I was able to fit the ATLP Quad exhaust on my 2006 TL, but it wasn't a perfect fit. It does sound bad ass though!I will start another feeler for those interested in a v.2 for the 04-06 TL with a modified bumper.

Anyway, had another track even at Streets of Willow, Rosamond. Lot's of cars at this event. Didn't quiet get nearly as much seat time as I would have liked.

My setup:
2006 6MT NHB
Stock suspension
Work Emotion CR Kai 18x8.5
Falken 615's 245/40/18
Racingbrake 2-piece slotted rotors
Hawk HPS Pads Front
Motul RBF600r Brake Fluid
ATLP Quad Exhaust
Modified OE Intake Box
Gutted rear
Stock everything else

Driving impressions:
Did a lot better this time around and I was disappointed that my suspension didn't come in time for this event, but I was surprised that I didn't even need it. I was able to keep up with a lot of high powered RWD cars, and the TL is more than capable with some nice brake fluid and pads. As always, I was the only TL on the track. You guys seriously need to represent! PM me if anyone wants to come to the next event, I'll help you get started!

On with the pictures. There are a lot more, so let me know if you guys want more.

 

Damn bro, looks great! The staggered tips are HELLA sexy

The closeup of the M3 is badass too, I'm sure your Euro-obsessed ass loves it too haha

 

Good job! You should tape off your front bumper like the rest of em.

I'll be PMing you one of these days to go.

 

A few more.

 

Awesome inspiration right there! Makes me want to get out on the track right now haha.

Did you notice any difference with the battery being in the trunk? Also, how many feet did you have to use for the positive cable? 20?

 

Awesome shots, and even nicer cars, You can tell, some guys really get into that tape on the front, like football players who go all out and put that black stuff under their eyes, but suck at the game, lol.

 

You really should! It's fun and really gets your heart racing! (especially losing control at 60 mph!)

Yes, 20ft was enough to run it to the back. It does feel a lot more balanced in the front. It reduced that feeling on the front when you throw it around quickly and it takes a second to turn into the direction you want. That, and it feels a lot more like a "smaller" car. Great mod.

 

damn that RX8 back fired.... nice pic

 

i would tape the whole front bumper, full headlight coverage, half the hood, and part of the fenders and doors.hahahaha

rock chips galore. imagine getting a nice rock chip on your door/fender from your own tires. ouch!

id need two rolls of thick tape minimum.

 

sick shots

 

Nice pics, so im assuming the tape in thr front is to prevent scratching from debris? maybe i should do this on my DD

 

Wicked shots, I want to do that with my TL next summer.

 

...also...plug your tow hook in the front bumper! race style!

 

YES YES YES.. that is a mos def...

U dunno how down i am to go to the track with you man. If u were in norcal =( ... my rsx's buddies want to go, but I don't think i will w/ these shitty ass tires/stock rims.. i want to at least race in style, w/ nicer rims and tires and more performance mods...

plus, i'm an a/t ftl..

 

The factory hook is an eye sore! Got any alternative options?

 

That looks like so much fun. I would love to go to one of those events. Where is this?

 

A Clear Bra is a great investment for track day cars- and street cars too.
Much nicer than painters tape which offers little protection compared to 6 or 8mil of 3M plastic! Also sold in flat pieces to use on rear fenders-trunk- rear bumber

Look up any racetrack near you- Willow Springs in the LA area, Thunderhill and Infineon in Sacramento area
Most rent out the track to private clubs that hold schools like this.
NOTE: it is NOT a race- which would void your insurance- its merely a high performance driving experience/school where no timed laps occur
At $250 average for most 1 day, where you get 1.5 hours ground school-briefing-debriefing and 5-6 20 minutes track sessions is a great value. Cheaper than any ticket, and a pro race driver rides with you in the beginning giving instant feedback and corrections. Later you get cleared to go alone and in the faster groups.
Track Days should be mandatory in my opinion

 

tow hooks: race cars must have a hook front and rear of a specific size and marked with a bright color and the word TOW

Lets just suppose you have a fuel prob on track and need to be towed in, and you dont want to hold the next group up while they figure out how to drag you back to the pits.

 

It's in Rosamond, about 1-hour from my place (near Lancaster).

I thought about a clear bra, but my bumper was already pretty damn pitted prior to it, so I thought I'll just wait until I get an excuse for a repaint and apply the clear bra when I have a fresh paint job.

Usually one day events as these are around $100-150. It all depends on the club you go with and the track. Laguna Seca usually starts at $250+.

