M3P Track Issues / Discussion

[BMWY]

Lots of discussion around this topic occurring in other threads, so figured I’d try and encapsulate them here. I’ll add links in a bit.

TLDR: the new M3P is exhibiting major brake fade and thermal management issues that severely handicap its effectiveness and ability around the track.

Can this be fixed? Will it be fixed? Is it proven to be an issue with both battery packs? Feel free to discuss

 

[jmaddr]

Is the brake fade worse than before? b/c it as pretty bad before and the existing brakes look identical to the existing ones. The existing '18-23 big brake kits are being tested right now (UP being one of them as per their YT - but I assume there are others as well.).

 

[MasterC17]

The new Performance (afaik) comes with the factory "Track Pack Pads" and DOT-4 brake fluid. So, it should be a measurable improvement over the outgoing Performance. That said, they're not racing brake pads, and the factory caliper/rotor setup (which has not changed) is close to the limit in a track environment (this is primarily due to the thickness of the rotors, e.g. not thick). So, if you're serious about tracking your Model 3 Performance, you will need some brake upgrades (I already have MPP BBK's all-around on mine). That said, if you're new to lapping, or even an intermediate, they're likely more than adequate.

The current limiting is an issue just as it was on the previous generation. However, with ~15-20% more average power across the band, we are hitting that limit much quicker than before. Since the limitations are a result of the battery pack's design, I wouldn't expect much or any change to happen. I would like to make it clear that the current limiting is *not* a result of the battery pack cell temperature, as continues to be regurgitated across the internet. We can keep the cell temperatures in check with an additional radiator, same as the previous gen car. I've written in-depth on this subject here.

 

[mpgxsvcd]

Lots of discussion around this topic occurring in other threads, so figured I’d try and encapsulate them here. I’ll add links in a bit.

TLDR: the new M3P is exhibiting major brake fade and thermal management issues that severely handicap its effectiveness and ability around the track.

Can this be fixed? Will it be fixed? Is it proven to be an issue with both battery packs? Feel free to discuss

My US based 2024 Model 3 Performance seemed to do just fine in the 100+ degree Track temps this weekend. I was heating the battery the whole time and it just kept gripping and ripping all afternoon. I think the Panasonic battery is just better than the LG battery in every way imaginable.

 

[MasterC17]

My US based 2024 Model 3 Performance seemed to do just fine in the 100+ degree Track temps this weekend. I was heating the battery the whole time and it just kept gripping and ripping all afternoon. I think the Panasonic battery is just better than the LG battery in every way imaginable.

I think on the drag strap it'll never be an issue. For every ~12 seconds your WOT there's at least 2 full minutes of cool-down, so the average power over that time isn't too crazy.

As far as I can tell, there's not much difference between the LG and Panasonic cells as far as current limiting is concerned. Unfortunately, discharging 3kWh/minute results in power being limited pretty quickly. That aside though, the Panasonic pack is definitely much better overall.

 

[MasterC17]

My US based 2024 Model 3 Performance seemed to do just fine in the 100+ degree Track temps this weekend. I was heating the battery the whole time and it just kept gripping and ripping all afternoon. I think the Panasonic battery is just better than the LG battery in every way imaginable.

Oh, by the way - 10.65 @ 128.05 with a 8.18s 60-130 is absolutely rocking - nice work!!

 

[mpgxsvcd]

Oh, by the way - 10.65 @ 128.05 with a 8.18s 60-130 is absolutely rocking - nice work!!

Pretty nuts that it did that on all season tires that averaged 250 wh/mi on the way back from the track.