Nissan 350Z as a track car

[db1]

Hi,

Has anyone modified a 350z for track use (while still being able to use on the road). I was thinking about things like uprated brakes, suspension etc.

Also, does anyone know of a company that specialises in modifying these cars?

Many thanks

DB1

 

[GrahamC230K]

Something I can certainly vouch for having been in a 350z is that the stock Brembo brakes are extremely good. A view that is shared by most including Evo magazine who suggest that the brakes are not a point for immediate update for track use as they are on most cars.

 

[db1]

thanks, i am going to have a look around for a 350z, i think in terms of value/performance/reliability for money these must be one of the better track day cars from what i can tell.

 

[Tilly]

have you considered maybe an Audi TT Quattro Sport? They were the ones with the black roof that were stripped out as standard, make a great track car and the 4WD system can be modified to give it a rear wheel bias for ultimate handling, worth a look the engines although only a four cylinder are tuneable with plenty of of the shelf parts available and being VAG the tuning is cheap as chips and high quality, plenty about for them and they also have the obvious weight advantage over the V6 so there is very little shoving on the front end

 

[db1]

thanks - i think i would prefer a rwd though, although i take your point on setting it up for rw bias.

does anyone out there have a 350z or a TT they regularly use for track days?

 

[shadowninja]

I'd go for something lighter with the same power eg 200sx, MR2 Turbo (mk2)

 

[scotth_uk]

DB1,

A friend is ditching his E39 M5 for a 350Z track car. All of his research indicated that the 350Z is best in class for this purpose. Plenty of mods available via the importers, however some careful thought required about selecting 'effective' additions, rather than 'available'. ;-)

Scott

PS - The 200, MR2 and Audi TT will have you thinking you've made a mistake in comparison to the 350. No offence to those who suggested them.

 

[mickl]

get a 300zx

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

NISMO and Middlehurst are the names that spring to mind when tuning Nissans. No experience of either though.

A great choice, but don't go out in the snow in it though. A neighbour has one and she abandonned it next to mine last month.

 

[Sp!ke]

I've driven a 350Z on a race track in standard form and I was utterly amased how good it was. (I nearly bought one on the way home I was so impressed)

I drove a full on race prepped mid engined Clio cup racer back to back with a bog standard 350Z and decimated my lap times in the cup racer with ease.

Go for it.

 

[shadowninja]

PS - The 200, MR2 and Audi TT will have you thinking you've made a mistake in comparison to the 350. No offence to those who suggested them.

it does depends on whether he wants something with out and out trackability or something with more style, I guess. (comparing the mr2, 200 and 350z in terms of track work.)

If I was choosing a japanese track weapon wanting value for money and reliability, I'd go for a mid-90s MR2 Turbo. Light, well-balanced, amazing grip, very quick (245bhp as standard and easy/cheap to tune). I've owned an MR2 Turbo and a 200sx... and while I haven't driven a 350z in anger, I know they are heavier (at least 200kg heavier) which would put me off.

 

[bolide]

This topic goes round and round on loads of Forums. I think the "best" car depends on your purchase budget, how much you're willing to spend over time modifying it, and how much value you expect it to retain at the end of the process

In general, the more you modify the car the worse it becomes on the road and the lower its value drops. So I'd reckon on getting nothing back for the mods and on the overall value dropping

The main things I've learnt from doing track days are:

* if you're doing it seriously you'll need a set of track day wheels & tyres. If your car isn't big enough to carry them and a trolley jack you'll need a support car

* it's hard work driving the track day car home after a long day and having just swopped back to the road wheels & tyres

* breaking the car and going home on an RAC Recovery wagon gets old very quickly

* the more you modify, the worse the car is on the road and the more your costs go up

* Insurance companies do not like roll cages

My advice would be to have a "Track Slag" and to tow it to events behind your day-to-day car. That way you can drive up, roll the track car off the trailer and it's immediately ready to join the queue. Tyres at the right pressure, fuel in the tank, windscreen clean, belts adjusted, wheel nuts tight & etc

I can't comment on the 350Z but heavy cars are always going to work brakes and tyres harder than lighter cars. Older cheaper cars like BMW E30s have lots to recommend them, and are great as learning tools, but they're obviously wrong if your main motive is pitlane one-upmanship rather than driving. But I wouldn't underestimate the bragging rights of a well-sorted E30 M3 - it'd be half the price of a 350Z and it wouldn't depreciate like falling girders

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk