Tracking an Elise - LotusTalk

RWLott · 09-27-2009, 05:02 PM

I've been encouraged for some time now to go to the track. My 05 has the touring package with a hardtop. I guess it would be classified as stock. I did install a CG lock on my seatbelt to make shifting more precise in a hard turn.

I would plan to attend as much as twice a year with an instructor the first few times.

For starters I would have to buy a helmet? Also get a toe link brace installed?

What would be a recommmended minimum set of mods/enhancements and the approximate cost of each?

I’m thinking tracking the car would require quite a bit of additional expense? Or just go "as is?"

Mr. Know · 09-27-2009, 05:14 PM

Several threads on this already, but I'll answer some here.

I'd definitely buy a helmet, make sure it meets the requirements for the organization you will be tracking with. A SA2005 rated helmet will probably fit the bill for any organization and will be good until 2014.
Don't stress about the toe link brace right out of the gate...but DO have the car in to check the toe link bolts to make sure they are at factory spec torque (and check them before every track day).

For a complete novice, invest in safety equipment first. A good well fitting helmet (try a few on to get a feel for them), a good set of motorsport gloves and anything else your organization requires you to have should be the things to buy before your first day. And remember, plenty of sleep the night before and plenty of water or liquids during the event. Most of all have fun.

Pengineer91 · 09-27-2009, 05:16 PM

You don't need much to start.

Get a helmet. Go to a shop and try a bunch of them on. This is your primary piece of safety equipment - Don't try to cut corners by shopping over the internet. Fit is everything.

If you don't get a toe link brace, be absolutely sure that the toe link bolts are torqued to spec. While you're under there, change the oil, flush the brake/clutch fluid, and be sure that you have enough brake pad material left. Other's will have different opinions, but minimum 5mm front, 4mm rear is a good place to start your first session until you learn your limits and understand your brake wear patterns. If you have doubts, get new pads.

Invest in a good tire gauge and torque wrench.

The Elise is a wonderful track car and it will serve you very well for quite a while without significant upgrades. For now, the best investment is to "tighten the loose nut behind the wheel."

Enjoy!

RWLott · 09-28-2009, 10:57 AM

Thanks for your responses. I check the toe link bolt torque every oil change. Both were a bit less than spec the first time I checked them, and have remained OK since they were first tightened.

I change the oil every 3000 miles and the brake fluid once a year, so I should be good to go after getting a good helmet.

zygotesoup · 09-28-2009, 11:14 AM

im in the same boat as you. ill be attending my first track events next spring/summer. i would also highly recommend making sure your battery bracket is tightened down. i had the terminals rip off mine while driving on a go kart track a couple weeks ago. and you can imagine how well your car will work with no battery attached

srwhitman · 09-28-2009, 01:28 PM

check out: GETTING READY

Scott

09-27-2009, 05:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
RWLott BBeauty Join Date: May 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 206	Tracking an Elise I've been encouraged for some time now to go to the track. My 05 has the touring package with a hardtop. I guess it would be classified as stock. I did install a CG lock on my seatbelt to make shifting more precise in a hard turn. I would plan to attend as much as twice a year with an instructor the first few times. For starters I would have to buy a helmet? Also get a toe link brace installed? What would be a recommmended minimum set of mods/enhancements and the approximate cost of each? I’m thinking tracking the car would require quite a bit of additional expense? Or just go "as is?"

09-27-2009, 05:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mr. Know British by extrapolation Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Marin, California Posts: 3,350 Images: 6	Several threads on this already, but I'll answer some here. I'd definitely buy a helmet, make sure it meets the requirements for the organization you will be tracking with. A SA2005 rated helmet will probably fit the bill for any organization and will be good until 2014. Don't stress about the toe link brace right out of the gate...but DO have the car in to check the toe link bolts to make sure they are at factory spec torque (and check them before every track day). For a complete novice, invest in safety equipment first. A good well fitting helmet (try a few on to get a feel for them), a good set of motorsport gloves and anything else your organization requires you to have should be the things to buy before your first day. And remember, plenty of sleep the night before and plenty of water or liquids during the event. Most of all have fun. __________________ 07 Magnetic Blue Exige S Join the Blue Lotus Team on Facebook.

09-28-2009, 10:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
RWLott BBeauty Join Date: May 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 206	tracking the Elise Thanks for your responses. I check the toe link bolt torque every oil change. Both were a bit less than spec the first time I checked them, and have remained OK since they were first tightened. I change the oil every 3000 miles and the brake fluid once a year, so I should be good to go after getting a good helmet.

09-28-2009, 11:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
zygotesoup Resident Drunk Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,226	im in the same boat as you. ill be attending my first track events next spring/summer. i would also highly recommend making sure your battery bracket is tightened down. i had the terminals rip off mine while driving on a go kart track a couple weeks ago. and you can imagine how well your car will work with no battery attached __________________ 2005 BADA55 Lotus Elise 1993 Black BMW 325i 2000 Solar Yellow MR-S - SOLD 1987 White on White Porsche 944 Turbo - SOLD 1993 Maroon Lexus SC400 - SOLD

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09-27-2009, 05:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Pengineer91 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southern NH Posts: 97	You don't need much to start. Get a helmet. Go to a shop and try a bunch of them on. This is your primary piece of safety equipment - Don't try to cut corners by shopping over the internet. Fit is everything. If you don't get a toe link brace, be absolutely sure that the toe link bolts are torqued to spec. While you're under there, change the oil, flush the brake/clutch fluid, and be sure that you have enough brake pad material left. Other's will have different opinions, but minimum 5mm front, 4mm rear is a good place to start your first session until you learn your limits and understand your brake wear patterns. If you have doubts, get new pads. Invest in a good tire gauge and torque wrench. The Elise is a wonderful track car and it will serve you very well for quite a while without significant upgrades. For now, the best investment is to "tighten the loose nut behind the wheel." Enjoy!

09-28-2009, 01:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
srwhitman srw Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Saratoga, CA Posts: 178	check out: GETTING READY Scott

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