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The Race Spares Megathread
My upgrade last summer from flatbed to enclosed trailer (and the accompanying ability to greatly expand my spares package) gave me the idea for this thread: Tell us what your spares package looks like. Include some basic contextual info, like what sort of racing you do and how you transport your car and gear to the track (horse and cart, drive to the track, tire trailer, SUV+ flatbed, enclosed trainer, semi rig, helicopter, etc). Use the info herein to augment your own spares package and tell me (and others) what spares I have overlooked and should be carrying.
My own spares package is designed around my usage, which is typically 2-day HPDE/race events up to 500 miles away. I want to carry enough spare gear to fix common and/or easily repaired failures so that I don't waste weekends. In general, if there's a failure I have experienced or know to be common, and the cost of the part is relatively inexpensive, and I would rather do the job on jackstands in a dirty parking lot than go home with a broken car, then I'll carry the spare. All three criteria are on a sliding scale of cost vs. likelihood, so I'll always carry cheap spares that fix common failures (brakes, front hubs), I'll usually carry expensive spares that fix uncommon but known potential failures that cannot be planned for (transmissions), and I'll skip carrying expensive spares which fix very rare problems (differentials). Make your own list, post it up, catalog and improve your own spares, use your list to augment and replenish your own spares package, save a race weekend and drive your car more. Go. My usage: HPDE and racing, 200-500 mile tows (each way), enclosed trailer. Fluids: (almost) enough fluid to completely fill an empty car. -2qt Amsoil Dominator 15w50 -2qt Amsoil MTG -1qt Amsoil SVG (need to add OSG 250R since I am back to an OS Giken for 2019) -1L ATE Typ200 + Motive bleeder + bleed bottle -2gal distilled water + magic funnel -small sealable oil drain pan Suspension/Brakes 2x front hubs, ARP studs pre-installed, with new nuts, dust caps, and 29mm socket 1x OEM lower balljoint 1x OEM tie rod end 1x OEM inner tie rod end 2x front rotors, pre-assembled and safety wired 2x rear rotors 1x front and rear pads 1x front brake line 1x front caliper Wheels and Tires -Full set of spare sticker 245/40 RC1s -(sometimes) alternate set of something else, like 245/40 R7s or a different test tire Engine/drivetrain: -6-speed transmission including alternate shift bushing for MR shifter and throwout bearing -clutch master/slave cylinder -timing belt, water pump, valve cover gasket, small container of RTV -spark plugs -ignition coils -accessory belt -3x NB cam angle sensors -NB crank sensor -DW200 fuel pump -rubber exhaust hangars -complete radiator + radiator cap Fasteners/miscellaneous: -Assortment of M6, M8, M10 fasteners. Include both M10x1.25 and M10x1.50 since Mazda used them both. In addition to assorted generic spare fasteners, I carry specific spares for: -Splitter fasteners (countersunk bolts) -PPF fasteners -Assorted spare electrical connectors. Ring terminals, butt splices, bullet connectors, etc. -Spare fuses (variety of sizes and amperages) -Spare wire in various gauges -Duct tape, metal tape, electrical tape, teflon tape, painter's tape -Many zipties -brake light bulbs -assorted vacuum and coolant hoses and vacuum caps |
Open trailer with tongue box and extra toolbox up on the tire rack.
Jack and jackstands go in racecar trunk. I used to carry an easy-up in the racecar passenger seat area. Same usage scenario, but typically I am closer to home. 1-2 day events within 185 miles(BRP). w2w racing about 40% of the events. I pretty much only carry consumables. NB1 ignition spares and front hubs are consumable. I don't carry a spare trans, radiator, rear rotors, or a C set of wheels. handful of lug nuts 2x front hubs with regular studs 1-1.5x Front pads Rear pads 2 front rotors 1-2qt oil, depending on usage rate. 1 can brake fluid 1 "B" set of wheels/tires 1-2 gal water 1x Ign coil. Used to be 2+, but i've burned through them. CoPs soon. 1x NB1 CAS. Same as above, need to refill. Things I should carry: trans/diff fluid oil filter, more oil. spare endlink rear rotors grill mesh, tapes, w2w repair supplies/tapes. |
This may seem obvious, but I've run for quite a while without spares for the custom built stuff on the car. You're certainly not going to be able to make one at the track so I now build in 3's just so I have a spare.
