Reuster86

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys, I've been reading up a lot here lately, and looking into buying a 350Z as my daily driver and for autocross. I've found some awesome write-ups regarding STU setups, and that had me considering the 03-04 Base Model. Now I'm leaning towards running C-Street, considering cost and practicality as a daily driver.

What's the best year and trim 350Z to start with for C-Street?

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

Personally I'd recommend a 2005 Track model or a 2006 Enthusiast.

KingBaby

iTrader: (3)

Any well keep track model.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

I need to look up the riles for C street, never really heard much about it.

03threefiftyz

iTrader: (25)

Formerly C-stock.

You're going to want a model that came with the larger wheels since you are street tire limited. I would have rather had the older, lighter car in the Hoosier days.

Reuster86

iTrader: (1)

Good points. Bigger wheels... so that rules out the 03-05 Base and Enthusiast at 7.5 front and 8 rear. The 03-05 Performance and Touring had a square setup at 8 wide front and rear. I guess staggered is probably preferred, plus these models will be a little heavier. I'm not really concerned about the wheel weight, as C-Street rules will allow me to go aftermarket on the wheels as long as the width doesn't change and diameter is +/- 1".

PDX, can you tell me what you like about the '05 Track as opposed to any other track model year? Those are hard to come by. And what benefit do you see to the '06 Enthusiast?

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

Lightest with the RevUp engine (7000 RPM redline vs. 6500 -- 64MPH top in 2nd).

The HR has an even higher RPM, but moves the center-of-gravity in the engine compartment higher -- which doesn't help.

Reuster86

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the pointers. Just brought home my '06 Enthusiast today! Came very close to buying an '05 Track, but the only clean/low mileage one I could find was all the way in CA (I'm in KY), and I couldn't talk myself into the 30+ hour drive. Next I'll be tearing into it to prepare for C Street. Came with HKS exhaust (awesome), but also some other bolt-ons that aren't allowed in street class.

monztr

Hope to see you at the NCM pad on the 29th, I'm 5 CS.

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

Congrats! BTW, check your owners manual for ABLS...if you've got it you'll be very happy! If not, then I've got an extra VLSD...

Reuster86

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I will be at NCM this weekend! #09. I'll see you there. Hopefully I'll be ready for CS. I've already pulled cold air intake and plenum spacer. Car also came with 3.9 final drive, so I ordered an OE diff that's supposed to arrive tomorrow. "ABLS"? What is that?

Reuster86

iTrader: (1)

Oh, I see, "Active Brake Limited Slip". Manual seems to suggest ABLS is a feature of the VDC system. My car has TCS, but no VDC button, so I assume I also don't have ABLS.

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

Yup, it's basically an e-diff on top of the box-o-goo VLSD.

With the e-diff, my car still leaves 11s instead of 1s...

monztr

I plan to swap in my front koni's saturday. Did the rears the other day and I think I might have got a bad one, might be running one stock shock in the rear.

Reuster86

iTrader: (1)

Got my diff today... Had to pick up at FedEx hub because it was leaking gear oil everywhere. After opening up the package, I'm pretty sure it was only leaking from the vent tube, which is ok. Unfortunately, fitting for the vent tube is bent, wiring harness is cut, and to top it all off, it's not even an VLSD.

I guess I'm putting my car back together and running STU until I can get an OE VLSD.

monztr

So you have an aftermarket LSD in it now? I won't protest you over a diff, neither will my tire warmer. I don't know the other guy registered in CS.

The vent tube isnt a big deal unless you plan to drive through tome deep water, the harness isn't needed you just swap over your wheel speed sensors. But if it's an open game over. Haven't looked inside the Z33 vlsd I assume like the older vlsd units it has the washer thing int he middle that prevents you from using standard length axle in one side.

KTR5

Sorry to bring up an older thread, but I have a related question.

I'm currently running an '03 350z in C-Street. I'm playing with the thought of getting a newer one and want to clarify a rim rule.

It seems some of the 2007 and 2008 Grand Touring models came with the Rays v.2 rims which are 18x9F and 19x10R. I've been looking for quite a while and it seems that roughly 75+% of the GTs out there have the anniversary rims, not the Rays.

Does anyone know what the SCCA Solo ruling on this would be? Can the Rays v.2 rims still be used in C-Street if they aren't standard on EVERY GT model?

I'm sure locally no one will care, but I do plan to attend some national events and would hate to get there and be told I have to move to STU. Thanks!

monztr

My understanding is to run the GT wheels or at least gt wheel sizes you must have a GT model. Kinda silly if you ask me but I think they want to keep someone from picking and choosing parts to build their own "stock" car, getting the lightest and tightly sprung 03 track and running the 07-08 HR motor with the bigger GT wheels. You can write to the SEB for clarification but I think they pretty spelled it out already.

KTR5

Thanks montrz. That's pretty much answers my question. My real concern was if I find a Grand Touring that has anniversary rims, would I be able to get the Rays v.2 rims or an aftermarket rim within the stock parameters (+/- 1" diameter) and still be able to run in Street.

I think I would be, but I don't want to go out and get one and then find out I have to move to STU.

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

Did the +/- 1" rule go through? I guess I missed that -- not that I'd change from my stock-size 18" wheels now that there are decent 18" tires out there...