2005 Ann. Edition - HPDE Car
 

Edited for people with ADHD and Don't want to read the entire thread. Goal is to find a fine medium from a Summer Daily Driver and HPDE car.
Just gonna list the mods, Details in the thread.

• Found another set of stock Anniversary Rims. Using a square setup of all rear rims. 245 RE71 (2019 season)
• z1 motorsports SS brake lines
• K harness bar with harness
• Full OFF VDC switch
• 19 row Oil cooler with temp gauge
• Z1 master cylinder brace
• Z1 under tray
• Power steering rack cooler
• Front Bumper air intake
• Carbon Tech XP10 front and XP8 rear brake pads. 2019 Updated to XP12 front
• Mod? Cut down the dust shields on the front and rear to help cooling.
• Replaced Tranny and Diff Fluid. - Nissan OEM fluid.
• SPC front and rear Camber arms
• Verus Engineering hood vents
• B12 Pro Kit
• Slotted rotors all 4 corners
• Test Pipes
• Whiteline Sway Bars F&R
• Auto Blip

2020 Additions.

• HAWK DC-60 pads
• 255 Bridgestone Re-71R
• Front Brake Rotors

Hey All,

I did a quick intro but wanted to start a thread for my ride.
I picked up a 2005 Anniversary Edition for a HPDE event car.
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...87&oe=59E3C89B



I ordered some CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT SPORT XL tires.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....c75d63b5f2.jpg

I also order the K harness brace.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....6966de12cd.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....31cff54d21.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....509ac9591a.jpg


I've done a couple HPDE events with other rides. But is there anything I should watch out for bring the Z to the track. First HPDE with her will be next Wednesday.

Damn you and your awesome yellow Z!!! I always wanted one in yellow.

I'm sure there are threads here outlining what to do on your first track day. You should familiarize yourself with the search function it will help you out a ton.

Same basics with any car before you get started. Don't take offense to any of this if you're already aware of all of this.

If you just got the car treat your first track day like a shake down day. Skip timing all together, or at least don't focus on it. This is your first chance to learn the car and its limits. Focus on having FUN and learning the car.

* Vehicle inspection - get the car looked over before you decide to go drive around a track at the limits - anything critical that isn't 100% right should be replaced, if something fails at 100 mph+ you will be one bummed out dude.

* Fluids - I never trust that the person before me ever did what they say they did, so I change my fluids with every used car I buy. Oil, coolant, diff(s), brake, and clutch. Brake fluid probably the most critical here. You WILL regret not upgrading to a decent brake fluid before you take it to the track. If you don't know what pads you have, or they are worn, consider replacing those prior to track event as well.

* Be hyper aware of any odd vibrations or harshness, watch temperature and pressure gauges like a hawk

* Have FUN!!! Keep your head in the game. Don't let your mind wander. It's pretty easy to get distracted and focus on going as fast as you can but focus on your lines and braking. Smooth is fast. You'll get smooth as you go and fast will come.

* Diff bushing is a common failure point in the Z and should be replaced

Safety wise, I think the harness bar is a bit of a waste of money. When you get more serious a half cage or roll bar or more will be worthwhile. If that harness is a 4 point (just guessing from the stock seats) you should stick with the stock seatbelt instead and possibly consider a CG belt or something until you decide to step up to a real roll bar and seat and 5+ point harness and HANS device. Google the dangers of a 4 pt belt and decide for yourself. Safety is an all or nothing thing in this game, you want to do a lot of research before spending your money.

Those tires will be OK for your first few track days. They are by no means a track tire, but that's fine because you don't need more grip right now, you need more seat time. Might consider another set of wheels with dedicated track tires so you're not commuting burning up your tires (assuming this is your dd).

Lot of fun ahead. Lot of expenses too. Search is your friend. Good luck man.

Thanks for all the input.

I should say, this is not a Track Only ride, hence the tires. I wanted something that was decent for the track and street.

I've always had a four point harness in all my track rides, hence the one in the Z. I feel it holds me in the seat more and I don't have to use the dead pedal to keep me planted in the seat.

I didn't mention, when I bought the car, the oil, brake pads and rotors were just done. Have receipts, so I know it was actually done.
Also had replaced the radiator and fluid. (Receipt from the garage.)

I'll get on the Brake Fluid Monday and replace it with Motul 600. I'll wait see how the brake pads hold up. I'm sure they are just mid grade ones you would purchase at an auto store.

The track days I do are 20m on 40m off for 3 sets for a total on track time of 60m.