BWM bearing conversion parts various wiring connectors I used for custom MS stuff Custom fabbed A arms parts (heims, welded ball joint mounts ect.) BBK caliper mounting brackets, (threaded aluminum) Funky hardware I've used on various things that are custom order |
Brake pads, brake rotors, front hubs, coils, spark plugs, fuel pump, oil change & filter, distilled water, water wetter, clutch, transmission, x2 alternators, stock radiator, ecotec accessory belt and crank bolt because TDY and silly swap pan, brake fluid, rear calipers, 1-2 of all control arms and knuckles, 3.75 total sets of wheels/tires, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a number of things.
This is for our enduro car. We have yet to bring a spare engine, but we really should at only $600. But that requires bringing an engine hoist or relying on someone else to have one, and unless it happens at the very beginning of our races, we'd need to buy another swap kit (oil pan, motor mounts, trans adapter) to really make use of it. Zip ties, duct tape, an entire Miata of nuts/bolts, and a tool box to replace all of this goes without saying. I don't really understand the trans and diff fluid everyone is packing unless they have a spare trans and diff to swap in? |
4x jack stands
Aluminum floor jack 8x wheels 1.5x front brake pads 1.5x rear brake pads Brake fluid Engine oil Mechanic gloves 2x 5gal Scribner fuel jugs Funnel Foil tape Painter's tape Fuel hose Radiator hose Zip ties Electrical ring terminals, butt connectors, wire, fuses Liquid electrical tape Heat shielding fabric Spark plugs Bailing wire Folding chair umbrella Lots of tools and whatever else I forgot to put on this list |
This is an awesome thread idea as I am still working on collecting a good compliment of spares. Just finished my first season of HPDE (7 weekends) with travel so far within around 200 miles each way to my regional tracks. I tow in a 24' enclosed trailer and plan on expanding to more tracks up and down the East Coast in the next year or so, eventually traveling 500-600 miles each way to some bucket list tracks. Will be eventually moving from HPDE to some sort of competitive driving, hence the trailer and large amount of spares already. I'm well vested in taking this on as a major hobby! My wife and dog come to the track with me and we sleep in the trailer at the track so I've included all the camping crap we bring as well.
My engine is completely stock and I am finally moving to legit suspension (949 Big Grip kit) this off-season, so I will need to address my suspension related spares for this year. Here is my current (and proposed) list. Tools: 4x jackstands 1x aluminum racing jack Small wiring kit with various connectors and spare wire I load up my tool cart full of "common Miata tools" into the trailer. Whatever I use most when working on the car in the garage stays in that cart and just moves right into the trailer for each event Funnel for bleeding radiator Lug wrench M18 impact gun 5 gallon portable air storage tank Various tape and generic spare fasteners Zip ties!! 2x work lights with extension cords (need to obtain) Wood for going underneath jack stands and jack in paddock (VIR is very strict about this!) Fluids: 6x gallons distilled water (2x for car, 4x for tow vehicle) 1x bottle ATE brake fluid for car 1x bottle generic brake fluid for tow vehicle 1x bottle Water Wetter 1x bottle whatever I'm using in diff 2x bottle whatever I'm using in trans 1x gallon ATF for tow vehicle 4x quarts whatever oil I'm using for car 5x quarts oil for tow vehicle 20x gallons 93 octane gasoline for car 10x gallons 87 octane gasoline for generator 1x bottle oil for generator 1x can PB Blaster 2x can brake cleaner Trailer/towing spares: 2x spare wheels/tires 6x spare trailer lug nuts (need to obtain) 1x spare trailer hub/brake assembly (need to obtain) 1x collapsible lug wrench that can be used for truck and trailer lugs 1x ramp for changing trailer tire Various spare tie down straps and axle straps Come-along manual winch and chain (will be installing powered winch whenever I can find the time) Spare parts for car: 1x alternator (from parts car) 1x starter (from parts car) 1x OEM fuel pump assembly (from parts car) 1x set spark plug wires 2x set spark plugs 1x ignition coilpack 2x cam angle sensor 1x crank sensor 1x clutch slave cylinder 1x clutch master cylinder 1x brake master cylinder and booster assembly 1x set front brake pads 1x set rear brake pads Set of front and rear rotors (need to obtain) 