Golf R Trackday mods advice

[Pugsey]

Hi all. Can anyone help with advice on recognised/essential mods for track daying a Golf R (2017). Could be braked/cooling/engine etc etc.
much appreciated.

[Discombobulate]

All depends on your budget

As ever, if you have not done track days before, spend your first £50-100 on a session with an instructor.

You can track it as it is now, but they tend to wear outer edges of tyres very quickly if driven hard.

I would leave the engine at first, and start with brakes (more fade resistant pads and fluid), extra camber (front and back) and track tyres / wheels. Lots of options out there on the forums if you Google. I run a Clubsport S in standard spec and it is nigh on perfect on track as long as you don't stay out for ever.

And if manual and wanting to up the power too, start with a more robust clutch first before any engine / software mods.

Edited by Discombobulate on Monday 3rd November 21:14

[Dr G]

Agreed on the above.

You may also want to check all of these are 100% up to date first:
Brake fluid
Wheel alignment
Haldex servicing

Old brake fluid or broken haldex will spoil your day. Some of the adjusters for alignment are prone to seizing too, particularly the rear arms (they corrode). Alignment might feel fine on the road but could be quite different at 120!

Does the car already have reasonable tyres fitted?

[the-norseman]

Tyres and brakes! If it has the standard brakes (IIRC they are 340mm), the Clubsport S discs are a nice upgrade.

I ran a upgraded 380mm Brembo kit on my Cupra 280 that I went on track with a few times.

[neverlifted]

I'd attend to tyres, brakes and geo first.

Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres, GiroDiscs, Center Gravity/ String Theory Geo- à la GT3 treatment.

[Its Just Adz]

If you're on Facebook, check out MQB Track Cars group.
I've just joined it and the people advice on there seems great.

[Gary C]

I think you need to consider how many tyres you will get through in an R. Its not light and will probably eat them, especially with the power and standard geo.

Some track tyres on wheels might be a pain to take to the track but might save you some ?

[Pugsey]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I agree attention to brakes, tyres, oils etc a given.
I was more wondering about ‘hidden’ weak points eg oil surge/starvation, gearbox weaknesses etc.
mentioning brakes, what proven upgradeds have people used.
Thanks again all!

[Pugsey]

Also wondering about cooling system. Upgrades needed?

[the-norseman]

The R is a very capable track car, really doubt your going to push it hard enough for things to need to be upgraded.

I've been out in Mallory Park and Mugello with Jordi Gene who set the Cupra ring record he was pushing the cars hard and they just needed new pads/discs and tyres every day.

[Pugsey]

That’s interesting thanks. I’ve raced FF & F3 (many years ago and more recently Radicals & Caterhams and know most UK & a few European tracks Spa, ‘Ring etc so prob will push hard. Now at the stage where I can just have a bit of fun in a car that will also get me there and back (🤞) in a degree of comfort.