Anything to know before going on a canyon run?

Going on a canyon run with a couple of buddies for my first time. Anything I should know specifically for my car?

I went from an 8th gen SI to a 10th gen SI. What I think you should keep an eye on is the redline. You hit redline alot quicker than you think.

I would just say make sure your fluids are good, tire pressure is right, probably even give your car a wash a night before. Having good visibility is key! Just be safe and don’t go too HAM!

I'd stay in the back of the group til I saw how much faster or slower they were than me.
And like we used to say with motorcycles in the canyons "Ride your own ride". Don't let others suck you in to going faster than your skill level or what you think is safe.

Tires!

Properly inflated worn tires are useless. If your tires are worn, stay home.

It's probably the #1 thing I see on cars at meet ups. Everyone has the go fast bits but all have worn or super crappy tires.

the stock tires suck for cornering hard also the stock brakes suck ass to, i just came back from the canyons yesterday and i was driving my car hard and i see what next on my upgrade list. Tires, brakes, lowering springs, and sway bars. i was trying to keep up with a focus st and a mustang 5.0 and i was capable but man when the turns got really sharp tires where slipping and brakes where suffering. I warped my rotors and the brake pads are toast

Yeah like people said before tires are definitely important, make sure there's enough tread and that they are warmed up enough before you really push it. If you aren't familiar with the route then stick to the back and give proper distance, never push it even if you feel confident when it's your first few times running it.

Also pay attention to your shifting/downshifts on your first few runs. Idk about other forum members but during my first few times going on runs I had my adrenaline pumping like crazy and managed to miss a few shifts or kinda missed shifting it smoothly. Definitely get comfortable with the adrenaline rush and proper shifting to avoid any money shifts

suhhh said:

Yeah like people said before tires are definitely important, make sure there's enough tread and that they are warmed up enough before you really push it. If you aren't familiar with the route then stick to the back and give proper distance, never push it even if you feel confident when it's your first few times running it.

Also pay attention to your shifting/downshifts on your first few runs. Idk about other forum members but during my first few times going on runs I had my adrenaline pumping like crazy and managed to miss a few shifts or kinda missed throwing it into the right gear. Definitely get comfortable with the adrenaline rush and proper shifting to avoid any money shifts

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Yea it's going to be my first time pushing my car down curvy roads and corners. Should I leave TC on or have it fully off with pedal dance? I've launched the car with the pedal dance before so I'm familiar with the torque steer.

bakingpancake said:

Yea it's going to be my first time pushing my car down curvy roads and corners. Should I leave TC on or have it fully off with pedal dance? I've launched the car with the pedal dance before so I'm familiar with the torque steer.

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Maybe leave TC on until you're comfortable then I'd definitely say turn it off. As long as you're comfortable with your car and how it handles you should be good

Leave it on... you will have butt puckering moments if you turn it off. It does an outstanding job of not interfering in a way that doesn't prohibit you from going fast. The traction control on the other hand destroys your throttle, so less throttle is better than too much if it kills it. Last note: Your stock brakes will start fading faster with VSA on though.

ycehcky said:

Leave it on... you will have butt puckering moments if you turn it off. It does an outstanding job of not interfering in a way that doesn't prohibit you from going fast. The traction control on the other hand destroys your throttle, so less throttle is better than too much if it kills it. Last note: Your stock brakes will start fading faster with VSA on though.

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If my brakes do go bad and I have to replace them, would I have to replace the rotors and the pads or just the pads?

bakingpancake said:

If my brakes do go bad and I have to replace them, would I have to replace the rotors and the pads or just the pads?

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Depends on, whether or not you cook/warp the rotors. I cooked mine at VIR, so I had to get new rotors. Your stock pads and rotors are not great, but I do not think you will wear them out on a canyon run. Mine were from going triple digits and then slowing down rapidly.

Not much of a canyon carver... but if you want to stay together and it’s a group of friends... the slowest friend/car should lead. Let them set the pace and y’all follow to that cars ability/drivers comfort.

If it’s a stranger you don’t really know and they’re leading... if they have a substantially faster car or are pushing harder than you’re comfortable with... let em go.

charleswrivers said:

Not much of a canyon carver... but if you want to stay together and it’s a group of friends... the slowest friend/car should lead. Let them set the pace and y’all follow to that cars ability/drivers comfort.

If it’s a stranger you don’t really know and they’re leading... if they have a substantially faster car or are pushing harder than you’re comfortable with... let em go.

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Just three of my friends. They have more experience than me haha.

Basically treat it similarly to a track day.

Make sure your fluids are topped up. I'd recommend a fresh oil change, as oil temp and RPM are going to be higher than normal for an extended period. Inspect your hoses and brakes and suspension for leaks or damage. Make sure your seating position is appropriate for full motion of the pedals, steering, and shifter. Empty your car of loose items that could move about the cabin under hard driving. Don't try and pass anyone unless you can do it safely. Don't make any abrupt moves or inputs... this means smooth on the steering, smooth on the brakes, smooth on the throttle. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Do most, if not all of your braking in a straight line, not in the middle of the corner.

Most important for hard driving on the street, don't overdrive the surface. Streets like canyon roads are a far cry from a prepped surface like a race track. Things like small bumps and potholes that would otherwise not be a problem, can cause a sudden loss of traction at higher speeds and cornering forces.