I just got back from my first HPDE at Mid-Ohio and I got thinking all weekend about all the parts I want to buy to enhance my driving experience. I currently own an 04 Touring with 53xxx miles and I absolutely LOVE it. However, with all the cash I would spend upgrading (BBK, lighter 18" wheels, plenum spacer, N/A mods to get ~290whp) - I could just pick up a slightly used 07 Enthusiast.

Here's the thing - I found an article (a review of the 07) that states,

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...c)+page-9.html

Is this true? This car will be seeing a LOT of track time, and it is imperative that I can heel-toe downshift without having to unplug the brake light.

 

People do heel-toe all the time and don't have any problems with the drive-by-wire and braking systems. It mainly seems to affect power when you try to do a burnout.

 

yep. i have fallen victim to losing power when i would attempt a burnout. lol, It is a need to know before you are forced to put the Dunce hat on.

 

First time HPDE? I bet you can improve your driving considerably without doing a thing to the car. Cost of mods necessary? Zero.

 

I think he means "...without doing a thing to your car..."

I agree 100% with that assessment. Fix the driver then the car. Once you're a lot more experienced, you'll have a much better idea of what on the car needs to be changed to improve it.

 

Thanks, my driving is progressing nicely. I moved up to HPDE2 after my first weekend.
The brake fade, even with EBC Yellow pads is pretty bad - that will be the first thing on my list. I am not one of those guys that spends 7 grand on a turbo kit and smacks it into a wall. I just want a bit more horsepower, better response, and less body roll.

 

IMO, if you're going to spend any kind of money to enhance the vehicle, it's better to dump money into an older vehicle more so than spending more money on a newer car and then adding more money to mod it.

I wish I would have bought an 03 and dumped all kinds of money into it. Instead I bought an 06 Grand Touring Roadster for 45,000+ and then 30,000+ into mods. Simply put...15,000 + 30,000 = 45,000, which means I would have saved 30,000 and had the same set up minus the 'vert. And dump the 30,000 I would have saved and dumped that into it to have ONE BAD AZZ Z.

 

I think that your best investment is tires. Whether they are dedicated HPDE tires or for HPDE and daily driving. Have fun.

 

I say....Brakes and cooling, then driving ability, then tires, then suspension, then power.

Worked for me in the past

 

I say new car man!!!!!!!!!!

 

i've found a nice sway bar upgrade with stock suspension works wonder's for my driving. Rarely go to the track but i test it out on a few s turn or complete circle exits and i can say sticks nicely at higher speeds with out that slight correction.

 

I just purchase the 07 model and have to say the better engine and dual intakes is amazing. I have driven my bf's modified 05' and would pick mine any day over his. Its quicker then most mods. Deff go for the new engine. I got a 07 with 3k miles for only 23k. Just look hard enough. Mine is like brand new no scratches perfect condition. GOOD LUCK

 

I'm in the same boat, but my 03 is well modded. So i would have to strip the 03 and swap to the 07, I just really want the new motor and Solar Orange. BTW to the OP , no matter what car you have , the brakes will need t be upgraded. The 06+ brakes are better , but not good enough for track use.

 

If you're going to spend 70+, just be smart and get the new gtr. I guess, i'm talking about myself LOL.

 

super/turbo or 07+ . dont waste money modding a de, not worth it imo.

 

Thanks for the comments. I think I am going to just stick with the 04 for a year or two and instead of dumping money into it, save for a 370z.