1x water pump and timing belt set (used but in okay condition, will replace with new spares eventually) 1x serpentine belt Various suspension related bolts (from parts car) 1x endlink (need to swap for adjustable as I am no longer on OEM) 1x inner and outer tie rod (need to obtain) 1x ELBJ (need to obtain) 1x set OEM brake lines 1x set of "B" wheels/tires 1x set of dedicated rain wheels/tires (need to obtain) Spare lug nuts (need to obtain) Camping: Yamaha 3000W Invertor Generator if no power available (trailer has A/C and microwave along with various lights) Various extension cords for hooking trailer to power at the track (if available) 1x infrared space heater for colder months 1x collapsible camping grill 1x large propane tank 2x small propane spares bottles 2x zero-gravity collapsible chairs\ 2x collapsible bag chairs 1x large folding camping table 2x small folding camping trays 2x sleeping bags 2x air mattress Random crap for dog 3x battery powered lanterns 1x flashlight 1x first aid kit Various sun screens/bug sprays Cooler for beer Cooler for food 1x 12x12 pop up canopy (might switch to 2x 10x10 canopies instead) The great thing is that even with all this crap I still have plenty of room in the trailer and bed of truck. It's all fairly efficiently packed and most of it stays in the trailer throughout the season so I don't have to constantly load/unload it all. Hoping soon to be able to afford some better quality spares and stuff that I know for a fact I need to get like spare front hubs. |
The beauty of SM racing; everyone has basically the same parts so you can get away with loaning spares ect if you don't pack everything, that said I'm usually the guy loaning out parts since I tend to bring the kitchen sink with me to the track. Apart from spares I bring my full tool box from the garage, basically everything but the welder comes to the track with me now.
My car/usage: NB2 Spec Pinata, the odd HDPE (40-1000 mile tows), 24' enclosed trailer - 2005 Dodge diesel tow rig Fluids: -4L 0w-40 T6 Rotella (doubles as tow rig oil) -2L Redline trans fluid -1L Redline gear oil -1L brake fluid -5gal distilled water (rad/cool suit water) -couple drain pans and disposable containers -white spray paint (what contact?) -Super 77 spray glue -Grease (trailer bearing/gen purpose) -Brake slider pin super lube -Windex/Rainex -Loctite Suspension/Brakes: 1x quality/loaded front hub 2x cheap throw away front hubs 2x OEM lower ball joint 2x OEM tie rod end 1x OEM inner tie rod end 2x front/rear rotors 1x set new front/rear pads 1x set f/r take off pads >50% 1x full set of SS brake lines 1x full set of control arms with bolts (eccentric bushings installed) 2x adjustable sway bar endlinks 1x set caliper clips/springs 4x replacement lugs 2x axles nuts f/r 4x Advanced Autosport camber bolts Wheels and Tires: 1x set of sticker SM7's mounted 2x sets of scrubbed SM7's mounted 1x set of SM7's on 15x9 (for testing/HDPE/1hr non-SM race a weekend) 1x set of wheels for transport Engine/drivetrain: 1x 5speed trans 1x clutch slave 1x timing belt/alt belt (serp. belt for truck) 1x alternator (rebuilt/new) 2x rubber/poly exhaust hangers 1x OEM radiator + radiator cap 1x Spare fuel pump hanger/pump/oem sock 1x set (cleaned) injectors/harness Fasteners/miscellaneous: -Assortment of M6, M8, M10 fasteners (ARP crank/Water pump pulley bolts) -Assorted spare electrical connectors. ring terminals, butt splices, bullet connectors, etc. -Spare fuses (variety of sizes and amperages) -Spare wire in various gauges -Duct tape, electrical tape, teflon tape, painter's tape -Fuck ton of zipties in all sizes, race wire, mechanics wire -brake light bulbs, lots! -assorted vacuum and coolant hoses and vacuum caps -tire plug kit Justifications/Things that have cost track time/wins (myself or competitors): -Inner tie rod damage -Steering rack mount (tire wall contact) -Alternator rectifier failure -Front caliper bracket damage when hub failed -No spare brake lines -Long rear lower control arm bolt -Rear diff housing failure -Fuel sock, then fuel sock again when non-oem used.. -Injector partial failure -Fuel pump failure -Crank pulley bolt failure -Flat tire from broken mirror pickup in sticker tires -Axle boot failure (Super 77 glue saved it just long enough to finish the day) -Sway bar mounting tab on F-LCA failure -Rear hub upper rubber bushing -Exhaust hanger failure -Damaged rad -Diff fill plug not torqued |
Wow, you guys roll heavy. I'm just doing HPDE's, 1 or 2 day events 2-3 hours from home.
