My PB today at Road America. I think the car is capable of a much better time (my brake pads wore through to the metal 5 laps after this one).
Some changes since last year:
- New transmission (replacing the one that blew up at RA last year)
- Gear oil temp sensor (saw a peak of ~210°F after 3 morning sessions)
- A limited slip differential (Quaife)
- New front oil cooler (Setrab)
- New brand of oil (Valvoline VR1 10W30 replacing BPE 10W30)
- New harmonic damper (Fluidampr)
- Rear wing (Misha Design)
- Front lip (EMC2)
- Narrower rear tires (285 RE-71RS in the rear, replacing 305 RT660)
The car had no trouble staying cool all day long. Ambient temps were around 40°F. Peak fluid temps were around: Oil: 215°F, Coolant: 190°F, Gear oil: 215°F. The narrower rear tires (and possibly the new front lip / rear wing) resulted in a shift towards higher-speed oversteer. A bit disconcerting.
Will run fresher brake pads next time.