For the weekend of June 6th and 7th, I took my Model 3 and my wife’s Model 3 to Virginia International Raceway. It may seem silly to bring two Model 3’s, but I had already missed two events due to the pandemic, and I wanted to make sure I got the most time possible out of this event. VIR had a Chademo that worked great for me last year, but it has been broken for 9 months now, and they are not planning to fix it. So, I resort to using 50-Amp outlets and drawing hundreds of kW’s out of them over the course of the weekend!
This was kind of a last-minute decision; fortunately, MPP was able to help me get the parts needed quickly for my wife’s car to make it track-ready, and installation was a breeze. The relevant modifications of each car are listed below.
Black P3D+:
Suspension
MCS Model 3 Coilovers
MPP Rear Toe Arms
SPL Rear Camber Arms
SPL Rear Trailing Arms
MPP Front Upper Control Arms
MPP Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
MPP Rear Traction Arms
Unplugged Front Adjustable Sway Bar
Unplugged Rear Adjustable Sway Bar
Whiteline Front Adjustable Sway Bar End Links
Whiteline Rear Adjustable Sway Bar End Links
Brakes
AP Racing Front 9660/372mm BBK w/ Ferodo DS3.12 Front Brake Pads
MPP Page Mill P3D+ Rear Rotors w/ RB XT970 Pads
MPP Stainless Steel Brake Lines
RBF600 Brake Fluid
Wheels/Tires
18x9.5" ET35 APEX EC-7 Tesla Wheel Black
Hankook Ventus RS4 275/40/18
Exterior
Unplugged Front Lip Spoiler
Red P3D+:
Suspension
MPP Comfort Coilovers AWD
MPP Model 3 Rear Camber Arms
MPP Front Upper Control Arms
Brakes
Carbotech RP2 Front Brake Pads
Carbotech RP2 Rear Brake Pads
RBF600 Brake Fluid
Wheels/Tires
Konig Oversteer 19x9.5" Wheels
Federal 275/35/19 Tires
Exterior
Unplugged Front Lip Spoiler
Unplugged High Efficiency Trunk Spoiler
So, let’s get right down to it. How did each car fair on track?
Black P3D+: 2:08.49
Red P3D+: 2:09.60
I was able to shave 2 seconds off my PB! While there is more to this story, it is impressive how well the relatively stock Model 3 held up to my heavily modified one. Here are my impressions.
Everyone rave’s about how great the Hankook Ventus R-S4’s is. I have to say, I don’t think the Model 3 is the right application for this tire. In fact, I found the cheapo Federal 595RS-PRO’s to be a lot more confidence inspiring. Sounds crazy, right? Well, the Hankook’s take a whole lap or two longer to get up to temperature. With the Model 3 being driven like a Time Attack car, you basically have ¾ of a lap to warm up and then you have 2, maybe 3 laps (at least at a long track like VIR) to set your fast lap. The Federal’s on the Red 3 were ready to rock and roll coming into T1 on my first hot lap. The Hankook’s were considerably less happy about this situation, and I never really felt comfortable with them like I did with the Federal’s. Having run both, and the Nexen N FERA SUR4G’s before, I can say with confidence that I prefer the Federal’s by a long shot. I honestly did not expect that.
Let’s talk suspension. The MCS are touted in the Time Attack and Racing community as some of the best coilovers money can buy. They had one noticeable advantage over the MPP Coils – driving over the rumble strips on the back esses did not upset the car at all. However, even with the supporting suspension modifications, they really were only slightly faster through every other corner. This surprised me. Given the disadvantages of the MCS setup (harsh on the street, noisy, expensive), I was really impressed with how smooth and fast the MPP Comfort’s were. I had to take a slightly different line through the back esses, but it didn’t result in much of a time difference. I’ve slowly been coming to the realization that MPP is hands-down the best aftermarket option for Tesla’s, and this just solidified that belief. Wow!
Let’s move on to the brakes. Was dumping a bunch of cash into a BBK worth it? While the Carbotech’s on my wife’s 3 did their job, they did not inspire confidence. I had brake fade on several occasions, usually while coming in to Turn 1, and the pedal was mushy and inconsistent. On the other hand, the AP BBK was incredibly consistent, did not fade at all, and the brakes were instantly available, every single time. I’ve written a more in-depth review on another thread, but in short it was a big upgrade and worth the money.
I was pacing for a 2:07.3 (per the AIM data) during my last session driving my Model 3. Unfortunately, I blew Turn 11 and the lap that I wanted was not to be. There’s always next time!