I bring... - Full gallon of Rotella T6 - Gallon of distilled water - Quart of DOT4 - Quart of MT90 - Extra brake pads - Jack and two stands - Various tapes (gaffer, electrical, heat reflective) and zip ties - Windex, rainx and fogx (most critical thing I've ever brought to a race track in a car with no a/c to defrost) - Impact gun - Tool box (full assortment of sockets, wrenches, pliers, etc) That's about it. I suppose it's not as mission critical for me since I'm not racing, and I'm an instructor so if my car breaks I'm really only out the cost of gas to get down there. |
Couple of great lists here.
I have a 80cu.ft nitrogen bottle mounted in my trailer, but I need to get a longer coil hose for it. I definitely need to add a portable worklight and a couple of extension cords to my trailer. It had two 500w halogen built-in flood lights which I swapped for 60w LEDs, but a couple of small portable LED lights for a night trans swap would be very helpful. I did outfit the trailer with a small solar setup, and swapped all the interior lights for LED bulbs (trailer has 4x 4ft fixtures inside, so nice). Interior lights are now only 115w, plus the pair of 60w exterior floods. On a single 95Ah marine battery and a 500w inverter, I can run outlets and interior lights without having to have the generator running constantly. I also have a 100w solar panel on the roof, which is enough so that I never have to worry about the house battery. My trailer has an electric tongue jack so having the battery go dead is really annoying. I also have a big winch under the workbench - not sure if I would ever have spent the money to install it myself, but when I do use it, it makes life so easy. (I should re-mount a big fire extinguisher in my trailer to put out the inevitable electrical fire. :party: ) When I bought my generator (Honda EU2200i) I decided to run it on premium gas, same as the race car. A friend and member here who shall remain nameless accidentally put 87 octane generator gas in his race car at an event and missed some track time as a result. If I run my generator continuously for an entire weekend (which I never do), it would consume maybe 7gal of gas, which means it costs me an extra $1.40 (max) per weekend to never have to worry about having the wrong gas around. Well worth it. I also need to get the extended run adapter for my generator so I can run it longer than 3hrs without refilling. I have two spare tires with extra lugs for the trailer, but I need to get a full spare brake/bearing setup. Trailer folks, we should all be carrying an entire assembly from axle flange out. If a bearing fails, it typically trashes the entire brake drum/rotor as well. I also tried one of those tire ramp things, but my enclosed is ~9k fully loaded and the tire ramp was having none of it. My little aluminum HF jack also won't even come close to lifting the trailer when it was loaded. I ended up with a high-lift bottle jack from Amazon that works much better. I need to add an alternator and starter to my motor spares bin. Alternator will get tested before it goes in. @Quigs, how much electric heater do you need to keep the trailer comfortable at night in ~40deg weather? I have a ~1200w unit I use in my office at work that I was going to try out. I cannot remember if I have a first aid kit in my trailer or not, that's a great addition. I unearthed what I think is a spare 1.8L diff rear housing in the shop last week that I should clean up and throw in the trailer as well. I have broken the rear ears from big curb hits before. My 3.63 OSG will get KMiata braces but it's still not a bad addition. |
Originally Posted by Savington
(Post 1518705)
I need to add an alternator and starter to my motor spares bin. Alternator will get tested before it goes in.
