First Driver's Ed w/ WRX
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 50
From: Va
Car Info: '04 WRX Wagon - Java Black
First Driver's Ed w/ WRX
Despite many years driving other brands, I will be attending my first DE with my new WRX Wagon. Since it should be cool temps (Watkins Glen in late Oct) what should I worry about with this car?
I still have the stock brake pads and rotors, as well as brake fluid and tires. I won't have time to replace rotors or tires (not that I want to) but I am worried about brake pads and brake fluid.. suggestions?
I still have the stock brake pads and rotors, as well as brake fluid and tires. I won't have time to replace rotors or tires (not that I want to) but I am worried about brake pads and brake fluid.. suggestions?
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First track day
Being it's your first time on the track with this car you don't have to worry about anything. You will get some brake fade and the ABS will be kicking in on heavy stops. I was able to goto about 5 track events before having to change my pads, tires and fluid.
Have fun !
Tom
Have fun !
Tom
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 50
From: Va
Car Info: '04 WRX Wagon - Java Black
Alright! I am sure someone must be wondering how it went? mmm Watkins Glen!
Arrived at the track.. unloaded the car... checked tire pressure and headed out (starting with 40f/32r). By turn 2 it was apparent that I needed to not only check tire pressure, but add more to the fronts, as they were howling in protest of the very idea of turning. It should be noted that the tires are stock Bridgestones RE-092 all seasons. Not ideal track tires, but since I was only looking to explore the WRX's abilities, this wasn't too bothersome
After pumping up the fronts to 43 and the rears to 35, I went back out for round two.. Not bad. The howling subsided slightly. The car seemed to handle better. The car became more tossable.. ie manageable understeer that, with liberal throttle, could be coaxed into throtte "oversteer".
The car pulled strongly.
Only 7-10 mph slower than my 911 on the back straight, and that was likely because I couldn't enter turn 2 as fast in the WRX because of its aforementioned tires! The brakes were only acceptable. In fact, upon coming into the pits after several hot laps, I noticed smoke rising from the pads! 
I also found the ABS as the pedal would slowly fade and pedal travel increased. Nothing too dangerous, but not truly confidence inspiring either...
If I had to have only ONE car for everything, this would make a great one. All it needs is another set of wheels/tires with some serious rubber, high temp brake fluid and some better brake pads. (Gee, sounds like an STi doesn't it?)
There were 2 other WRX's there as well. Another wagon (this one modified), with automatic, that I caught quite easily and a black sedan, also modified, that was slightly quicker.
Arrived at the track.. unloaded the car... checked tire pressure and headed out (starting with 40f/32r). By turn 2 it was apparent that I needed to not only check tire pressure, but add more to the fronts, as they were howling in protest of the very idea of turning. It should be noted that the tires are stock Bridgestones RE-092 all seasons. Not ideal track tires, but since I was only looking to explore the WRX's abilities, this wasn't too bothersome
After pumping up the fronts to 43 and the rears to 35, I went back out for round two.. Not bad. The howling subsided slightly. The car seemed to handle better. The car became more tossable.. ie manageable understeer that, with liberal throttle, could be coaxed into throtte "oversteer".
The car pulled strongly.
Only 7-10 mph slower than my 911 on the back straight, and that was likely because I couldn't enter turn 2 as fast in the WRX because of its aforementioned tires! The brakes were only acceptable. In fact, upon coming into the pits after several hot laps, I noticed smoke rising from the pads! I also found the ABS as the pedal would slowly fade and pedal travel increased. Nothing too dangerous, but not truly confidence inspiring either...If I had to have only ONE car for everything, this would make a great one. All it needs is another set of wheels/tires with some serious rubber, high temp brake fluid and some better brake pads. (Gee, sounds like an STi doesn't it?)
There were 2 other WRX's there as well. Another wagon (this one modified), with automatic, that I caught quite easily and a black sedan, also modified, that was slightly quicker.
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