Now, I know it's all about fun and experience, but going faster and getting better is still a primary objective at HPDEs I think.
I'm a relatively seasoned guy with 30+ track days under my belt. I started on a 1995 Nissan 240sx. It only had a pop charger and catback in terms of "power" mods. Everything else went into suspension, drivetrain, and controls. I had lots of seat time and dialed that thing to a T. Although I wasn't setting records of any sort, I was hauling ass with that thing and gave 90% of the cars in my group a run for their money. Not bad considering I only had 155hp/160tq @ 2800 lbs to play with.
/humblebragover
/eatsomehumblepie
Fast forward, I the got the Elise (NA) to supplant my Nissan as my track toy. My idea was to get something that didn't need modding. Something that was just ready. Track registration, tires, and gas; done. I've done about 5-6 HPDEs since. None of which have been very impressive. On average (across three different tracks), I'm actually about 5-10 slower than my Nissan.
There are a few immediate issues that I face driving this car:
-I don't redline cars at the track (or at all for that matter). This is probably the biggest self imposed problem in terms of getting better times given the NA Elise really needs to be wound up to 8k each time (so I've heard/seen).
-I can't seem to master heel and toe in the Elise with the lack of spacing (center divider) and awkward pedal spacing/depth/distance.
-I'm still trying to alter my driving style and lines from being super aggressive in my low powered FR, to the MR style/lines. I can't seem to get the same entry or exit speeds as before. I noticed that I spend most my time braking and slowing my momentum down approaching turns.
-So far I've been having a lot of issues with traction. Although a lot can be attributed to learning the MR idiosyncrasies, I can't seem to find that happy median/equilibrium. Either I feel comfortable but am going too slow, or I'm going the speeds I want, but it feels very unsettling and sometimes will hop or lose traction as a warning sign.
Car is 100% stock with the exception of a Lowtush splitter. Currently running OEM sized street tires, Dunlop Z1.
I'm really at my wit's end with this car. I still love it to death and love driving it, but if I'm not enjoying it to the capacity that I should at the track, its main goal isn't being met. What would you guys suggest?
I'm a relatively seasoned guy with 30+ track days under my belt. I started on a 1995 Nissan 240sx. It only had a pop charger and catback in terms of "power" mods. Everything else went into suspension, drivetrain, and controls. I had lots of seat time and dialed that thing to a T. Although I wasn't setting records of any sort, I was hauling ass with that thing and gave 90% of the cars in my group a run for their money. Not bad considering I only had 155hp/160tq @ 2800 lbs to play with.
/humblebragover
/eatsomehumblepie
Fast forward, I the got the Elise (NA) to supplant my Nissan as my track toy. My idea was to get something that didn't need modding. Something that was just ready. Track registration, tires, and gas; done. I've done about 5-6 HPDEs since. None of which have been very impressive. On average (across three different tracks), I'm actually about 5-10 slower than my Nissan.
There are a few immediate issues that I face driving this car:
-I don't redline cars at the track (or at all for that matter). This is probably the biggest self imposed problem in terms of getting better times given the NA Elise really needs to be wound up to 8k each time (so I've heard/seen).
-I can't seem to master heel and toe in the Elise with the lack of spacing (center divider) and awkward pedal spacing/depth/distance.
-I'm still trying to alter my driving style and lines from being super aggressive in my low powered FR, to the MR style/lines. I can't seem to get the same entry or exit speeds as before. I noticed that I spend most my time braking and slowing my momentum down approaching turns.
-So far I've been having a lot of issues with traction. Although a lot can be attributed to learning the MR idiosyncrasies, I can't seem to find that happy median/equilibrium. Either I feel comfortable but am going too slow, or I'm going the speeds I want, but it feels very unsettling and sometimes will hop or lose traction as a warning sign.
Car is 100% stock with the exception of a Lowtush splitter. Currently running OEM sized street tires, Dunlop Z1.
I'm really at my wit's end with this car. I still love it to death and love driving it, but if I'm not enjoying it to the capacity that I should at the track, its main goal isn't being met. What would you guys suggest?