We went through about a dozen alternators last year with our BP. We found a bunch with an m6 battery stud from WorldPac that LOVED to die, finally had decent luck with an O'Rilleys unit with an m8 stud. Had we stayed with the BP we would probably be using OEM Mazda alternator, damn the costs. Another huge benefit was ducting the alternator from the passenger blinker hole. They'll all test fine out of the box unless they're seriously tossed around in shipping. It's whether they're still below 15v after a few hours of racing. The cheap Chinese electronics and windings just over heat. |
FLAPS alternators are notorious for being absolute trash. Not even sure I would trust an OEM-provided alternator given the age of the car. I was going to grab a used OEM one.
I would never change a starter motor in an enduro car, but if the starter on an HPDE car died on Saturday morning, I would probably take the 45min at lunch and swap it. |
RE heater: a good sleeping bag works in sub 0* weather, 40* will be fine :D
What about just a few 2x4s screwed together for a trailer ramp, I've used that in the past, but not on a trailer your size. I run advanced Auto parts axles because I'm stupid. So I carry a spare one of those. Also after Laguna last year I might carry a spare set of uprights, haven't decided yet. Now that I'm towing I might actually end up carrying less. When driving to the track it's imperative that you can fix anything at all, just to get home. What does everyone do for tow rig spares? A broken tow rig is almost worse than a broken race car. I like the idea of carrying a full axle out assembly for the trailer. I'll look into what my trailer requires for that. |
Originally Posted by curly
(Post 1518784)
For our enduro races, i doubt we'd ever bother with a starter replacement, as it's too easy to push start. MS might be another issue as they required a longer crank however.
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I'm actually thinking about bringing my truck and trailer on a truck and trailer so that if my truck and trailer breaks I've got a truck and trailer to put my truck and trailer on.
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18' open trailer with top mounted tire-rack. Typically a TT weekend while instructing with an occasional HPDE. W2W events to happen this season.
Before every weekend I have a ritual of going to the store and getting a 24+ pack of water and some gatorade to mix with it. I also get an assortment of beer and snacks. One of my earliest track days I got caught in the heat without enough water, it came up on me quick and it sucked. Misc.: Cooler w/ water and beer Snacks EZ up 2x chairs Lap-top Communicator(instructing) AIM Gopro + batteries helmet, suit, gloves, shoes, socks, hans rain jacket and flippy-flops(loading the car in the piss-pouring rain sucks with shoes) Tools: 4x jackstands 1x aluminum racing jack tool-box with typical socks/wrenches, screw drivers, etc tool-bag with odd tools like c-clamps, bj splitter, brake bleeding parts, etc BFH Zip-ties Different types of tape window cleaner Fluids: 4+ qt T6 2x 1L of brake fluid 1gal of water 5gal jug of inexpensive 93 locally Parts for car: Tires A set, 205 R7s stickers/low HC Tires B set, 205 R7s practice or using if no one shows Tires C set, 205 R7s ride-alongs or non-competition 1x alternator 1x NB1 coilpack 1x front hub 2x front rotors 1x front pads 1x accessory belt Up to 180lbs of ballast(lifting weights) along with mounting components Assortment of fasteners Admittedly I would call it a weekend if I had a.... engine, transmission, waterpump, diff, rear hub/bearing, axle.... go out. Thing that I will add to my list after reading this thread: NB1 crank sensor slave cylinder rear spindle assembly(Sadfab hubs) to bolt on another front hub |
I would totally swap a water pump in the paddock. That's maybe 60 minutes in and out on a race car. I have never personally used my TB/WP spares, but I have definitely loaned them out to others.
The only rear bearing failure I've ever had was on an unknown-mileage hub and bearing, and then the hub failure on that same corner 2 years later. Since I am religious about doing fresh rear hubs/bearings once a year, I don't carry spare uprights. |
Originally Posted by flier129
(Post 1518838)
Admittedly I would call it a weekend if I had a.... engine, transmission, waterpump, diff, rear hub/bearing, axle.... go out.
