I just got a 2005 WRX sti and have signed up for the Thunderhill track day oct. 4.
I want to make mods but don't know where to start. What do I need for a track day? What, in order of importance, are the best mods to make? Who in the bay area is the best shop for instalation? A 5 point harness is the first thing I want to do, any suggestions on which belts and where to get them installed? Thanks and I look forward to meeting all of you at TH.
rsrdoug

 

Hi,

First off, you really don't need to do anything to your STi for the track day. An STi is a decent track car. There are plenty of vendors in the Bay Area that can help install this stuff for you. If you don't get a good response here, be sure to ask in the Bay Area forum (link)

 

Oct 4th is the unlimited laps day. I usually head out with http://www.ncracing.org I have run a couple of track days in my STi. So here are a few things for you to keep in mind.

First mods you'll end up wanting.
1.) Better brake fluid and pads
2.) a Good alignment.

They will get you a long way. Look into getting your own helmet if you don't already have one. If you want a 5 point harness you will need a seat that supports a 5 point harness. Your stock STi seat does not have amounting point for the 5 belt, It would not be safe to run one in your car without a good aftermarket racing seat.

Also you will need at the very least a harness bar and preferrablya roll cage, well, i suppose you can run bolt in belts to the rear anchors but this creates a problem where the belts can crush you in an accident. Anyway, I advise against a harness for now, unless you have the proper equipment it is more dangerous than your standard 3point.

Feel free to PM or email me at ej25 @ stifiles.com

-------------------------
http://www.stifiles.com

 

The STi is pretty much ready to go out of the box if you're a track day beginner. If you've got some experience and are running pretty fast, I'd suggest brake pads (Ferrodo DS2500 is a great choice) better fluid like ATE or Motul, and stainless steel lines. Buying your own helmet is the way to go if you plan to make more events or autocross (and I hope you do!).

I run a 4 point harness in my car, although it's not the best thing to do if you manage to roll your car. however, the odds of that are pretty slim, and Thnder Hill is a pretty forgiving track. You can also use the "3-point harness" trick with the seat belt if you aren't too tall. I'll be happy to show you how it works, since I'll be at the event too.

Stott, this would be a great time to check out an unlimitedLaps.com event, since subarus will be running for less than $190. HP is the owner, and his events run like clockwork. You'll notice a whole lot of the Bay Area subaru trackhounds run with Unlimited Laps quite a bit.

 

Nice,
I would probaby run with them, but they only have a few events per year. Most of them ended up being at the hill. I will probably run with them one day, but hte NCRC scdedule keeps me pretty busy. Especially since I am getting ready to start in the Time Trial series and maybe their racing club.

I'll keep my eye on unlimited events for a good track day at Sears or Laguna though.

Thanks,

-------------------------
http://www.stifiles.com

 

How many guys do you normally have on at the same time with unlimited laps? Part of what I like about NCRC is the low amounts of traffic you run into.

-------------------------
http://www.stifiles.com

 

15-20 cars per run group, which isn't many at all at 3.0-mile long Thunder Hill. You can always find an open spot to yourself.