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SCCA rulesmakers have made the Z a dual class car for 2010. The December Fastrack is out and lists the 350Z in both Touring 2 and Touring 3 classes. T2 specs stay status quo, but there are a host of changes if the Z is run in T3. T3 specs call for the Z to run on 8.0" rims and no more than a 245 mm tire. It'll also get a 31 mm inlet restrictor and have to run stock springs and swaybars. Weight stays the same at 3,268#.
IMHO not an attractive proposition for current 350Z T2 competitors. My decision took only a few seconds. I'm not tearing down and redeveloping my Z to make it SLOWER. I'll stay in T2 even though we lack the HP to compete effectively at Road America for the Runoffs.
Weren't the T3 S2000's quicker than all the T2 350Z's at the Runoffs? Why slow the 350Z down for T3? I assume you would use Nismo 350Z springs and sway bars if running in T3. No changes for the 350Z in T2? Remove all Nismo suspension? That seems vague. Seems like a token effort by the SCCA.
350Z may remain in T2 as specified, and may change to T3 with the following adjustments:
• 8 inch wide wheels
• 245 maximum tire size
• Remove all Nismo suspension
• Add 31 mm SIR, which will be monitored for performance
• Weight at 3,268 lbs
Mark- the SCCA comp board wasn't going to allow the 350Z into a lower class without restrictions. That the restrictions were so draconian was somewhat surprising, but not altogether unexpected. A token effort was not the comp board's intent- they simply won't let the Z disrupt what they see as the 'competitive balance' of T3.
Agreed. The SCCA CRB will most likely make adjustments over time as the Z crawls around in T3. But I think most 350Z campaigners will stay in T2, where the car can be competitive at many venues around the country. Unfortunately, Road America is a track that doesn't play well to the Z's strengths and there are no easy, bolt-on solutions to make horsepower.
Agreed. The SCCA CRB will most likely make adjustments over time as the Z crawls around in T3. But I think most 350Z campaigners will stay in T2, where the car can be competitive at many venues around the country. Unfortunately, Road America is a track that doesn't play well to the Z's strengths and there are no easy, bolt-on solutions to make horsepower.
BTW- after reading the Dec Fastrack again, the T2/T3 class change is being recommended to the BoD for approval. It's not yet finalized. That means 350Z racers can still submit opinions on the rule change to the crb@scca.com.
Does an HR motor have two restrictors or one? I would think the SCCA would want the 350Z racers to run both classes where possible. So make the changeover quick for racers....Can you run Nismo 350Z swaybars and springs in T3? I would think that would be the way to go if forced to use stock springs and swaybars.
Does an HR motor have two restrictors or one? I would think the SCCA would want the 350Z racers to run both classes where possible. So make the changeover quick for racers....Can you run Nismo 350Z swaybars and springs in T3? I would think that would be the way to go if forced to use stock springs and swaybars.
Hi Mark. If the car goes into T3 we would need new wheels and to us that means 3 new sets. Our old wheels are 10" rears and 9" fronts, new wheels would be 8" front and rear. We would have to go back to stock front and rear swaybars but changing them isn't that difficult. We would also have to go back to stock springs and thats not so easy to change. We would get to keep our adjustable shocks. Tire size also goes down from the 285 we currently run to a 245 tire. Of course we have a couple of sets in the garage that we bought for last year and didn't get to use. Then comes the restrictor which will sap horsepower, but we don't know how much. the size is to be determined in the next few days. I have a machinest lined up to make them at a reasonable cost so David if you change your mind let me know and we will get you one. I also will make you a good deal on some 8" wide Enkei RPF1 in silver.
Thanks Bob. I assume the Nismo 350Z stock sway bars and springs are allowed correct? Problem is all the springs OEM stock don't drop the car at all. Guess alot of testing is ahead for those who chose T3.....You guys have a Happy Thanksgiving.
I think I have an easy solution. Let SCCA keep all the current 350Z restrictions, and get Nissan to make the GT-R a trim package for the Z.
In truth there is a lot of legacy feeling about the Z in Showroom Stock, touring, and Improved touring. It's a car that dominated the classes for almost 20 years. The new Z is not the Z of old and many other companies are making more competitive products but the memories of the Z of past still play a roll IMHO.
__________________
Marty Howard
Former President - Triangle Z club
Track Events Stewart and Logistics Coordinator TZC/THSCC track program
Mark- the way the T3 rules are crouched I think the T3 cars would have to run OEM springs and bars, no NISMO stuff at all. you're right about a lot of testing and trial and error to set up a T3 car. I do like Marty's suggestion to allow us to put VR38VTTs in the Z and HANG ON down those long straights at RA!
If approved by the BoD, the CRB would have to define what they mean by "remove all NISMO suspension" in the final 2010 comp specs. It could mean no update/backdate to NISMO V3 OEM suspension or they might allow it. They're seeking input as this point, so if you're seeking to run a T3 effort, this might be an opportune time to include a mention with your feedback.
If approved by the BoD, the CRB would have to define what they mean by "remove all NISMO suspension" in the final 2010 comp specs. It could mean no update/backdate to NISMO V3 OEM suspension or they might allow it. They're seeking input as this point, so if you're seeking to run a T3 effort, this might be an opportune time to include a mention with your feedback.
Seems to me if the S2000 is allowed the CR option the 350Z should be allowed the Nismo 350Z options.
2010 350Z T2/T3 SCCA class specs