I haven't done my own rear wb at the track but I've helped others, trailer jack works decently well as a impromptu press. Tow rig/trailer spares; only thing I've had issues with is a crank position sensor on the dodge and tires on the trailer. Not sure what else I would carry for the truck (other than the serp belt) but a brake/hub assembly for the trailer is not a bad idea to add to the list. |
Originally Posted by Savington
(Post 1518705)
When I bought my generator (Honda EU2200i) I decided to run it on premium gas, same as the race car. A friend and member here who shall remain nameless accidentally put 87 octane generator gas in his race car at an event and missed some track time as a result. If I run my generator continuously for an entire weekend (which I never do), it would consume maybe 7gal of gas, which means it costs me an extra $1.40 (max) per weekend to never have to worry about having the wrong gas around. Well worth it. I also need to get the extended run adapter for my generator so I can run it longer than 3hrs without refilling.
Originally Posted by Savington
(Post 1518705)
I have two spare tires with extra lugs for the trailer, but I need to get a full spare brake/bearing setup. Trailer folks, we should all be carrying an entire assembly from axle flange out. If a bearing fails, it typically trashes the entire brake drum/rotor as well. I also tried one of those tire ramp things, but my enclosed is ~9k fully loaded and the tire ramp was having none of it. My little aluminum HF jack also won't even come close to lifting the trailer when it was loaded. I ended up with a high-lift bottle jack from Amazon that works much better.
Originally Posted by Savington
(Post 1518705)
@Quigs, how much electric heater do you need to keep the trailer comfortable at night in ~40deg weather? I have a ~1200w unit I use in my office at work that I was going to try out.
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My usage: HPDE and racing, 100 to 400 miles, Open Trailer
Fluids: 2x quarts Redline Engine Oil 5w/40 2x Quarts Motul RPBF600 6 five gallon jugs of E85 Soapy Water to clean Polycarbate Windshield and rear window Suspension/Brakes 2x front rotors, 2x rear rotors 1x front and rear pads Spare wheel for trailer Wheels and Tires -Full set of spare sticker 225/45 RC1s Tools: Tool box Pyrometer Toe Plates Camber Gauge Impact 4 Jack Stands Jack Tire Pressure Gauge(s) Torque Wrench Engine/drivetrain: (really weak here...) -spark plugs -Fuel Pump -Engine Mounts -Clutch Slave Fasteners/miscellaneous: -Box of misc bolts - M6, M8, M10 etc.. =Ring terminals, butt splices, bullet connectors, etc. -Spare fuses (variety of sizes and amperages) -Spare wire in various gauges -Duct tape, metal tape, electrical tape, teflon tape, painter's tape -Many zipties Misc Crap: Blue Tooth Speaker (need tunes sometimes to relax) Shop Rags Microfiber towels Air Mattress (sleep in the back of my SUV) Toiletries (shower at the track) Hard top cover to prevent windows from fogging up overnight Working on car clothes Sleeping bag / Pillows EZup canopy Fold out table Camping Chairs Portable Propane Stove Cooler with Food/Drinks/Snacks Bicycle / skateboard to roll around the paddock Driving gear Lap Top |
Straight from rom my race notes...Race gear checklistFuel jugs, vent can and drip trayKitty litter, dust pan and broomPop up tentTarpsFire extinguishersPull cart for fuel jugsGenerator and extension cordsAir compressorRadiosGoPro Pop rivet kitCamber gaugeString setupNut boxAir pressure gaugeLights for the pit stallWater and ice Freezer chestFan for the pitsSparesEngineCrank sensor *Cam sensor*Plugs and wiresOil and filter*Alternator*O2 sensorECU*Thermostat*BeltCoilpack*Starter*Radiator hoses*Fuel pressure regulatorThermostat gaskets*pilot bearinginjectorsrad. cap*water pump*Trans and diffTrans and diff fluid *trans output seal*Spare Diff*Spare Trans*Axles*DriveshaftClutch master and slave cylinders*Axle seals*pinion seal*Cv joint grease and band straps*SuspensionFront control armsFront hubs*Front spindles*Rear uprights*Inner and outer tie rods*Grease*Hubcentric rings*Rear bearingLug nuts*Rear hub seals*Rear spindle nut*Front spindle nut*SpringsStuds*Brakes Calipers, seals and copper washers*Brake Master cylinder*Rotors*Pads*Brake fluidBrake lines*BodyFuel filter*Exhaust hanger*Exhaust gaskets*Fire recharge kittablet*Fuel pump- low pressure and high pressure*Wipers*Body clips*Decals*Cool suit timer*Micro USB charger*Splitter and hardware
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