guidelines as for the SS? Thanks in advance for any advice!

[JeromeS13]

If you're starting out, just do a once over on everything. Check your oil, brake fluid, do a visual on your brake pads, check the ENTIRE width of the tire's tread, air pressure, etc. IMO, if it's your first time out, you'll need to concentrate more on basic techniques and procedures, rather than trying to go fast. Just listen to and absorb all of the information that your instructors will be providing.

[Could've_had_a_V8]

Originally Posted by JeromeS13

If you're starting out, just do a once over on everything. Check your oil, brake fluid, do a visual on your brake pads, check the ENTIRE width of the tire's tread, air pressure, etc. IMO, if it's your first time out, you'll need to concentrate more on basic techniques and procedures, rather than trying to go fast. Just listen to and absorb all of the information that your instructors will be providing.

Thanks, Jerome. So will I be going so slowly that I don't need to worry about changing the oil to 5w40 or changing to Dot4 brake fluid?

[JeromeS13]

Originally Posted by Could've_had_a_V8

Thanks, Jerome. So will I be going so slowly that I don't need to worry about changing the oil to 5w40 or changing to Dot4 brake fluid?

With the cool weather right now, I think you'll be fine.

[Could've_had_a_V8]

Thanks again, Jerome.

[JeromeS13]

No problem. What group are you running with?

[Could've_had_a_V8]

I'm planning on participating in the Simraceway performance driving program. I'm going to do both Stage 1 and Stage 2.

[Buzzberd6]

Per the GM performance manual, I would recommend adding 1 extra quart of oil to the engine prior to doing your track day. Then draining it out after you're done. I don't know if the standard non-1LE models have the extra oil cooler (doubt it) but I'm pretty sure they all have the same oil capacity.

I've done it each time I've done a track day in my 2LT 1LE, it's not that difficult if you have a floor jack and jack stands. Or ramps could work too.

[kropscamaro16]

i added dot4 fluid ss lines and got a oil change and rear end flush also and it defiantely helped...also dont know if the v6 has the track pack in the trunk but if it does i would definately put those on or buy some 4 piston brembos for the front and get those also

[whiteboyblues2001]

It is never a bad idea to upgrade to DOT4 brake fluid before going (don't use DOT5!!). It has a higher boiling point than DOT3. Also, fresh fluid is important too, as brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, and the boiling point drops as a result.

Just to be sure, take a look at the owner's manual, in the section "Track Events and Competitive Driving", starting on page 197 (for the second printing). Here is a link to the owner's manual:

https://my.chevrolet.com/content/dam...s%20Manual.pdf

Also, the manual recommends changing the differential fluid after your first track event, but I would change mine before and after the first event. The SS's have had a groaning issue, and an early diff fluid change (after the break-in period), helps prevent that. Not sure if the V6 diff has had any issues, but it never hurts to put in some fresh fluid before you go to get out all the break-in material, then change it after, since it will break-in some more, and the diff will get hot.

[Chez]

For my first track day I added the 4 pistons, changed fluid and that was about it. As you progress the brake ducting would be worth your time as well. GM sells Ferodo pads for the rear of the V6.

Have fun!

[7stringtheory]

Originally Posted by Chez

For my first track day I added the 4 pistons, changed fluid and that was about it. As you progress the brake ducting would be worth your time as well. GM sells Ferodo pads for the rear of the V6.

Have fun!

I wouldnt spend any money to install the "brake ducting" if what you are referring to are the ducts that come on the 1le. They are actually "tire ducts" because they just come to the wheel well and arent directly fed onto the rotor. Brake ducts are basically useless (at cooling your brakes) unless you feed air directly onto the rotors.

[mbar]

On your first ever track day you will likely to be slow.
I would replace brake fluid and better brake pads - at least high performance street in not 'light' track pads. The rest should be ok.
When you will get faster you will need better tires, larger brakes and your engine, transmission and rear diff will likely to overheat because they don't have coolers.

Have fun and be safe

[Chez]

Originally Posted by 7stringtheory

I wouldnt spend any money to install the "brake ducting" if what you are referring to are the ducts that come on the 1le. They are actually "tire ducts" because they just come to the wheel well and arent directly fed onto the rotor. Brake ducts are basically useless (at cooling your brakes) unless you feed air directly onto the rotors.

I was referring to the duct/deflector setup that SS models have. V6 models other than the 1LE come with neither.