newbie approaching track days

hi friends,

I'm little afraid to take decision to go on a regular track for using in full safety my Coupè

I was in Modena last weekend here:

http://www.autodromodimodena.it/index.php?lang=en

I m afraid because many people says that Fiat Coupe is a very fragile and delicate car and it's a bad idea to go with this car

This now stops me because the costs of a failure can be very heavy.

but I also find this video on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C18UhaursvQ

I think that the most sober place to have advice is this on the forum...

can you give me some hints ?

thanks guys

Davide

Any car is fragile on circuit if you drive it like a loon so it really depends on how healthy the vehicle is and good preparation, tyres and brakes.
I personally think they're awesome on track, yes there are many other vehicles out there that can out accelerate and handle the Coupé but for me it's the enjoyment of pushing my track car to the limits like a big go-kart, and lets not forget that most are reaching 20 years old now so to chase down someone’s 100k super car and beat it on the straight is a very rewarding feeling

I find the coupe is starting to get a lot of attention on track and more so in the pits.
It's now moving into middle age and a lot of people are interested in them after seeing them perform on track.
The coupe is a capable car on track,but it has its limits due to its weight on the front wheels mainly.

My track coupe is not everyone's cup of tea,but it still represents the model and create's interest.

A tuned track focused coupe is not a cheap track car choice.

But nearly all coupe owners that have had the chance to go on track with thier cars have enjoyed the expierience .

As what has been said above, Yes there are better handling cars out there etc but over the last 2 years I've seen a massive increase of people coming up to me in the pits asking questions and saying how well and nice they go around the track. Don't get me wrong mine is a little way from a standard Coupe but not a track focused one either.

alongs if you have done all the pre track day checks and take it easy then just enjoy it

Hope you don't mind me jumping in on this thread, but I am preparing my coupe for tarmac stage rallying, OK, now stop laughing!!
I have done all the escorts, sunbeams, and cossie's etc, this is about fun and raising a few eyebrows.
I was wondering if you track lads could put up specs of your cars so us novice coupe owners can get the main points regarding handling etc, I have read the million posts on handling,lol, and there are some obvious ways to go, but if you guys could put up some info,ideas, even pics that would be absolutely priceless, cheers lads
Mike

Problem is oil surge. Windage tray a worthwhile mod.

Personally I prefer trackdays on a bike. Doesn't feel anywhere near as brutal. And a good sports bike will have a dry sump as standard.

I took my VIS on a track day. Just changed the brake fluid for a higher spec, and off I went. Just check your wheel bolts occasionally, and come off the track to let the engine and brakes cool down. Mine were billowing smoke !!

Be prepared to ruin a set of tyres too, especially on warm days.

time to dust this video off again....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9ux-3p_reo

Lots of fun with only 169bhp.

I have done over 10 track days in my coupe at 300bhp. Engine is still as strong as ever. I use good 10/60 oil with frequent changes . I keep an eye on my oil temp when going around, when it starts to get stinking hot I pit to let them motor cool down.

You will need to have fresh brake fluid at a minimum 5.1 is a good idea Ive had brake fluid boil on me it's scary!
Good track day pads are a good idea I use ferrodo ds 2500
The coupe handles like an old dog with standard suspension and standard tyres on track as I found out on my first time. Still had lots of fun though😆 I use federal 595 rsr tyres and koni adjustable shocks apex spring with camber adjustable bolts

Now it goes well and handles well .
The coupe is a grand tourer but with some mods it's more than capable on track. I really am surprised how strong the coupe is. definitely one of fiat's better cars

Hi, I've spent the last 6 months tweaking my track coupe, there better handling cars out there but like the guys are saying they really do stand out now...it's all part of the fun and lets not forget they are old cars now but I love mine.

Here's some videos of mine in action, any questions feel free to ask away...

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCdXcGsW-rUJ7s7xhcnR7ufQ

Hey

I have owned Italian cars most of my driving life - 35 years.
through out that time I have read many articles in UK publications about how fragile and complicated Italian machines are.
Even the mighty Lancia Delta Integrale which won the wrc 6 times was considered 'fragile'. I never managed to kill one however.

my experience is that all the Italian cars I have owned (and there have been many) post late 1980's have been very reliable and not at all fragile.

I have an old 16vt with is my daily driver, and looks beaten up. It is only mildly tuned but I am been driving it 11 years, and it is used fully.... and is still very reliable taking me all over the country and to the odd track days.

if you are sensible and have some car sympathy while on the track your coupe should be fine.

Just my opinion.

Totally agree - even my 20vt has been fun on the track - you just need to understand the limits of 'your' own car and your own talent and you can have so much fun.

Marco Haig
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=marco+haig+fiat+coupe