Here's the Pittsburgh International Raceway map.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....f2fad24344.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....589ec7fbae.jpg
Previous track car... blew out the motor in it. I actually sold it in parts more than I paid for it.

Then I started this kit.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....b6b949d6dd.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....143db55634.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....c45b7b4938.jpg

It has a 2006 Hayabusa motor. Wife was too scared I was going to die at the track that she talked me into getting the Z.

I also took this beast to the track many times.
580whp
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....2482bc6804.jpg




https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....ff75ae398d.jpg

Sold the Camaro over Memorial Day weekend. Looking to get a Grand Sport Vette or Used 5th Gen Viper.

Sweet list of previous rides man.

Looks like you've got a good bit of experience and can afford to invest in better safety and better brake pads and tires.

I can tell you that I agree with a 4 point harness feeling better than stock because it holds you in place better. However, with a stock seat + 4pt harness your chances of submarining are increased, and I don't mean full submarining like sliding under the belt... I mean like your body slipping down 6" and your organs being crushed by the lap belt.

In a rollover your factory belt will be safer than your 4 point too.

If you haven't seen this grid, it's worth a look. People with correct safety setups often survive some pretty gnarly wrecks.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....1947833810.png

The first track day went well.
Definitely need to get better brakes and maybe S.S. lines.

Ok, Second track day was on Wednesday.

So, as I said before, the "auto zone" pads are not a good idea for the track. LOL
The events I run are the SCCA Track Nights in America. Tire Rack is their main sponsor, so I went with them to purchase some pads for the Z.
I ended up getting the Hawk Blue 9012 pads.

These will pop your eyes out of your head when in full brake mode. WOW. I highly recommend.

First 20m session went great. No brake fade... no issues at all.

Second 20m session, I thought I was getting a little fade in the beginning. By the end of the session the brakes didn't feel right when coming into a corner real fast.

I was talking to another guy at the track that has a more "race prepped" 350z. I wanted to pick his brains about hiw braking system. He doesn't have much more than I do already. Brembos, Track Pads, he has slotted rotors and S.S. brake lines that I don't.

BUT, this is where I got educated.

BRAKE KNOCK BACK!

I've never heard of this before, nor had this issue with my 2010 Camaro with Brembos.
I came home googling the issue, wow.
His recomendation, (keep in mind he is an instructor at the Pitt race track also.) is to do a left foot tap of the brakes on the straights to set the pads and calipers up for the hard braking.

I also read there is a knock back spring you can insert in the calipers, but is not recommended for street cars that you track. Only recommended for track only cars.

So, ideas on what would be the best solution for this? I assume the left foot tap would be it. Just have to get used to it I guess.

And, some pictures from the day.
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...fc&oe=59D707D5
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....d0ca7f9675.jpg


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....2f75421f74.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....45321f9629.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....8d5ab58b83.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....6516c47426.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....6487d128bf.jpg

This is a great thread!
As I was reading it I was thinking "brake fade" and of course that's what it ALWAYS is right? I ran Redline fluid in my track day Miata and that helped a lot. And I was looking at some new Hawk pads so nice to get some feedback on them.

And I remember being told by a Skip Barber instructor to tap the brakes after a long straight to "set the pads" as he called it; but it's this same brake knockback idea = getting everything close to rotor before braking zone.

I installed the cheap ass ($80) Amazon urethane front splitter and it might be a nice addition to your car. It provides imagined downforce (a LOT) - and it did seem to 'tighten up' the front bumper - less rattles and feels more solid. Definitely worth the money. This one's nice too because it can deal with all the steep driveways and curbs with no drama.

Good times:thumbup: I saw your car there, are you going to the AI event this weekend?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....7a36eee5c4.jpg

I know the feeling!

Can't make it. I'm a wedding dj by trade. So my weekends are booked up. That's why I love the scca track night in America events, they are usually during the week.

Are you signed up for the july and august dates? If so I'll see you then.

Yup. Got the July one secured already. What color Z where you in? I seen 3 in group 1

Has anyone installed a wilwood residual pressure valve to help out with the brake knock back?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...SABEgKHHfD_BwE

I was in the orange one with blue wheels. I may have blown the motor today though:mad::(

3rd session down. Knowing about the brake knockback. I did two pumps and the third would be the hard braking. I didn't have the butt puckering moments I did last time since I knew what to do.

The sad moment at the track. A fellow racer had to get life flighted out. He was in a continuation series AC Cobra (still considered an original Shelby Cobra.). Went air born and slammed into the guide rails on the driver side of the car. This happened right after the pits /start/finish straight. There's a 90* left turn at the end of the straight (Fastest straight of the map).
We were all unsure at the time if he survived.
No word from anyone at the track or TNiA. I haven't found anything online about the crash either.

