Civic Type-R (previous shape) trackdays/upgrades?

paradigm

paradigm

paradigm

Caporegime
Joined
26 Aug 2003
Posts
37,508
Location
Leafy Cheshire
Hi guys,

A mate has a 2005 Type-R, and is wanting to do some trackdays. However, after seeing my "problems", and not being that mechanically minded, he was after some general information about necessary/useful/proven information and/or upgrades about running Type-R's on the track.

Simon's input would be much appreciated here!
 
Running oil at max would be all I could recommend.

If he's on road tyres he should be fine with this. Otherwise a baffled sump would be a good idea. Without knowing the Type R forums too well I don't know anymore.

I know Merlin was happy with his DC5 on the track just by making sure oil was just over the maximum.
 
Cheers guys.

Simon: He was looking at getting some semi-slicks, although I told him that this was mostly unnecessary. If however he does change tyres and wheels, is there anything that you had in mind?
 
In what regard? I would be very wary of running a Honda on semi-slicks without an change to the oiling system. They will suffere from oil surge due to the high lateral G.

As for tyres, no idea sorry. Never used any.

S2000 guys seem to like R888s or Bridgestone RE-01R.
 
Sorry that was a bit vague. I was more interested in the potential problems caused by moving to semi-slicks, but I guess you've pointed me in the right direction there with the oil surges.
 
CTR OE brakes will cry after 3 hard laps.

If gear changes start to become less than perfect it's time to back off and let the box & oil cool.

Overfill the engine oil by a litre.

Keep tyre pressures low and they'll balloon naturally with hard cornering.

Unless he's got a baffled sump & a roll cage fitted I'd keep away from slicks.
 
I'm trying to get him to uprate his discs and pads, do you have any recommendations merlin?

No, he has no cage nor baffled sump, although baffled sump was my first recommendation!
 
Tbh maybe he should just give it a whirl on OE pads and see whether he gets bitten by the bug?

Once he's decided it's something he really wants to spend time and money on - then he can start gearing the car towards the track.

On the DC5 forums we regularly saw guys spending a fortune getting track prep'd then only going for one half day session a year. lol, ludicrous waste of cash.

Mintex though.

Seriously though I'd keep away from slicks unless the guy has the sump, a lot of talent and a cage.

:)
 
Part of the benefit of taking your car on the track is to learn how it handles. Semi slicks breakaway completely differently to road tyres.
 
A spare set of wheels and road tyres would be the ideal really as the CTR can use the fronts quite quickly.

Best advice would be if he has decent tread on his tyres now is to just go out and have a go and if he likes it he can think about a spare set and a brake upgrade.

All he needs to do for now is keep that oil topped up and take some oil along just in case.
 
Simon said:
Part of the benefit of taking your car on the track is to learn how it handles. Semi slicks breakaway completely differently to road tyres.
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But then again, track surfaces are a lot more "high-grip" than the road, even on normal tyres. So that's really a moot point.
 
merlin said:
Seriously though I'd keep away from slicks unless the guy has the sump, a lot of talent and a cage.

:)
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Bolded part is important. There's a pic of a Clio 16v somewhere on two wheels at Anglesey about to roll which was caused because he was on semi slicks IIRC. :/
 
Lowe said:
Bolded part is important. There's a pic of a Clio 16v somewhere on two wheels at Anglesey about to roll which was caused because he was on semi slicks IIRC. :/
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Not only that but the higher chassis loads can also deform the car, they aren't designed for slicks.
 
paradigm said:
Oh, I certainly found Donington to have higher grip than the roads, at least the roads around here.
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All those roads must be covered in kerosene too then :D

The smoothness of tracks will help with grip as your not fighting with bumps and undulations in the surface.
 
Will you let us know how he gets on? I want to track mine at some point but I want to cost it too as I know if I go once I'll want to go again which will mean budgeting for the maintenance.
 
Slightly OT, but how would slicks have such an impact on the car to make it more vulnerable to rolling?

Genuine question, I dont know and am intrigued... :)
 
Rhyzz said:
Slightly OT, but how would slicks have such an impact on the car to make it more vulnerable to rolling?

Genuine question, I dont know and am intrigued... :)
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Extreme example would be sliding sideways on sand, the tyres will dig in and stop the sliding causing the car to roll

Grippier tyres will reduce the sliding of the tyre, combined with body roll and a rapid change of direction it is possible to roll the car.
 
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