Then certainly get the nismo. seems like you won't be modifying your car since you didnt modify your 350z. Get the nismo

 

I have no immediate or future plans to modify my car or the Nismo. I won't say I'm closed off to the idea, it's definitely a possibility, I'm just not buying with the intent to mod.

I think I'm just going to do it guys.

This is a bit off-topic, maybe it should be posted there for more responses, but What are your recommendations for becoming a better driver?

I know some basics, but I really feel I need some kind of teaching or training; I just have no idea where to start. Are there some good driver schools in the NJ-PA area? Are they way to expensive?

I've also been thinking about taking some mechanics courses. I feel like my knowledge of the inner workings of cars is just too limited; I'd like to learn more.

 

Those driving courses are amazing, they will instantly help every aspect of your driving. But they aren't cheap...anywhere from $850 to $5K. But well, well worth it.

And mechanics courses are fun. It's cool to know how your car works.

 

Taking one of those driving courses is something I've been meaning to do, but just haven't gotten around to. In fact, my parents' present for completing my Ph.D. (back in 2003) was to pick up the tab.

I've never come across someone who has taken any of them and regretted it. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

I'd look for the nearest track with a good road course (not just an oval)--is Watkins Glen near you?--and see who offers courses there. One thing to decide is what you want out of the course, as some are real-world oriented while others are racing oriented.

One variable is whether you use your car or their car. Obviously, it's more expensive is you use their car, but you also don't have to worry about wear and tear on your car (and especially your tires).

 

I think I would opt to use their car. I wouldn't want to run my car down like that, especially if it's a brand new Nismo.

$850 isn't bad at all, but I can't handle 5k. Are there any other less expensive methods? The only other alternative I see is research and practice (but where?).

It sucks when you don't have a family member to teach you these things.

 

If you were going to use a car, I'd use the one you have now. It's broken in, a few thousand miles off the tires won't impact your resale (unless they're low on tread already), and you're familiar with it.

You should be able to find plenty of good options for under $1000. You can always take more courses later. Many people who take one course go back for others. There are intro and advanced courses. It's not like you take one good course and you're done.

I've had a couple of half-day complimentary courses from BMW. Even from those--which were just long enough to teach me that I'm clueless behind the wheel--it was clear that you'll learn more from these courses than you can ever learn on your own.

One other thing to look into are the track days sponsored by various clubs. You'd definitely use your own car for those, and you'd need a helmet, but these events are relatively cheap, under $100 usually. I might be a bit off on this, but I think other people there could give you pointers, by having you ride along with them and them ride along with you.

There should be clubs in your area that do this. Though probably not at this time of year.

 

You guys are great, thanks for all the info.

The tires are brand new on my '04 Z, but like I said it's a 5at. I guess I'll have to look into schools or tracks near my area. Anybody around the NJ-PA area have some experience with this?

Any other opinions?

 

The $5K is the 3-4 day intensive courses. You should be able to find a good school with a one-day intro course for around $800 - $1200. And they will probably have cars for you to drive.

 

Unless you've had a lot of previous experience with a stick, you're probably better off taking a course with an automatic. You don't want to complicate matters by learning how to select gears along with everything else they're going to be trying to teach you. It's easy to get overloaded. At least that was my experience.

Keep your eyes well down the road, on the next turn...look for the apex...no, not there, the apex...don't turn in too early...turn now! yes now!!!

 

lol, sounds about right.

As for the manual, I do not have much experience with it, but I am already taking classes for that. I actually have one this Sunday. The good thing about the 5at was that it let me get used to RPMs and shifting without the hassle of a clutch. I'm confident in my ability in that department, and I have had some manual experience, I just felt I needed to brush up and take some courses in that as well.

 

If you want to be a better driver, try a local autocross event first. It will cost you ~$25 for an entire day of fun. This is the best way to find out how good a driver you are. You can drive your car, as is, without any modifications. And it is the safest.

 

And then after you find out how bad a driver you are, you'll really want to take a driving course

At least that's how it would be for me.

 

well i hope you don't plan on having the lotus for a daily driver.. if so have fun with that

 

It was already established earlier in the thread that the Lotus cannot be used as a daily driver and that I am shying away from that car.

The only alternative is an Evo X for practicality, but for me the car just does not inspire like the Z.

I'm going to try to look into some driver training courses in the NJ-PA area.

Anyone have any experience with these places:

NJ
http://www.driverseast.com/
http://www.drivingdynamics.com/

PA
http://www.racingadventures.com/

NY
http://www.tracktime.com/
https://www.trackmasters.com/Page.asp?Script=1

 

I think I'm going to go with either the Driverseast or Driving Dynamics classes in NJ.

Which program do you guys think is better?

Drivers East
Cost: $1725

Day 1:
Forward Slalom
Use of mirrors/reverse slalom with mirrors
Braking
Threshold braking
4 wheel braking
Braking to a mark
Forward 180 left
Forward 180 right
90 right
90 left

Day 2:
Review
Reverse slalom and use of mirrors
Lane change 90's / Drift 90's
Box 90's right to a mark
Box 90's left to a mark
180s right to a mark / 180's left to a mark
Reverse 180's
Skid Turns (Fish Tails)


Driving Dynamics
Cost: unknown

Day 1:
An intensive performance driving school. Lots of "seat time," and plenty of instructors for one-on-one training. The techniques covered include:
* Eye Technique
* Braking
* Cornering
* Advanced vehicle dynamics
* Accident avoidance
* Skid control training, including seat time in the Driving DYNAMICS Patented "Controlled Slide Car."

Day 2:
An all-day track event on one of the famous Pocono road courses. You will have lots of track time, and instructors will be there to help you get around he track more quickly and smoothly than you ever thought you could.

At the end of the program, you will have felt the thrill of driving your car the way it was designed to be driven. You will know its capabilities, and how to maximize those capabilities both on the track and on the street.

You will also have a grin from ear to ear!

This School Qualifies as 1 of 2 Schools Required for your Regional SCCA License.

 

If you've never done it before, I think the 1st course looks more like a beginner course, which is where I would start.

I was amazed at how much I learned through a "beginner" course.