Even at HPDE or TNiA events, bad things can happen. People, if you are tracking at these events the biggest trophy you can take home is your own life. Be careful out there.

I did get some go fast stickers put on the Z.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....e820bc6db6.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....4863d14f49.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....1825d5804d.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....604194ce6f.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....49dec136b2.jpg

The sicker dyno said the 350 now has 1001 HP.

Video of one track session on 7-26-17

Ok, Got Stainless Steel Lines and the Master Cylinder brace from Z1 coming in today. Willk know if this worked for the track day next week.

Well, it was a rainy day at the track. It wasn't till the third session that the track was dry enough to push the brakes to their limits.

It seemed to fix the issue. So, I'm guessing that it was a rubber swelling brake line issue and not brake knock back.

So, first mod to your HPDE car, Stainless Steel lines and brake pads is what I recommend.

So, I'm still getting little squishy brakes at the end of the second session and going into the third.
Anyone have some advice on the brakes on the Z?

Here's a new video. Sorry for the overlay. I had the GoPro in the wrong setting.

Hey all, Track season is over here in the North and I am putting together a list for next year.

Keep in mind, this is not a dedicated track car. Once again, it just a nice car to take to the track, not a track car for the road.

I was thinking about picking up some sway bars. I've been reading a lot and seen some people running stock rear and aftermarket front.

Anyone have advice on this?

Just picked up another set of 05 Anniversary rims for $200 last week. So now I'll have dedicated track and street rims.

i really like watching track vids. thanks for posting. what overlay did you use and what model gopro?

I have hotchkis sways front and rear and noticed big improvement over stock on the street. I only ever started autox'ing after installing the sways so cannot comment too far. The sways are cheap enough to get both front and rear and you could always keep the rear on "stock" setting, which is sitll like 20% stiffer than OEM IIRC. there is a thread ongoing somewhere in the forum about sway bars and settings of the sways.

Hi Bak3rme,

I use a GoPro Hero 5 black edition. The overlay is built into the GoPro. You have to use their software to use it though.

Thanks for the info.

Another Z put to good use.

Always a good site to see.

Hey buddy,

First off, love the thread. You're doing a great job.

Second, I want to ask how you made/took that video. How'd you get the overlays, the data, etc... I also participate in races here and would LOVE more telemetry.

here is a video on how to do the overlay.
https://youtu.be/JeLx9NC2E18

Wow.... that track has changed a bunch since I was last on it.... there was no south course.... i didn't watch your video... do they run the full course for HPDE? What level HPDE are you?

Surprised SCCA allows you to do the harness without a real rollbar....

Yeah, the new owners of the track are really adding a lot to it. It's is leaps and bounds better than years back.

The SCCA Track Nights in America don't have any rules why I can't have a harness bar.

And yes, we run the whole North and South track at the events.

pretty cool! We raced there with NASA / Honda Challenge in the Beaverun days.... back then I think they had a hacked Rally Cross set up where the South Course is now....

You should see the place now. Crazy cool. Upgraded everything on the property. Track, garages, go-kart track, Kart garages, etc. etc...

Hell they had Moto America race there this summer that was on TV.

Not sure if you know this but the 5th Gen Viper has a built in 5 point harness bar/connection and no issues letting it on track.

wish u installed the SS lines first...did a review..then cylinder brace and a review. I wanna see if that brace makes a difference as much as I believe .

Yeah man, my bad. There was another Z guy at the track that told me about the brace. I didn't think the lines would have been that big of a difference but it was for sure.

Alfred_Buchi also posted in this thead about why a harness with no rollbar or cage is not pretty. I am have instructed with NASA and will never harness myself in without a roll over protection..... it doesn't happen often but cars do end up on their roof, and if it crushes, you are strapped in an upright position (you will be much shorter very quickly) vs being able to move in the case of a rollover. Keep it shiny side up and all is well, but **** happens that is beyond your control.

have fun out there.... GO STEELERS!!! I am from Indiana, PA... :)

ps... no clue about the viper... it must have full roll protection if it has a harness bar... that would be a HUGE lawsuit the instant the first person dies

Great thread, love the videos with the overlay.

Have you found a solution to the spongey brakes at the end of the second and into the third session? i am new to Z's but from what ive dug up in my research so far the master and slave are prone to internal leaks, i believe there is a more expensive aftermarket replacement that solves this issue (unless im mistaken this with the clutch pedal) Also what brake fluid are you using? Heat causes viscosity (as im sure you know) which could explain the sponge feeling as the fluid heats.

this thread might be worth a read.
https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...d-coolers.html

Edit: nevermind saw you're using DOT 4 brake fluid.

