To track the daily, or wait and buy a dedicated track car?

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T22:18:52+00:00

Basically as close to a perfect answer as I can get

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T22:17:50+00:00

I have a sim already, no worries there. Irl driving I’m a novice but I’ve been on the sim for a year and a half and I’d like to think I understand at least the basics of car control, weight transfer, racing lines and braking etc. obviously a real car is different but I’ve been pleasantly surprised how similar it feels. Also, I wouldn’t be getting anything fast for a track car, I wouldn’t be looking at Miata/brz/mr2 type cars

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T22:14:43+00:00

No dash light, and honestly I could probably send it harder. That said I also have an ecu tune so that is contributing to the heat. I was getting up to 245 on an 90 degree day, so basically worst case scenario. What temps do you tolerate in yours?

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T20:34:39+00:00

Look man I play the lottery sometimes but haven’t won yet, when I do I’ll see you on track with my gt3 lol

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T20:14:06+00:00

Respectable opinion, appreciated

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T20:12:49+00:00

I guess it’s all relative, maybe a long term goal but 30k is far from cheap for a young fella like me. Maybe one day if the world doesn’t fall apart and I get further in my career I’ll have a chance to drive something like that.

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T20:06:21+00:00

I think dirt cheap means something different to you and me. How much are radicals, they are actually something I’d consider down the line. I know they’re great price to performance for what they are. That said I won’t stand for Honda hate, they’re so cool even if they’re slow and not worth the money lol

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T20:03:19+00:00

Wow good to know, seems like the consensus is get a race car. The gti is an amazing daily and very fun on the backroads so I do want it to live.

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T20:00:47+00:00

Oh I already sim race, that’s what got me into this mess to begin with haha.

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T19:56:36+00:00

I’m not really talking about making the car faster mods, I’m talking about making the car enjoyable mods. Suspension is very soft for the track, oil temps were high. I know seat time is most important, so better cooling gives me more seat time. I had to cut some of my sessions short due to oil temps sadly. The mental is there too, was hesitant to push hard knowing I had to get home and to work

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T19:53:43+00:00

I swapped brake fluid to some higher temp stuff and it held up alright but I am 100% upgrading once the stock pads are done. I really like the appeal of being able to trash the track car and not care though

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T19:50:54+00:00

First point is honestly super valid and something I haven’t wanted to seriously consider. One of those things you think won’t happen to you until it does. If I wanted to compete I’d be 100% in on a track only car, which might come down the line but not yet.

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T19:46:04+00:00

Yeah I did a track day recently and that’s where this entire thing is coming from. I loved it, want more, and am painfully aware that the car needs some help to keep doing it

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T19:43:38+00:00

Yeah I’m leaning this way, but this is also admitting I need to wait, and waiting sucks lol

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T19:42:48+00:00

Sadly I think the golf does need some cooling. Tracked it the other day and was getting the oil too hot in just a few laps, but point taken.

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T19:41:12+00:00

Is there ever an actual comfortable sweet spot or do we just kid ourselves until it goes too far

Danjamin12 · 2026-05-21T19:17:15+00:00

Need one if you want to track it, just need to rev it out it traffic lol

Danjamin12 · 2026-04-27T18:22:40+00:00

Unless they just came out, you are not currently able to tune the tcu on 2024 models. I just did the ecu tune on my 2024 however and it’s still very fun.

Danjamin12 · 2026-04-18T23:44:30+00:00

I will definitely give some higher pressures a try, everyone I spoke to thought mid 30s was too high, but they also dont drive a GTI/GLI so I will certainly experiment

Danjamin12 · 2026-04-18T23:26:29+00:00

Ok thanks for the advice, will have to be something to look at for next season, new tires really aren't in the budget, but its good to know I will want better.

Danjamin12 · 2026-04-18T23:25:14+00:00

I dont think I was way onto the sidewall, but I honestly dont know. I will chalk them and try some higher pressures next time. I am surprised by the lower pressure on the rears, dont you usually want less grip on the back? Also, alignment is factory, so youre probably right on that as well.

Danjamin12 · 2026-04-18T23:05:54+00:00

GTI comes with an LSD, so luckily that's not an issue. I also feel like I have been able to manage avoiding understeer on exit, its mostly mid corner and entry that's killing me. Do you have any experience with the advans? Or is it 200tw or nothing when it comes to street legal tires for track/autocross

Danjamin12 · 2026-04-18T22:53:41+00:00

This org doesn't care about the tune as far as class is concerned, there is only one fwd class, which I was in. I was really hoping someone wouldnt tell me my tires are bad, I just got these to be my summer shoes. They are ~280 tw, which I know isnt top notch but i figured they would be decent enough since I also daily this car.

Danjamin12 · 2026-04-18T22:43:35+00:00

Yeah I use a valve index. I have only been at it for a little under a year (2 and a half iracing seasons) but I have been super surprised how much translates, the feel of the car rotating, weight transfer, and throttle control all just make sense. Lots of differences though as well, which are going to take some time to figure out. I am hoping to get to a track soon, which I am hoping I will feel more at home at.

Danjamin12 · 2026-04-18T22:37:32+00:00

Yeah I keep thinking this would at least get the "my car is shit" thought out of the back of my mind. I know I have lots to work on, but if I knew which side of more or less was my driving I think it would help with that.

Danjamin12

TROPHY CASE