Notices
2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Track trim superior to other Z's?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 06:55 AM
  #1  
Spartus's Avatar
Spartus
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default Track trim superior to other Z's?

Is the 350Z track more of a sports car and feels more like one over the other Z's? If so, what may be the factor? Also, for you non-track owners, why did you get your Z over the track?

Thanks
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 07:53 AM
  #2  
VandyZ's Avatar
VandyZ
New Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,702
Likes: 1
From: Nashville, TN
Default

Because Brembos, VDC (over TCS), Tire pressure sensors, and narrow track rims were not worth the extra $6K over the Enthusiast.

Thats just my opinion.

Oh yeah, they drive just the same . . .but the track is a bit heavier.

Last edited by VandyZ; Jan 19, 2004 at 07:55 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 08:14 AM
  #3  
ares's Avatar
ares
Veteran
Premier Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,816
Likes: 2
From: ATL
Default

the parts are better than stock, but not what Id want if I went aftermarket...

by that I mean, the rims are very nice, but if Im getting forged rims, they will be the design and color of my choice along with the width.

brakes, I would want "big brake" kit. the brembos on the track are good, and probably more than worth the cost. just if Im going to need brakes beyond factory, Id rather something even better.

and that is all it has over the performance or touring edition atleast. but you can finance the mods, which is nice. it has its appeal, and Im not sure how this works, but because its from the factory, it might let you run in the stock class.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 08:19 AM
  #4  
Nothing's Avatar
Nothing
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Default

You think the Track trim is heavier than the Enthusiast trim? I'd contest that...
N.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 09:01 AM
  #5  
Sz28r's Avatar
Sz28r
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Tampa Florida
Default

VandyZ is correct - Track is 28 lbs heavier than the Enthisiast, in fact the track is heavier than all except the touring which is 22 lbs heavier than the track.

see http://www.lasercannon.com/../images...ifications.PDF
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 09:06 AM
  #6  
ares's Avatar
ares
Veteran
Premier Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,816
Likes: 2
From: ATL
Default

only light weight item on the track car is the rims. and it does havethe aero package. what I dont understand is how it comes out heavier than the performance... its the performance with 32lbs less rim weight, and the brakes... oh and aero kit. they saying the brakes and aero kit weight 40 lbs over the regular? seems a bit fishy.

either way; I do think the track is heavier than the enthusiast or base, but Im skeptical about the performance...
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 09:17 AM
  #7  
Nothing's Avatar
Nothing
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Default

Interesting... I was under the (faulty) impression that the Track would be the lightest trim since it's the "racing" model. Answer me this then... isn't the Track (theoretically) the fastest trim? Couldn't a Track beat all the other models in speed assuming the same driver?

N.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 09:31 AM
  #8  
PhoenixINX's Avatar
PhoenixINX
New Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 1
From: Nashville, TN
Default

Originally posted by Sz28r
VandyZ is correct - Track is 28 lbs heavier than the Enthisiast, in fact the track is heavier than all except the touring which is 22 lbs heavier than the track.

see http://www.lasercannon.com/../images...ifications.PDF
Track is almost 100lbs + on SCCA scales.

During one of our meetings we put an Carter Thompson's enthusiast in AutoX trim (no spare, tools, etc) and it weighed in right around 3060ish.

My track in same trim weighed in at 3188. Granted mine DOES HAVE curtain airbags... I would value those around 35 lbs.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 09:34 AM
  #9  
PhoenixINX's Avatar
PhoenixINX
New Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 1
From: Nashville, TN
Default

Originally posted by Nothing
Interesting... I was under the (faulty) impression that the Track would be the lightest trim since it's the "racing" model. Answer me this then... isn't the Track (theoretically) the fastest trim? Couldn't a Track beat all the other models in speed assuming the same driver?

N.
Enthusiast is lighter... better weight advantage.
Track has lighter wheels... less driveline loss.

Each of these cancel each other out, thus making the race too identical. Certainly a drivers race.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 11:40 AM
  #10  
MrLoutish's Avatar
MrLoutish
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis
Default

As far as if it's "worth" it.

FOR ME, the track ment I did not have to deal with aftermarket wheels / tires and brakes.

No install costs not hassles with dealer about aftermaket items, all coved by warrenty no questions asked.

So FOR ME it was worth it.

Just my $0.02
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 11:48 AM
  #11  
NzZ's Avatar
NzZ
New Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
From: LV
Default Not at all...

