Just lining up with Plans Motorsport and sorting out the mods/work the the new car.
Now, the car comes with winter tyres so they will need changing and I’m probably looking at getting the car on ‘a’ track early March.
It has a stage 2 and induction kit.
So, in no particular order, my ‘to do’ list is:
Change tyres to R888’s or A048’s.
Fit new/reflashed ECU.
Service.
Braided hoses
New Pads
AP 295 Disc upgrade (fronts only) - not be confused with the BIG 4 pot upgrade.
Removable steering wheel
Stage 1 exhaust (Lotus - Think ???).
My preferred sequence would be to get the whole lot done at Plans in one foul swoop…
However,
At Plans
Service
New Tyres
New pads
New braided hoses
*** at this point should I consider the AP disc upgrade******
DIY
Removable steering wheel
ECU upgrade
Not sure what to do about the Stage 2 exhaust, it will hinder Bedford and maybe a few other places, so am on the horns of a dilemma with this one.
If you can wait a little while to decide on the brakes, mine should be fitted in a couple of weeks then you can try mine to see if it is worth it for the AP’s. Also get a price for the work from Sinclaire (Speak to Wayne) you might find them cheaper and they are a hang site nearer. They have my car at the moment for the Gotham ECU upgrade.
I thought there were ‘issues’ with the lightweight battery, something about ithem not being road legal - or did I dream it !!!
The ECU can be replaced/reflashed so that the 2nd cam ‘comes on’ at a lower RPM - much better flexibility for the track.
Seats - yer having a larf, with my girth I need every bit of padding I can find
Ad - thanks for your offer with the brakes - might just do that.
I will contact Sinclaires once I have the costs from Plans.
I wouldn’t bother with the small battery, they are more hasstle than they are worth IMO. They don’t like the cold, they don’t hold a charge as well as a normal battery and they wont crank fro as long etc etc etc.
Can’t recomend Plans highly enough, great bunch of lads!!!
As every one I have spoken to, the end invoice is all ways more then the quote inc me.
For this reason I would never use them again.
ECU upgrade is a must but look at hanger 111 for a better price.
like wise look at the new 4 pot kits from geary.
as for braided hoes not worth it imho as its a clam off job.
Light weight battery is a must imho as you need a dry cell in a track car ( I have seen what happens if you dot fit a dry cell and it makes a mess) look after a dry cell and it will look after you and save you weight.
For track use you need a dry cell battery or you will get a boot full of acid on some high “G” bends. Charge last for 2 weeks and saves a bit of weight.
Braided hoses are good if you get them done at the same time as other mods but expensive on their own. Pagids rs42’s are best as RS14’s not so good for normal town driving. They go shinny very quickly. Decent brake fluid a must.
ECU upgrade works well. shop around for best price.
When I first got my Ohlins fited Plans said that they recomended the dry cell battery. I didn’t get one and the first track day went without a problem. So did the second. By the 3rd I was getting to grips with the suspension and was quite quick. The 3rd TD was at Rockingham and by the end of the day ended up with a boot full of acid. Had to pay for the battery and a new carpet also.
The battery is in the nearside part of the boot on an S2.
When I first got my Ohlins fited Plans said that they recomended the dry cell battery. I didn’t get one and the first track day went without a problem. So did the second. By the 3rd I was getting to grips with the suspension and was quite quick. The 3rd TD was at Rockingham and by the end of the day ended up with a boot full of acid. Had to pay for the battery and a new carpet also.
The battery is in the nearside part of the boot on an S2.
Ex77
Aah, I see now, thanks. In the S1, the battery is mounted fairly down in the front copmpartment - mind you, we dont’t have the ABS gubbins to get in the way.
Can i make an outlandish suggestion that the first mod you should do is get some driver training, learn how to drive it as quick as it can go, and then consider which elements need improving?
Can i make an outlandish suggestion that the first mod you should do is get some driver training, learn how to drive it as quick as it can go, and then consider which elements need improving?
Gary - no offence taken (yer fecker…) but yes, am in total agreement, with every car I get that involves being on the track I have always had tuition on that particular track and in that particular car, ensuring (sort of) that I get the best out of the car.
I’ve had a few cars in the past that have been on the track,
Escort Cosworth
A3 Tdi Quattro with Oettinger remap.
Golf Mk 1.8T 4 with an Oettinger stage 3
AMD stage 3 R32
M3
987S
and a couple of days tuition, not only on handling but also the technical side of things.
I have always believed in starting with tyres and brakes, followed by suspension and finally the power.