Track Day Prep for Your Subaru

By IAG Performance
3 min read
Track Day Prep for Your Subaru

Spring is just around the corner, and if you haven’t started prepping your Subaru for the upcoming track season, now’s the time. With fluctuating parts costs, it pays to focus on upgrades that deliver the most performance for your money. In this article, we’ll help you prioritize the right upgrades to make sure your Subaru is set up for affordable, reliable performance on the track.

BRAKE FLUID

Something as simple as a brake fluid flush can make a big difference out on the track. Brake fade or failure isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous. That's why our recommendation is Motul RBF 600. Specially formulated for racing conditions, it offers a boiling point nearly 100°F higher than standard fluids, ensuring consistent braking performance even under extreme temps.

Motul RBF 600 brake fluid bottle with red cap and label.
Motul's RBF 600 has a very high boiling point (312°C / 593°F). High-temp brake fluid resists fade, delivering steady performance and a firm pedal feel even when things heat up.

STREET / TRACK HYBRID BRAKE PADS

If you're planning to mix daily driving with occasional track or autocross events, Hawk Performance HP Plus brake pads are a great fit. Designed to handle the heat and abuse of track days while still being streetable, these pads deliver the stopping power you need without requiring a pad swap after every event. Perfect for drivers who want solid performance on track days without giving up day-to-day drivability.

Box of brake pads with four pads visible.
For drivers who demand street performance and occasional track use, HP Plus delivers—no need to change pads between daily driving and track or auto-cross sessions.

RACE BRAKE PADS

For serious racers who demand more from their braking system, Hawk Performance DTC Brake Pads deliver track-only performance with multiple compound options to suit different levels of competition. These pads are not designed for street use—they're built for high-speed, high-heat conditions where entry-level compounds fall short. If you've overheated pads or lack of bite under extreme use, it’s time to step up to a race-specific solution.

A white sports car speeding on a racetrack.
The Hawk DTC-60 isn’t a beginner’s pad—it's built for competitive drivers who’ve outgrown milder compounds and need serious braking power under extreme heat.

BUILT ENGINE OIL CHANGE KIT

A full synthetic oil change is essential for maintaining the reliability of your IAG-built Subaru engine, and the IAG MOTUL 6L 5W40 8100 X-CESS Oil Change Package makes it simple. Designed specifically for the 2002–14 WRX and 2004–21 STI with IAG built engines, this kit accounts for the unique bearing clearances found in performance builds. It includes 6 liters of MOTUL 8100 X-CESS to accommodate larger-capacity aftermarket oil pans.

Three containers of Motul 8100 X-cess engine oil and a Wix oil filter.
Motul engine oil offers superior high-temperature stability and protection, making it ideal for the extreme demands of race applications.

OEM ENGINE OIL CHANGE KIT

For 2002–14 Subaru WRX and 2004–21 STI engines with factory bearing clearances, the IAG MOTUL 6L 5W30 ECO-NERGY Oil Change Package is the ideal choice. It includes everything you need for a complete, high quality, full synthetic oil change.

Bottles of Motul 8100 ECO-energy motor oil and an oil filter.
Motul oil is a step up for OEM engines because it meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications, offering reliable protection, cleaner operation, and longer engine life.

OIL PRESSURE GAUGE

Track days push your car to the limit, and oil pressure is one thing you can’t afford to guess on. The AEM Digital Oil Pressure Gauge gives you accurate, real-time feedback, so you’ll know instantly if your engine is losing oil pressure under load. It’s a smart investment for anyone who’s serious about protecting their engine and getting the most out of every session.

Black oil pressure gauge with white markings and logo.
The AEM Digital Oil Pressure Gauge features a plug & play harness that makes installation a snap.

With the right upgrades, you’ll be ready to hit the track with confidence. From high-temp brake fluid and high-performance pads to race-only components and monitoring tools, each part we’ve highlighted will give you serious bang for your buck. Want to see how we do it? Check out our BRZ track prep here. If you need additional help putting together a setup that fits your goals and your budget, feel free to give us a call at 1(410)840-3555 or send us an email at sales@iagperformance.com.