The track is great, but the only area in which performance is genuinely improved is braking. Even then, I've heard that the stopping distances are not reduced much, it's just a matter of less brake fade. The lightweight wheels seem more for novelty than genuine performance. That said, if they offered the track with all the touring's goodies...there'd be one in my garage. As for the weight differences between the cars...I doubt 50lbs will make any true difference.

NzZ

Originally posted by Spartus
Is the 350Z track more of a sports car and feels more like one over the other Z's? If so, what may be the factor? Also, for you non-track owners, why did you get your Z over the track?

Thanks
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 03:01 PM
  #12  
Exhaust Depot's Avatar
Exhaust Depot
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: florida
Default

Man, this was a good thread until some one states that the track is 100lbs heavier.

I can loose the 20+ lbs being that I need to anyways, but 100 is just pushing it. Id be down to 120lbs.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 03:40 PM
  #13  
HokieZ's Avatar
HokieZ
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Default

I think my bones weigh more than 120lbs.....
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 04:55 PM
  #14  
MyZ4U2C's Avatar
MyZ4U2C
New Member
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 838
Likes: 6
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

I got a Touring with Aero package, 6 speed, plus it comes with heated leather, the computer stuff, the Bose etc. No i dont think the Track is outfitted better...in fact i think mine is much better...
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 05:17 PM
  #15  
andyisphat2004's Avatar
andyisphat2004
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 985
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
Default

i wouldnt get enthusiast because it doesnt have VDC. Depends on how much you are driving it. Where mine is an everyday car, VDC is essential if it is a little wet out. Otherwise you might end up in the woods like my friend who had a blue enthusiast.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 05:24 PM
  #16  
trackstar's Avatar
trackstar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: CT
Default

Originally posted by andyisphat2004
i wouldnt get enthusiast because it doesnt have VDC. Depends on how much you are driving it. Where mine is an everyday car, VDC is essential if it is a little wet out. Otherwise you might end up in the woods like my friend who had a blue enthusiast.
I've survived my whole life including several high hp RWD cars without VDC or the equivalent; I think I can do without it now.

I think the enthusiast is the best value. I bought an Enthusiast, Stoptechs, and wheels, exactly what I wanted, all total less than a track model sticker. Although I give Nissan a lot of credit for offering the Track model with its great brakes and wheels, it also needs to be lighter than the other models. Oh well, they're getting there.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 06:07 PM
  #17  
azjimbo's Avatar
azjimbo
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Az.
Default

Base-3188
Enthus-3197
Performance-3217
Track-3225
Touring-3247(6-sp)
3239(Auto)
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2004 | 06:37 PM
  #18  
archman350z's Avatar
archman350z
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Novi, MI
Default

Well, I probably don't have to tell ya which one I would pick, huh?

I went with the Track because I don't see many of them (they seem to be the "elite" among the Zs), they have great brakes and wheels, and zero front & rear lift. Yeah, I coulda bought brakes and wheels for less than the Track, but I also thoughly enjoy having a bumper-to-bumper warranty on everything...I love going to the track and being able to say the car is 100% stock while I'm out there mixing it up with some Porsches.

The Track wheels are 100% as good as any other wheel out there (in 99% of the cases, better). I race with total confidence in the construction and durability of these wheels. I can't say that about many of the wheels sold at these "discount" wheel warehouses.

The Brembos are the reason why the Track is the second heaviest model...there's a lot of cast iron down there. Nissan made an attempt to keep the weight down with the Rays wheels, but there's just no getting around the weight that big brakes add. (Well, short of carbon or ceramic)

As far as better?: On a race track, the Track model has a significant advantage since you can brake deeper and corner better (wider rubber than others). On the street, you probably won't notice a difference.

Last edited by archman350z; Jan 19, 2004 at 06:41 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2004 | 11:22 AM
  #19  
JimRHIT's Avatar
JimRHIT
Registered User
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
From: Hermosa Beach, CA
Default

I guess got the Track model because my dealer was more willing to make me a deal on it. It was between a DB enth. vs a CS track ... both were 6mt .... when it was all tallied up ... i looked at it as paying $950 extra over the enthusiast to get nice wheels, great brakes, and the fact that everyone that sees it says, "Is that the track model ... wow"

jim
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2004 | 12:35 PM
  #20  
ares's Avatar
ares
Veteran
Premier Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,816
Likes: 2
From: ATL
Default

well hell yeah its worth 950$. its sposed to be a 6000$ difference.

the resale value along is worth 950$.

whats confusing is how you got the dealer to knock 5000$ off the track and nothing off the enthusiast... or was the track slightly used.
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:42 PM.