There is also a plethora of advice available, from other advanced drivers, and when I went I was able to get a ride with one of Masarati's test drivers.

 

how about we go to the track instead of go carting jk

is Lancaster north of you Mike? I'm so bad with directions

 

thats a great price for a full day! Do you have instructors available in car or is it just a group leader for 4-5 cars following him?
Prices stated were for Thunderhill- north of Sacramento. Laguna Seca usually runs 250-350 or more and is NOT a good place to learn to drive fast. One of the most technically challenging courses in the USA, better to run something easier first and focus on learning apexs and the line, THEN be able to enjoy Laguna. IMO Thunderhill combines the best elements of Sears Point and Laguna while still being like the old Williow Springs- out in the hills- no hassles- rolling hills track- spectator friendly

A clear bra now for $35 from ebay will save you later by keeping additional repairs to a minimum. Its easy to remove and replace with new one later at that price
If you had a heat gun you could sell that stuff at track days! I like my headlights with clear tape or clearbra so they can be used if needed on course

How about a link for your track?

 

It's an awesome price in my opinion.

There were a lot of instructors available, and you can ask either of them to ride along with you in your car, or ride along in their car. I chose the latter...it was very fun!

I'm totally with you on the more technical course. I'm still having trouble getting the right turn in point and where exactly to track out. But all that comes with seat time.

You made a good suggestion with the clear-bra..I'll give it some thought.

Here is a link for the track.

http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/home/home.asp

 

Here is the one we ran.

http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/...n/StreetLg.htm

 

For fastest learning take the instuctor with you in your car- they know the line and can tell you when to turn in and encourage you to drive all the way out to the berm and just kiss the last part of it in most cases.

A few laps riding in their car will demonstrate how the car now drifts out to the berm at speed- while you're lower speeds required steering to the edge of the track.
Grab a different instructor each session and ride with 1 again later in the day to guage your progress. Just following someone else who doesnt know the line isnt much help!

There are many books and videos- some track specific- on driving skills,apex,turn in, brake points, how to visualize them on every turn on the road every day....practice practice practice and go back to the track again

 

Lotus exige ftw... I friggin love that little 4banger

 

That looks like a blast, When racing is everyone mellow? There are some nice cars racing , It would make for an expensive repair.

 

Yeah for the most part. Although towards the end of the day, people do take it a bit more aggressively as they become more comfortable with the track.

 

Summer is just beginning here in So.Cal so on with the track days.

I wasn't able to run the ATLP Exhaust, since I took it off for the base exhaust testing and such. I wish I had it on though. On the bright note, I did run the ATLP J-Pipe and race pipe on a stock stage 2 exhaust.

My setup:
2006 6MT NHB
Koni Re-valved W/ Ground Control Sleeves (700F/400R)
Stock Wheels 17x8
235/45/17 Michelin All Season Tires
Racingbrake 2-piece slotted rotors
Hawk HPS Pads Front
Motul RBF600r Brake Fluid
Stock Exhaust
AEM Cold Air
ATLP J-Pipe & Race Pipe
Stock everything else

Driving impressions:
Decided to notch myself down a bit by using stock tires. Two reasons, one being that my 17x9.5's didn't fit without rubbing, and the other just to smoothen out my driving. The suspension was great, however, there are a few high speed turns that had sudden dips and it bottomed out the shocks, although they are pretty damn stiff.

Using the factory tires, was a great, great experience. It helped me pinpoint where exactly I needed to smoothen out, throttle, and turn ins.

I did make a camera mount, but my camera put itself to sleep because I guess if I don't have the viewfinder open, it shuts down in 10 minutes to save battery. Next time.

On with the pictures. There are more pictures at the link. Pictures were taken by my friends Canon 30D.













http://www.flickr.com/photos/slblaks...7605312759107/

 

wonderin' how many roll of tape did they use ? LMAO

 

LMAO @ the fit to go!! Pics are amazing....but so much tape

 

Nice shots...

 

i wanna race now.

 

looks like a lot of fun! getting down on the track

 

yeah your car looks great, and that looks like alot of fun.

I also was wondering about the tape, i assumed it was for aerodynamics but i think what ayethetiense said makes more sense.

Regardless thanks for sharing, i live acouple hours from Gingerman Raceway and have thought about going for years. These pictures really make me want to go .

 

It's to prevent rock chips on the paint and headlights.

 

lol it's gotta suck taking the tape off.