Polo 6R track requirements

[Zakarados]

I was wondering if I could get some advice on getting the Polo GTi 6R track ready. I previously took my Honda Integra Type S to the track on a regular basis, and there was not much that needed to be done.

1. Oil and Oil filter change to track spec - replace before and after track day
2. Change brake fluid to track spec - replace every 2-4 track days
3. Change transmission oil - replace before and after track day
4. Change brake pads to track spec

With insane oil consumption and oil getting into the spark plugs, I don't have much faith in my Polo yet, but I would like to gather how much work is needed to get this beast on the track and still be healthy/safe.

[amazeer]

Oil consumption will be more insane for you change it after every track day! I'm a life member of a sporting car club. I dont know anybody who does that.

[Zakarados]

Changing a $50 bottle of engine oil is nothing when your engine is spinning at 9000rpm for hours

Oil consumption will be more insane for you change it after every track day! I'm a life member of a sporting car club. I dont know anybody who does that.

[iigx]

Mate of mine drives a RS4 on track days on a monthly basis and he is fastidious about changing the oil in his car for track days.

[gavs]

While not critical, i'd look at the following:

Intercooler. not so much an issue for one or two days but with the heatsoak that will aflict you on the track with this motor, you really should look into this. It will also help in keeping the intake temps down on highways etc as well. Mine drops heatsoak temps very quickly now, to the tune of about 5-10 secs at 60kph after 20 mins @ 100kph. It used to take 25-30 secs in the same circumstances.

Tyres. oh man you need tyres. Look at some cheap semi slicks to start with because you will hate having to replace your normal every-day tyres all the time. One track day will probably destroy the Dunloip SP Sport Maxx'.

Trans oil, don't bother. it's a sealed, lifetime fill.

If you go to full track-spec pads, do a proper bed-in otherwise i'd be stocking up on rotors

[Lemonskin]

This is why I probably won't ever get my car on the track sadly... Too much maintenance/replacing for my current $$$ situation!

[Nivlac]

And what's the go with tow points and fire extinguishers and all that. Is there a link I can go to get all the basick info. ?

I have never tracked or hill climed a car. So am slowly getting everything sorted out. To do that.

[Melon Head]

Join a car club that races. You will have a tonne of fun and meet a bunch of guys that can give advice

I remember many years ago when I use to do this sought of thing you were required to have a fire extinguisher and an easily accessible tow hook/ring.
I also needed to get a racing licence.

But in regards to the car. The first thing you need is good street legal racing tyres (if you don't have a car trailer), then get to know your car on the track and start playing around with and recording tyre pressure (on all four wheels), then suspension adjustments.

[Zakarados]

For those in NSW, here are details of the easiest way to get track time in your polo: Wakefield Park Raceway I am not sure if other states have similar track days.

Thanks for the info guys, but still not much concrete/first hand experience from anyone hitting the track. I guess not many people track their Polo GTi's.

[Melon Head]

For those in NSW, here are details of the easiest way to get track time in your polo: Wakefield Park Raceway I am not sure if other states have similar track days.

Thanks for the info guys, but still not much concrete/first hand experience from anyone hitting the track. I guess not many people track their Polo GTi's.

Give me a break , only had the car for 5 days, and haven't hit the track in 16 years.
Seriously call the Alfa Romeo car club and ask to speak to someone about track days. Best bunch of guys that can help you.
Seems sacriligious mentioning the Alfa car club here but they take their club racing seriously.

[Zakarados]

Give me a break , only had the car for 5 days, and haven't hit the track in 16 years.
Seriously call the Alfa Romeo car club and ask to speak to someone about track days. Best bunch of guys that can help you.
Seems sacriligious mentioning the Alfa car club here but they take their club racing seriously.

Hehe, you must be having a blast with your car, I was until all the dramas began!

Lets see if my oil consumption has settled and I will head out for some track action. I'm not too keen to go with a club as it will mean a packed track. I like heading there with a small group of 3-4 cars and go on a weekday to avoid the rush.