I did have one minor issue during the weekend. I roasted the right front wheel speed sensor on my wife's car from rubbing up against the tire. Fortunately, some wiring pins, solder, and electrical tape solved the problem.
Overall, it is impressive how fast a Model 3 can be with relatively simple modifications. I’ve previously stated that Tires and Wheels, Camber Arms (F+R), Pads, and Brake Fluid were the basics for getting on track and running fast laps without fear of destroying the tires or brakes. I think the performance my wife’s car put on at VIR reinforces that theory. To put things into perspective, here are lap times from the forums I used to hang out on for F80/F82 M3’s and M4’s.
VIR Full Course
2:05.664 poor-sha M3 6MT (Pirelli DH, DS 1.11 pads, Dinan)
2:06.6x lutfy M3 6MT (RE71R, RS29)
2:08:60 wigaster F80 6MT (NT01, rs29, ohlins R/T)
2:10.88 adc 2015 M3 6MT (NT01, Pagid Yellow)
2:12.20 Reach M3 (RE-11, RS29)
2:12.31 kitesurfer M4 (RS3, RS29, JRZ)
2:12.99 jbaslins M3 (RA1, Carbotech XP12/10)
2:15.90 JMon F8X (RS29)
Not too shabby given the BMW has much better top end for the long straights at VIR (and costs a pretty penny more).
The one thing I will admit I miss is the ability to go out for a half-hour and run with consistent power. It makes it quite a bit easier to set fast laps as you can really refine your line, braking points, and of course the more track time you have the better you will get. That being said, I am certainly not unhappy with the Model 3. I am getting solid 15 minute sessions with good power. It’s a compromise, but the Model 3 is quite good and a lot of fun to drive. Fuel and maintenance are much cheaper too!
In regard to tire and pad wear, I am seeing great results at this point. Front brakes on the AP kit should last for 14 days, rear pads are pacing for almost 20 days, and tires should fall somewhere around 15. That means the yearly running costs for the car are pretty low assuming you do roughly 15 days a year (a set of pads, brake fluid, and tires is ~$1,200).
I’m heading up to Lime Rock Park in Connecticut in a few weeks in my Model 3. Hoping to break that 1:00 barrier! Finally, a huge shout out to the team at MPP. They really went out of their way to help make my crazy idea a reality. Their parts shipped out quick, their communication was impeccable, and I have found that their products are simply the best on the market. Many kudos from me!
Video:
Black Model 3:
Red Model 3:
Pics:
This was kind of a last-minute decision; fortunately, MPP was able to help me get the parts needed quickly for my wife’s car to make it track-ready, and installation was a breeze. The relevant modifications of each car are listed below.
Black P3D+:
Suspension
MCS Model 3 Coilovers
MPP Rear Toe Arms
SPL Rear Camber Arms
SPL Rear Trailing Arms
MPP Front Upper Control Arms
MPP Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
MPP Rear Traction Arms
Unplugged Front Adjustable Sway Bar
Unplugged Rear Adjustable Sway Bar
Whiteline Front Adjustable Sway Bar End Links
Whiteline Rear Adjustable Sway Bar End Links
Brakes
AP Racing Front 9660/372mm BBK w/ Ferodo DS3.12 Front Brake Pads
MPP Page Mill P3D+ Rear Rotors w/ RB XT970 Pads
MPP Stainless Steel Brake Lines
RBF600 Brake Fluid
Wheels/Tires
18x9.5" ET35 APEX EC-7 Tesla Wheel Black
Hankook Ventus RS4 275/40/18
Exterior
Unplugged Front Lip Spoiler
Red P3D+:
Suspension
MPP Comfort Coilovers AWD
MPP Model 3 Rear Camber Arms
MPP Front Upper Control Arms
Brakes
Carbotech RP2 Front Brake Pads
Carbotech RP2 Rear Brake Pads
RBF600 Brake Fluid
Wheels/Tires
Konig Oversteer 19x9.5" Wheels
Federal 275/35/19 Tires
Exterior
Unplugged Front Lip Spoiler
Unplugged High Efficiency Trunk Spoiler
So, let’s get right down to it. How did each car fair on track?
Black P3D+: 2:08.49
Red P3D+: 2:09.60
I was able to shave 2 seconds off my PB! While there is more to this story, it is impressive how well the relatively stock Model 3 held up to my heavily modified one. Here are my impressions.
