noob looking for s54 m coupe track set-up help

Hello everyone,

I will be taking my m coupe to the track for the first time this year. Currently my car is stock engine wise with an ACS exhaust as the only mod. I have about 16k on the car so far. I did a search for track setups but couldn't find much info on a recommended track configuration setup. What I am looking for is:

-Tire pressure F/R recommendations?
-Tire sizes? Are the stock sizes ok?
-Suspension / Alignment recommendations on a stock set-up?
-Any critical mods that need to be done?

For the last question, I know that I can make the car much better with coilovers, sway bars, bigger brakes etc.... I really want to keep the car as stock as possible. I'm trying to improve the driver first before making any major modifications.

The mods that I wonder about are items such as IE bushings. Do I need to secure the subframe before going out?

I am projecting to going out for 2-3 DEs / track days and a couple of auto-xs. I'm nervous and excited at the same time.

Thanks in advance for all of the help,
Nadeem

Reply » noob looking for s54 m coupe track set-up help

glad your coupe will see the track...here are my responses..

--tire pressure --- dependant on your tire, the track, temperature/weather, driving style

--stock sizing is fine...up a size doesnt hurt

--stock suspension is adequate...leave it stock until you learn the car and its characteristics

--critical mods -- flush brake fluid before going...super blue worked well for me. check to make sure you have plenty of pad left.

i think you are taking the right approach by leaving the car stock. my philosophy is to make upgrades only when the car is holding you back as a driver.

beefing up the subframe is a good thing to do..although i wouldnt say its necessary before going on track. it would be wise to do a visual inspection to make sure you dont have existing cracks.

have fun and be safe!

Reply » noob looking for s54 m coupe track set-up help

Quote:

my philosophy is to make upgrades only when the car is holding you back as a driver.

So those rubber pedal pads were holding you back?

On the track mod front, the above is a great list, but I'd add the poly subframe bushings for the more predictable handling and the mild prophylaxis against rear cracks. They'll only help more when you make additional suspension mods.

Reply » noob looking for s54 m coupe track set-up help

I had trouble with the stock brakes overheating. Might want to consider some street/track pads to avoid that. I have had good luck with Hawk HP+. They squeel on the street pretty badly though.

For stock tire sizes - what tires are you running? I have Khumo's Excsta MX and run 34F/32R COLD. I try to get them to 43F/41R HOT - that seems to give me a bit better turn in. Don't worry about upsixing yet (unless you need new tires anyway) but has MDOrk said - it won't hurt. Also, unless you feel the car needs an alignment, then don't worry about it.

That's great that you want to improve the driver - the car will be a lot faster in the end due to that one. Don't worry about sharking or sport mode yet, but when you get to heal/toe downshifts I found that removing the driver by wire lag helped a lot.

EDIT: I just saw you are in Illinois - who are you running with?

Steve

Reply » noob looking for s54 m coupe track set-up help

Quote:

So those rubber pedal pads were holding you back?

the rubber pedals were definitely holding me back. i went to the racing dynamics pedals only because they are laterally adjustable making it easier to heel+toe (especially while barefoot :O))

Reply » noob looking for s54 m coupe track set-up help

Quote:

Steve,
I am hoping to get in one DE before changing any stock wear and tear items (rotors, break pads, tires, etc...) Is that a safe assumption to make?

I currently have Pilot Sports on my car. They are pretty close to the end of life though. I am not at the point of having the wear bars showing, but am about 4/32 of tread remaining. I'll double check tonight and post up my numbers. I am hoping to get in one DE before swapping out to new tires.

I do like the throttle response in sport mode though. (I am using the M3 and M5 as baselines) I am contemplating on making this mod before I go out.

I plan on running with windy city. From what I hear, they are a good group to run with if you are starting for the first time.

Although this is easy to say off the track, I have two main goals: being smooth and consistent on the fundamentals.

Thanks for the responses so far. Please keep them coming.

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