[VelodromeRacer]

I wanted to know what you guys think about getting the cars out to a road course after break in. I do some road racing with mu Austin Healeys, but I have specific axel/bearing/bushings and wheels.....I thought in June I would take my car to Putnam Park for some track time..but I wonder how durable the stock setup is?

I might swap tires/wheels, but the brake system and cooling system???

 

[Howie]

My GTO is already scheduled for the NASA event here in Phoenix on the Jan 17-18. They're configuring 3 differnt tracks forthe weekend, the main 2.3 mi and two different 1.6 mi cousres. If everything goes right I should have plenty of pics and in car video.

 

[VelodromeRacer]

Howie (that's also my nickname for Howard)
I wouls love to see the pictures when you are down. I will be interested in your products down the road. I can't wait to get the car our around Putnam Park, it is a great course with open fields along it so a spin or mistake doesn't bend sheetmetal! I use a camera mount called "stickey pod" for my in or on car video.

Let me know what you think of the stock suspension...

 

[ghqman]

I plan on taking mine to MidOhio in April, so will also be interested to hear any thoughts.

 

[VelodromeRacer]

Whats going on at MidOhio..? I spent time there with the SCCA champs.

It will be great to see some of these GTO'S on the road courses....something new to the GTO as well as a big kick in the pants for one or two BMW guys I know as they are forced to pull wide because I am coming through.....

 

[ghqman]

Lapping day at the school there, so mostly an opportunity to put some laps in and see how it performs.

 

[Howie]

After talking to a few friends who'll be there with their BMW's this was the general reaction to seeing a GTO registered...

Seriously though we're gonna have some fun, but we're also gonna get some real numbers to compare the Baer brakes and Hotchkis kits we'll be selling. It'll be nice to see some before and after comparisons.

 

[Strom]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I'm thinking about buying a coupe in the next year, and I'm looking at the GTO. One of the things I'll be doing with the vehicle is road racing it (just for fun), but I'm a bit worried about the weight of the vehicle.

With a good suspension setup (such as the Hotchkis), how well is the vehicle going to go around a track? Also, can much be done to balance the car even further and reduce weight, such as moving the battery to the trunk or using lighter components? Balancing and weight reduction would help the braking as well, but I would still be open to something like the Baer system if necessary.

Basically, I'm asking if this vehicle is meant mostly for drag-style racing, or if it would be a successful and fun track car?

 

[Pwerks]

Just a couple thoughts -

The car is not desinged to be a straignt-line car as much as it is an overall performer.

On the track the GTO will be fantastic despite the somewhat heavy weight of the vehicle due to its well sorted (for factory) suspension.

As a start I would purchase a smaller, lighter battery and relocate it to the trunk.

Don't worry your GTO will be loads of fun on the track!

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I'm thinking about buying a coupe in the next year, and I'm looking at the GTO. One of the things I'll be doing with the vehicle is road racing it (just for fun), but I'm a bit worried about the weight of the vehicle.

With a good suspension setup (such as the Hotchkis), how well is the vehicle going to go around a track? Also, can much be done to balance the car even further and reduce weight, such as moving the battery to the trunk or using lighter components? Balancing and weight reduction would help the braking as well, but I would still be open to something like the Baer system if necessary.

Basically, I'm asking if this vehicle is meant mostly for drag-style racing, or if it would be a successful and fun track car?

 

[VelodromeRacer]

Always glad to get the input!

 

[Rick76]

It all depends how serious you want to get, but the first improvement you will want to look at for track work is brakes.

Two pads that seem get good reviews from the Holden guys for street/light track work are EBC Green Stuff and Ferodo DS2500 pads. Some guys flush their fluid and replace with high performance stuff (DOT 5 racing fluid, etc). This is about the minimum most guys do for track.

Obviously as far as rotors you can go aftermarket standard size but slotted, etc (eg. DBA).

Most guys who are serious with track work go to larger HSV spec or aftermarket rotors/calipers (AP, Harrop, Brembo, etc) but it starts getting expensive. Braided lines, etc also. There are already heaps of options available designed for Holdens that will bolt straight on to the GTO.... and the choice/price will improve even more when US companies develop their own kits.

Another possible weak point could be the power steering fluid overheating/overflowing under heavy track work. This is a known problem that doesnt usually occur during street use. Solution... one or all of the following: High quality hoses, forklift fluid (not sure what visc, etc but a lot were using some Mobil stuff that has a higher boiling than the stock fill) and a proper cooler. At the very least check your fluid level and check the tightness of all the hose clamps on the power steering system.

If your driving leans towards the more spirited side and you can handle a slightly rougher ride then a set of lower/stiffer aftermarket springs will improve the grip/handling without costing too much..... obviously if you have the $$$ some decent brand shocks will help as well. Again there are heaps of options with plenty of large aftermarket companies already making parts that will go straight in/on the GTO.

Other than that just make sure all the fluids are topped up and put your foot down

If you have more specific enquiries regarding road course/closed circuit events try posting on www.ls1.com.au as there are few guys on there who run around the twisties who will glady offer advice/experiences. You may even find some cool vids of Holdens carving up on the track Alternatively just get on there and do a search for whatever you are after.

Here are some sites to check out for brake, general aftermarket parts and tuning for Holden/GTO:
CAPA
Race Brakes Australia
EBC EBC (Aust Site)
Ferodo
DBA
Harrop Engineering
LS1 Edit Australia

 

[Hollywood]

What ever happened to this thread and the pics and vids from Howie?
Mike