I used to road-race sportbikes for about 3 years '98-'00 til I joined the Air Force. I don't know what it is but I love taking corners at high speeds! The #1 reason why I purchased my Z almost 2 months ago was handling! During the test drive I loved the way the Z felt rock solid and on rails in the corners. Like I said I've only had my '06 Z for a little less than 2 months and I already have 3,800 miles on it. I'd say almost have of those miles are from driving canyon roads. I'm not as fast in the Z as I am on a sportbike though the corners but I'm starting to get pretty close. A car *should* be able to corner faster than a bike because of the 4 tires with larger contact patches versus the bikes 2 small contact patches (but with much stickier tire compounds). The stock potenzas on my car are terrible but at least they seem to slide predictably. I'll be glad when I wear 'em out so I can get a better set.

How many of you are pleased with your Z's handling? Do you take your Z to a road-racing track? Canyon roads? What mods have you made to improve the handling? Just looking for input from other people that like to corner instead of just flooring it in a straight line for 1/4 mile.

 

My 2004 Roadster had pretty good handling stock but adding the Nismo Suspension and Sway bars made a huge difference...

 

Yeah, you really wanna have fun, upgrade the suspension and get wider/better wheels tires. I also run Nismo suspension and sways along with Nismo rims and Falken Azenis RT-615 tires (just added wheels and tires a few weeks ago). I have yet to find the handling limits on the street; it is in a whole other class compared to stock.

 

I road raced bikes for 3 years too, 03'-05'

I drive the Z just like you, mostly on curvy canyon roads and the handling seemed much better the first few times I took it out. I think it stills handles great but I'm pushing a little more and I'm becoming more familiar with the car's shortcomings.
That being said, I can corner way faster on the Z than on a bike. The bike will get out of corner faster but if comparing only corner speed, I can definately corner faster on the Z.

I'll be taking it to the track in September(Thunderhill) so I'll have a good idea then of how the car handles when driven hard.

An LSD will be my first mod, followed by suspension.

Cheers.

 

The same canyons I run on the bike I also run in the Z. Can't agree though that I'm faster through corners in the Z. It's possible, just haven't thought about it. Two completely different animals enjoyed in two completely different ways. I'm happy with the stock tires on the Z, 'stone 50's, I slide a hell of a lot more on the bike even running Pilot Powers.

 

I don't think I was very clear in my reply.

In the really tight stuff, I can go faster on the Z. On the sweepers I can go faster on the bike.

Either way, yes, 2 diferent animals, both very fun!

 

Agreed!!! Here's the same road (Ortega Hwy) one turn apart! The bike shot was taken yesterday!

 

With more practice I'm sure I'll be able to corner just as fast in my Z and I used to corner on my bike(s). The price of nismo suspension, sway bars, & lightweight rims, is a huge chunk of change. I'll consider it.

 

^^ Sways alone will significantly improve the Z's handling.

 

Handling was about 90% of the reason I bought the Z. Its really flat through the corners. After my WRX (load of body roll and understeer) it feels like a sportbike.

 

Now thats what i'm talkin' 'bout right there!!!! Lookin' good bro.

 

The Z is a sportbike on 4 wheels.

 

If you want to check out my car (Tein Basics, Hotchkis sways, Cusco A-arms, Nismo LSD) sometime let me know. You won't believe how sloppy a stock Z feels after driving one with some suspension mods. We just had an auto-x yesterday at Sierra Vista, you should come out sometime. I'd do a Lemmon run with you, but I avoid it like the plague now. WAY too many run-ins with law enforcement up there. Next track day coming up for me is September 16th at Arroyo Seco in New Mexico and there should be a few Z's there. Also, check out AZ350Z.com if you haven't already.

 

The Z tended to understeer just a little too much for me so sway bars were one of the first things I did. It really helped.

However I am saving for a coil over kit as I do find the stock shocks/springs too soft.

 

Thanks man! Yesterday was a blast!! Comparing the Z to a bike, I'm definitely going faster and pushing a bit harder on the bike, and more comfortable doing so. Though the Z feels great and gives pretty good feedback, the feel of throttle to traction on a bike is spot on, and you really feel the road a bit better. I think your awareness is higher on a bike too. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE railing in the Z. In the photo I was pushing decently, and it's glued to the road with minimal roll. As far as Z handling...I think it's awesome as it comes stock, especially if you want to throw price in. Not to say there aren't a few shortfalls as others have said. Down the road a nismo suspension upgrade will probably be in order.

 

I think I can make it to Arroyo Seco. I've made quite a few runs on Mt. Lemmon and haven't had a run-in with the law yet..I guess I've just been lucky. I'll check out AZ350Z and sign-up there also. Sounds like I've been missing out on all the fun!

 

if you were getting the car purely for handling, I would have gotten the S2K.

 

Slam, you will be surprised how much the handling will improve with some decent tyres, mainly ANY aggressive directional, THAT'S NOT AN RE040!! RE040's are rubbish, very noisy, lethal in the wet!! I don't know why Nissan persist with less than ideal tyres for the car, when there are far better options.

Running German Eagle GS-D3's on my 2004 350, immediately noticed a huge improvement in the fact it actually sticks to the road, you get slight roll in due to the sidewall being less firm, but still much better tyre in my humble option. Considered P-Zero's and other brands but never been that fussed with the P-Zero's on other far higher performance cars I've had.

Hmm comparing a Z to a motorbike is interesting. I still have an exceptionally fast 500cc 2 stroke, race replica. Yeah, extremely different beasts. But the bike has the exhileration factor. Both awesome for different reasons.

 

Try a good set of rubbers. I did pretty well (aggresive driving)in the canyons against other Zs with suspension and I'm stock. You just got to be able to tame the throttle and brakes and work the suspension. But yeah it can understeer if you don't know your limit. Be careful.

 

Luckily he is not you.



SLAM, try checking out some of the other forums. Namely Autocross/Road, and Brakes, Suspension, Wheels & Tires. Lot's of knowledgable folk in there who also live for the twisties.