[laura]

After buying my first "real" tire pressure gauge, people recommended that I also buy a torque wrench.

I am planning on hitting the tool store, perhaps Sears or Snap On, before VIR. Anyone know of any other must have tools?

Also, should I be buying brake pads to just carry down to VIR just in case?

[Trak Ratt]

You can always borrow a torque wrench if you only want it just for wheel lug bolts. But why not get a Pyrometer to really check your tyre temps and a notebook to keep track of all your data? There are some nice preformatted track sheets on the internet or OG Racing too. You should always carry a set of extra brake pads with you to the track. Even if they are only stock pads.
But if you really want to get into it;
Motive Bleeder
Small to Mid range Craftsman Tool Set (~$200)
Extra tow eye (one for front and back)
Good pair of drover shoes
Good pair of drover gloves
Stop watch (don’t use it in car, way to distracting but good to have so someone else can time runs)

[Toby]

I think I would start around what is needed for tire change and brake work:

- Wheel chocks (most important of all)
- Aluminum jack (Harbor Freight)
- Mechanic's glove
- Disposible latex gloves (You don't want brake fluid on your hands)
- A short pressure hose and an empty plastic bottle (to catch brake fluid)
- Mid-size needle nose piler
- Small screwdriver
- 12" bar clamp (to take out used pads)

If you are gonig for a full tool set, you may want to get an additional 6 point boxed wrench (not a 12 point) for the brake bleed valve. (I believe it's 11mm.) If not just get that one wrench.

This is the one that get used most at the track, and getting a separate one will keep the toolset (if you get one) from being contaminated with brake fluid.

Cheers,
Toby

[}{arlequin]

vir has a store but they may not have your pad size, or more importantly, your preferred compound so it's better to bring your own. if you've been using stock so far, try out a more aggressive pad as well.

to yank the pads out, i like a fairly large channel lock pliers. to 'retract' the caliper pistons, a large flat screwdriver is pretty useful too, if you don't come across a correct tool for them.

the rest depends on whether you will be doing any work yourself, AND... how often? just once? once a year? that's all you need. more often? you will eventually want your own floor jack and jack stands.... a good lug nut wrench is nice too- it's not reccommended to break lugs w/ the torque wrench.

strong flashlight helps peek behind the wheels when car is parked to check pad thickness too

[dholling13]

Laura,

I wouldn't go tool crazy just yet but the items listed above sound about right.

1. Chalks ( I don't use them, I use Carreras or Boxsters as stoppers)

2. Brake pads- don't you have the PCCB system? That is one awesome system...

3. Craftsman mechanic gloves

4. Park near the Dorki's for knowledge on why or how to maintain Teddy at the track.

[racer]

You may appreciate some TORX drivers. The newer cars eschew things like "flatheads" and "philips" screwdrivers.

While not necessary since other dorki travel with them.. a BFH (Big F'ing Hammer) can be helpful.. and duct tape

[Mackliet]

All good suggestions here. Something else to consider would be a simple air tank, which you can get at Walmart or Harbor Freight. The air tank would be good for adjusting pressure at locations without air...like at an autocross.

Dave mentioned duct tape and you can also consider "racer's tape" which you can get at a place like OG Racing...lots of neat colors to choose from.

[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by Mackliet

All good suggestions here. Something else to consider would be a simple air tank, which you can get at Walmart or Harbor Freight. The air tank would be good for adjusting pressure at locations without air...like at an autocross.

and HF has a neet 7 gallon aluminium one for $50. Longacre's ~$180 at OG

[racer]

Or, if you don't have room for an air tank, a portable air compressor that runs of your cigarette lighter can be had at Sears for around $20-30.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by racer

Or, if you don't have room for an air tank, a portable air compressor that runs of your cigarette lighter can be had at Sears for around $20-30.

Don't they come with the cars these days?