Everyone rave’s about how great the Hankook Ventus R-S4’s is. I have to say, I don’t think the Model 3 is the right application for this tire. In fact, I found the cheapo Federal 595RS-PRO’s to be a lot more confidence inspiring. Sounds crazy, right? Well, the Hankook’s take a whole lap or two longer to get up to temperature. With the Model 3 being driven like a Time Attack car, you basically have ¾ of a lap to warm up and then you have 2, maybe 3 laps (at least at a long track like VIR) to set your fast lap. The Federal’s on the Red 3 were ready to rock and roll coming into T1 on my first hot lap. The Hankook’s were considerably less happy about this situation, and I never really felt comfortable with them like I did with the Federal’s. Having run both, and the Nexen N FERA SUR4G’s before, I can say with confidence that I prefer the Federal’s by a long shot. I honestly did not expect that.
Let’s talk suspension. The MCS are touted in the Time Attack and Racing community as some of the best coilovers money can buy. They had one noticeable advantage over the MPP Coils – driving over the rumble strips on the back esses did not upset the car at all. However, even with the supporting suspension modifications, they really were only slightly faster through every other corner. This surprised me. Given the disadvantages of the MCS setup (harsh on the street, noisy, expensive), I was really impressed with how smooth and fast the MPP Comfort’s were. I had to take a slightly different line through the back esses, but it didn’t result in much of a time difference. I’ve slowly been coming to the realization that MPP is hands-down the best aftermarket option for Tesla’s, and this just solidified that belief. Wow!
Let’s move on to the brakes. Was dumping a bunch of cash into a BBK worth it? While the Carbotech’s on my wife’s 3 did their job, they did not inspire confidence. I had brake fade on several occasions, usually while coming in to Turn 1, and the pedal was mushy and inconsistent. On the other hand, the AP BBK was incredibly consistent, did not fade at all, and the brakes were instantly available, every single time. I’ve written a more in-depth review on another thread, but in short it was a big upgrade and worth the money.
I was pacing for a 2:07.3 (per the AIM data) during my last session driving my Model 3. Unfortunately, I blew Turn 11 and the lap that I wanted was not to be. There’s always next time!
I did have one minor issue during the weekend. I roasted the right front wheel speed sensor on my wife's car from rubbing up against the tire. Fortunately, some wiring pins, solder, and electrical tape solved the problem.
Overall, it is impressive how fast a Model 3 can be with relatively simple modifications. I’ve previously stated that Tires and Wheels, Camber Arms (F+R), Pads, and Brake Fluid were the basics for getting on track and running fast laps without fear of destroying the tires or brakes. I think the performance my wife’s car put on at VIR reinforces that theory. To put things into perspective, here are lap times from the forums I used to hang out on for F80/F82 M3’s and M4’s.
VIR Full Course
2:05.664 poor-sha M3 6MT (Pirelli DH, DS 1.11 pads, Dinan)
2:06.6x lutfy M3 6MT (RE71R, RS29)
2:08:60 wigaster F80 6MT (NT01, rs29, ohlins R/T)
2:10.88 adc 2015 M3 6MT (NT01, Pagid Yellow)
2:12.20 Reach M3 (RE-11, RS29)
2:12.31 kitesurfer M4 (RS3, RS29, JRZ)
2:12.99 jbaslins M3 (RA1, Carbotech XP12/10)
2:15.90 JMon F8X (RS29)
Not too shabby given the BMW has much better top end for the long straights at VIR (and costs a pretty penny more).
The one thing I will admit I miss is the ability to go out for a half-hour and run with consistent power. It makes it quite a bit easier to set fast laps as you can really refine your line, braking points, and of course the more track time you have the better you will get. That being said, I am certainly not unhappy with the Model 3. I am getting solid 15 minute sessions with good power. It’s a compromise, but the Model 3 is quite good and a lot of fun to drive. Fuel and maintenance are much cheaper too!
In regard to tire and pad wear, I am seeing great results at this point. Front brakes on the AP kit should last for 14 days, rear pads are pacing for almost 20 days, and tires should fall somewhere around 15. That means the yearly running costs for the car are pretty low assuming you do roughly 15 days a year (a set of pads, brake fluid, and tires is ~$1,200).
I’m heading up to Lime Rock Park in Connecticut in a few weeks in my Model 3. Hoping to break that 1:00 barrier! Finally, a huge shout out to the team at MPP. They really went out of their way to help make my crazy idea a reality. Their parts shipped out quick, their communication was impeccable, and I have found that their products are simply the best on the market. Many kudos from me!
Video:
Black Model 3:
Red Model 3:
Pics: