[Doug007]

Hey guys,

I'm getting ready for my first track event this weekend here in Texas. The weather forecast is for highs in the low 60s.

I have the Procede V5 and a DCI.

Would you recommend I run tuned or stock? I'm still a bit concerned about overheating even though I waited until the winter to do this.

My first thought was to run stock the first day and see how that goes. If all is well it just takes a bump of the cruise stock to crank out the power

[orionredwing]

Definitely stock boost.

Tuned is a handicap if this is your first time on track. I can write paragraphs explaining why, but all will be explained your first day on track.

You will not overheat if this is your first track event, as long as you have the factory oil cooler installed.

Remember, focus on being smooth. The PROcede's smooth power delivery will definitely help. If at the end of the day, you feel you can do better by adding more power, it means you're not picking up the right lessons Hope you're getting instruction!

Have fun!

Here is my thread of me running stock boost using the PROcede. Note that I was faster while running much less power. I still have a lil more to shave before I need to turn up the boost.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=473177

[Centex Hokie]

Are you going to TWS? I'm going next month and have the same adders, but with a convertible. Very interested to get your feedback.

[aisthetes]

Agree with the above. The stock suspension already has a tough time keeping up the the factory 300hp / 300 lb-ft. Keep it stock until you upgrade suspension and tires.

[Doug007]

Originally Posted by orionredwing

Definitely stock boost.

Tuned is a handicap if this is your first time on track. I can write paragraphs explaining why, but all will be explained your first day on track.

You will not overheat if this is your first track event, as long as you have the factory oil cooler installed.

Remember, focus on being smooth. The PROcede's smooth power delivery will definitely help. If at the end of the day, you feel you can do better by adding more power, it means you're not picking up the right lessons Hope you're getting instruction!

Have fun!

Here is my thread of me running stock boost using the PROcede. Note that I was faster while running much less power. I still have a lil more to shave before I need to turn up the boost.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=473177

Were you running map 0 or just had boost turned down to the minimum?

I don't quite understand how the procede gave you smooth power if you were running stock boost...

[orionredwing]

I had boost turned down to the minimum on map1, which was 10% initial boost, 11psi max, 100% ign.

The peak boost may be near-stock (10.5psi), but the power delivery and throttle response of the PROcede is still there.

Without the PROcede, it took a lil more finesse applying gradual power out of turns, because our cars have so much low end torque. It's hard to gauge what throttle position will give you the power you need. Instead, you just stay gentle and easy, then add power only after you've tracked out and completed your turn. Sure, you can mash your pedal and let the traction nannies do their work, but then you're not really learning the limits of your car. Hmm, I suppose if it's your first time on track, these fine points don't really matter yet.

But with the PROcede, you have predictable power, and know boost is directly proportional to your throttle position. So coming out of turns, you can control how much power to apply based on your traction. It helps w/ your exit speeds as you pickup more track experience.

Btw, if you somehow get limp modes on track, try resetting all adaptations. It worked for me, and I haven't had any limps for the last 3 track days. One of the great advantages of having a PROcede

Originally Posted by Doug007

Were you running map 0 or just had boost turned down to the minimum?

I don't quite understand how the procede gave you smooth power if you were running stock boost...

[Doug007]

Hmm, I might have to give that a shot. Maybe i'll set up map 1 for an 11psi limit and map 2 what is normally map 1.

Thanks for the advice!

I'll have to give a rundown on my thoughts at the end of the weekend. Two days on the track is going to be sweet

[ninesixtwo]

Originally Posted by aisthetes

A n00b already has a tough time keeping up the the factory 300hp / 300 lb-ft.

Fixed it for you!

[Doug007]

Off was definitely the right option this weekend.

While more power was fun, it was definitely not needed.

And yes, 300hp is more than enough for the stock suspension (regardless of skill level). Getting that to the ground in the corners with an open diff was hard enough!

Tracking the car has definitely rearranged my modification strategy. More power has lost out to handling and traction. An LSD is definitely up there as well as Bilstein PSS10s and better tires. The brakes worked well but a track pad would have been much better.

These forums are so power hungry but few track their cars (besides 1/4 mile, 60-130 which is totally different). I'll wait until my warranty/service runs out, but I see some $$ being spent on suspension when that happens.

[orionredwing]

Grats on your first track event! Sounds like you had a ton of fun.

If you search for my track related threads in the various subforums, I think you'll enjoy the read on how I progressed from a beginner to intermediate these past 2-3 years. You may find my modding strategy valuable, as my motto has always been one mod at a time, followed by 1+ track days to experience the changes. This really allowed me to fully understand and appreciate the impact of each mod.

If I were to do it again, I'd choose:
1) LSD
2) Cooling: FMIC, Oil Cooler, Radiator
3) Coilovers
4) Brakes (aftermarket OEM replacements, or BBKs)
5) M3 bits (huge improvement, reduces understeer significantly...plan your coilovers w/ this in mind!)
5) Power (your PROcede w/ DCI is good enuf!)
6) Other - e.g. Swaybars. Still undecided on this one. With my current setup, body roll and chassis stiffness isn't yet an issue for my skill level, so I don't feel the need yet.

Many of the experts on here will say for most cars W/O heat issues, Brakes is #1. But maybe they forgot what it was like to be a beginner, since they can drive ANY car well. However, for us, you will notice after a few track days that the body roll will become a limiting factor, because it robs you of confidence. Despite your best efforts at being smooth, you're just getting faster and faster. At that point, I recommend you get coilovers. I put LSD first cuz it's such a great mod for everyday driving...it's not limited to track, and is really a no brainer if you drive aggressively on the street (talk about improved tire and brake pad wear!).

But that's a few track events away yet. I'm sure I mentioned it before, but there's no rush to get coilovers, since your decision may change as you become more experienced. While it will certainly help in the short-term, if you just go w/ PSS10s w/o swapping in higher linear spring rates, there may be a little regret as you become more experienced.

Lastly, don't worry about overheating yet. If you're at that point where your car is in danger of overheating, you should back off and try to focus on being smoother. I am 100% positive you will be faster while being less aggressive on the power. I'm sure you saw your oil temps get high this past weekend (normal), but you probably didn't overheat.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Doug007

Off was definitely the right option this weekend.

While more power was fun, it was definitely not needed.

And yes, 300hp is more than enough for the stock suspension (regardless of skill level). Getting that to the ground in the corners with an open diff was hard enough!

Tracking the car has definitely rearranged my modification strategy. More power has lost out to handling and traction. An LSD is definitely up there as well as Bilstein PSS10s and better tires. The brakes worked well but a track pad would have been much better.

These forums are so power hungry but few track their cars (besides 1/4 mile, 60-130 which is totally different). I'll wait until my warranty/service runs out, but I see some $$ being spent on suspension when that happens.