On a side note, I don't think a set of track tyres is necessary. I did 3-4 track days with daily driving in my Integra on Bridgestone RE001's and they were still going strong. The only thing to be scared of is the tyres going stale due to the heat cycles. With my polo coming eith RE050s I think it should be OK.

[DETROITCANDY]

I agree with Gavs below, semi-comp tyres, track pads & intercooler are a must unless you only want to do three laps at a time.
I would even toy with the idea of going down an inch in rims if you were to buy a new set specifically for track days, the skinny low profile 17" might be hard to find semi-comp track tyres for, fatter 16" semi's might be more readily available & provide better grip, less under steer.

As for other generic things required for scrutineering(?):
-Blue Battery triangle, buy a kit off ebay & get it delivered (should come with tow hook stickers which generally not required). Cheaper than buying it on the day & atleast you will have spares if you dont plan on leaving them on between track days.
-Fire extinguisher, make sure its less than 3 years old and has two mounting bolts dia. 6mm or larger. Approved Extinguishers costs $20 from bunnings, PM me for pic of bracket I made up before a Motorkhana late last year, can be easily bolted/unbolted under passenger seat and doesn't require any holes drilled into car.
-Some clubs may require you to have metal valve caps, most don't.
-You might have to screw in your tow hook located next to your spare wheel into the front bumper (small removable plastic panel under RHS headlight I think).

I'm not sure if the Gti has one as standard but look into fitting or upgrading an oil cooler with thermostat, I saw temps of over 110deg. c after only repeated short minute long 'blats' on a 35deg day at lower speed on a skid pan & short TT circuit. I would imagine a 7 lap session on a track day would produce higher temps, but may be kept in check with higher speed airflow through car.
Some might be, but I'm not comfortable with sustained 120+ deg oil temps, use your MFD as gauge to know when to back off. I'd much prefer to go this route rather than changing engine oil after every track day, oil shouldn't break down if you keep the temp low.

If you're precious about your paintwork maybe look into some clear 3M film on the front of your car & behind front wheels & down low on your rear bar. These areas tend to get trashed if your running with semi comps that get hot & stick to everything, releasing them on the straight, also from cars in front with semi's throwing up rocks into your path.

While not critical, i'd look at the following:

Intercooler. not so much an issue for one or two days but with the heatsoak that will aflict you on the track with this motor, you really should look into this. It will also help in keeping the intake temps down on highways etc as well. Mine drops heatsoak temps very quickly now, to the tune of about 5-10 secs at 60kph after 20 mins @ 100kph. It used to take 25-30 secs in the same circumstances.

Tyres. oh man you need tyres. Look at some cheap semi slicks to start with because you will hate having to replace your normal every-day tyres all the time. One track day will probably destroy the Dunloip SP Sport Maxx'.

Trans oil, don't bother. it's a sealed, lifetime fill.

If you go to full track-spec pads, do a proper bed-in otherwise i'd be stocking up on rotors

[Melon Head]

Yeah love the car. Just waiting to see how the car goes over the next 6 months to see if I will start spending money on it for the track

I got the RE050 tyres on my car too.
Nice tyres.
I have RE002 on the Swift, also good.

[Melon Head]

One thing I would definitely fix is the brakes.
I don't like the spongey feeling of them - not confidence inspiring at all.
Maybe better brake lines might improve

[readerr0r]

One thing I would definitely fix is the brakes.
I don't like the spongey feeling of them - not confidence inspiring at all.
Maybe better brake lines might improve

Turning up the brake assit helps. I've just been to a 30min happy laps event (and def plan to go more) and the high setting helps.
Setting the traction to strong also worked well, it never cut in. It's the same setting the 'rocco R carries. I also hit 110deg about half way in (35deg day).

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f153/vcds-6r-polo-primarily-gti-60641.html#post785181