Thoughts on tracking a new car?

[SteveR]

I know we have gone over the schools of thought on engine break-in a few times already. In light of Audi's R8 engine redline testing, it seems new engines shouldn't suffer any damage from higher rpms as long as they are fully warm, but what about high loads?

I have been invited to a track event the week I should get my R8. I really wanted to get some miles on the car before it saw any track time, but the opportunity is irresistable. It's the biggest annual track event I know of in the area, and my first invitation. I am thinking of taking it there and (trying to) avoid WOT or all-out laps. It would be nice to get a feel for the car on a track, but I intend to keep the car a long time and don't want to harm it. Would taking it be a mistake?

[Monkey boy UK]

Steve, no, not in my opinion, don’t miss an opportunity to take the R8 round a track, it’s what it’s made for, I have 200 miles on my clock and am not worrying about rev limits or driving it hard, it doesn’t need running in, just go for it.

In 2.5 weeks my car will be put through 9 days of driving through the most demanding of roads in Europe & covering over 3000 miles, followed by 2 days at the Ring ( & another 6/7 R8's or so, one being collected direct from the factory en-route )

So, go for it & drive it, it’s why it exists..........

[SBFV10]

Steve, no, not in my opinion, don’t miss an opportunity to take the R8 round a track, it’s what it’s made for, I have 200 miles on my clock and am not worrying about rev limits or driving it hard, it doesn’t need running in, just go for it.

In 2.5 weeks my car will be put through 9 days of driving through the most demanding of roads in Europe & covering over 3000 miles, followed by 2 days at the Ring ( & another 6/7 R8's or so, one being collected direct from the factory en-route )

So, go for it & drive it, it’s why it exists..........

Right on Colin.....let's go! I leave for London in 2 weeks. Can't wait to meet all of you guys. Can I have a turn with your car???

Steve

[gazza1]

I wouldn't sweat it as the engine is already run in at the factory and my R8 mechanic said just go for it when I had my new engine installed.

However I would go for a long drive just prior to enable bed in of your brakes and transmission bits etc.

Also remember..if it all goes wrong you have a warranty.

[desperado]

Steve, I like your plan to avoid all-out laps. I would go out there absolutely committed to keep it down to 5/10 or 6/10 effort until the car is broken in. I don't believe that would adversely affect the long-term health of the car.

I had the same situation with our recently acquired new Corvette. I really wanted to follow the manufacturer's break-in recommendations as, like you, I expect to hold my cars a long time. We simply took several long drives the week of delivery, including one to go out and watch another group running at the track. I got most of the mfr's break-in schedule done on the street. I figure I did the last little bit safely at the track, since I was taking it pretty easy while getting used to a new track and a new car.

P.S. Don't forget to get the clear bra film installed on the car before you go!

[willyjp]

Steve: having just recently tracked my 2010 v8 for the first time (@ 5k mi.), I would just add that, if you do intend to avoid maximum revs right out of the box (and personally I would, though I recognize it's arguable), you're going to have to be extra careful.

The R8 is a very eager rev-er and once we got going on some spirited laps, I really had to watch it to avoid hitting the rev limiter (8250 one assumes) coming out of turns in 3rd and 4th.

At 5k mi I don't worry a bit about that...just getting it really well run in now...but I wouldn't think you'd repeatedly want to be redlining a brand new engine (I know guys, some of you would!). But it's easy in the R8 because it really wants to rev (and would probably easily turn 9000+ without the rev limiter in the mid-gears)

[MikeB]

I wouldn't sweat it as the engine is already run in at the factory and my R8 mechanic said just go for it when I had my new engine installed.

However I would go for a long drive just prior to enable bed in of your brakes and transmission bits etc.

Its important to bed the brakes in as above, especially as you will be needing them! But I don't think that Audi engine testing give it the same harsh environment as the track. I waited for the statutory run-in mileage to bed in the engine and then went for it at Castle Combe race circuit and thoroughly enjoyed it for that.

Is it not possible to go for a VERY long drive before tracking it?

[SteveR]

It depends on when I get it, I suppose. It's a 100+ mile ride home from the dealership, unless I decide to "sew the mitten" (a lakeshore drive around Michigan). I don't think I will be able to put more than a few hundred miles on in time for the event.

Good points by everyone. I hadn't considered the brakes, and don't want to compromise their break-in at all. A few hundred miles should be enough?

[wedouglas]

Go for it. You'll be fine. Put the long drive to the dealer on it and maybe drive a couple hundred miles if possible.

More important for break in is going to be the brakes. They bed them in for you at the factory to some degree, but you need to use them a bit to finish the job.

BTW, what track are you going to? Grattan?

[mngolfer]

+1 on the Scotchcal protective film. I added it the first day. I only covered my lower hood and mirrors initially. What a mistake if you track the car. I now have the entire front of the car, mirrors and rocker panels done in Scotchcal.

PM me if you want a DOC file with Pre Track things you need to know. I received it from a fellow R8talk person, I think it was Desperado. The only thing I added was the clothing required. This doc is a great piece of information to anyone tracking their car. If someone knows how to upload this to a permanent location on the site I would appreciate the advice.

I would also suggest you go to youtube and find videos and maps of the track you are going to. Trackpedia is another great source for track information. This will really help in your learning.

Even now after my car has ~9500 miles on it I only take it to ~7,000 RPM. I never saw any advantage in going higher, once I learned how to drive better.

You will have the most fun you can have with your clothes on by tracking your R8. At the 25th anniversary of the ACNA last year Audi's instructor told me to never take the ESP off. I have always used his advice. With your car new and new to you I strongly suggest NOT turning the ESP off. Safe is REALLY important at 150+ MPH.

I would also suggest a Griots or other tire pressure gauge that allows you to measure tire pressure to 1/10th PSI. Your tires hot add 4-6 PSI. Your manual will tell you to keep 39 in the front and 36 in the back...cold.

Mothertucker, a VERY experienced instruction and R8talk forum member, said he runs his tires at 36 front and rear HOT. During my last event in May I ran my tires at 34 cold front and 32 rear cold. The tires got up to 40 front and rear after my track session.

I would have the dealer change out the brake fluid to Motul 600 before you take possession of the car if you ever plan on tracking the car. You do not want to be on the track without brakes because of low performance brake fluid. I think every member on this forum that tracks their car will agree with this suggestion.

Sorry for the rank. These are things I learned over time from this forum. Good luck with your car.