My plan it to use some air ducting for the front rotors next season. The SS lines helped out a lot.

Read a bit up on the brakes some more and seen another member put the willwood 2lb residual pressure valve on. Said it eliminated the brake fade he was experiencing. I plan on giving this a try next season.
When the snow melts.

1. Willwood Pressure valve
2. Full VDC off switch
3. Front brake ducting if the pressure valve doesn't work.

So I jumped on ebay and bought a seat heater switch in loo of the VDC switch.
(switch came from a G35)
(*Edit. I didn't like that the G35 switch didn't match up so I bought a 350z switch.)
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....a0db32a2a9.jpg

I grabbed my wire tester and started poking at the wires to see what ones are connected when the switch is on / off.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....bf4bd1722d.jpg

The future plan.

1. paint the switch. Color, unsure... red?
2. Insert the switch in the middle of the seat heater switches. There's a blank there, I hope it fits proper.
3. Cut the GROUND wire to the YAW/VDC module that's in the center console and connect it to the switch via the Yellow and Black wires. So with the switch on the UP position, the ground would be working as normal. When the switch is off (Middle) or on the low heat seating the ground will be pulled, thus disabling the VDC fully.


If I'm missing something here guys, let me know.

Hey Franknbeans,

I've enjoyed reading through your track day build! I'll probably start my own shortly! I did my first two days in summer of 2017 in my 350Z Nismo!

Bak3rme, you asked about the SS lines - I had my Z1 SS brake lines installed and the fluid swapped for Motul (IIRC?) before the first event I did. With the Brembos, lines, and fluid, I didn't experience any real fade, but it was also my first time out, so I doubt I was pushing hard enough to make a difference (although I did get my Pilot Sport 3 A/S tires greasy enough to lose grip in corners).

I have had the clutch sticking to the floor issue in spirited driving before the track day, so I also had the Z1 insulated SS clutch line installed (again with Motul IIRC). I've had no issues with the clutch sticking over two hot track days, and a few spirited paced laps at VIR since the change.

Got some more goodies in the mail this week.
Picked up a dove tail spoiler, front splitter, oil cooler and oil temp gauge.

Still going to work on a brake duct system while the bumper is off for the oil cooler.

Got the VDC switch installed. FYI the G35 seat heater switch is not the same size and shape as the 350z one. Since I already had the switch and payed for the switch, I made it work. But I believe a stock 350z switch would of looked nicer.

Ok, So I started the install of the Oil Temp Gauge. I thought about deleting the Volt gauge and put it in there but decided to put it in the door.

This was a big PITA. I ran a zip tie through the rubber sleeve, Taped the wires to the zip tie and pulled them through.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....73f5a08311.jpg

I drilled a hole in the connector where there were no pins were being used and put the wires through the hole.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....44097f3e01.jpg

I then drilled a hole in the other side of the connector so I could get the wires to pass through to the inside.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....86bbace47f.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....295840a6eb.jpg


I pulled the speaker, ran the wires for the gauge, through the inside of the door and out the rubber grommet where the other wires come through.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....f74f421c11.png

Here you can see how I installed the gauge into the air vent.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....351b62ca44.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....3e3d95c501.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....17318f5a74.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....39d644a45e.jpg

Oil cooler installed.

I just need to wire in the sensor at the motor and finish the gauge install.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....62701fae23.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....b773808b06.jpg

Gauge is all hooked up. Waiting on a couple other parts before putting everything back together.

It even dims at night and turns on the Oil Temp lettering in white.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....c68f701f16.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....4bff15a68c.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....14b7eb28af.jpg

I also installed the bumper intake.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....dbd09585d6.jpg

Took the Z for a drive today. No oil leaks! The temp gauge worked fine and I watched the temperature go up and down, so I assume the cooler is working along with the thermal plate.

The Full VDC switch is working too. So nice to be able to do a burn out now. LOL Can't wait for track season.

Got my a new SNELL 2015 helmet for this year too.
Trying a new look, go fast stickers!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....95a27e6762.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....797e7c086d.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....692abc58cc.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....8ee573b6f0.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....180c2e01f0.jpg

Kick myself in the butt. After putting the front end back together, I've decided to get a larger steering rack cooler. So, I guess, it all comes back off now. LOL

Ok, first track day for 2018 was on 4/26.

The FULL VDC off switch, OMG, it's great. There was no interference that I had last year on some hard braking corners. I did get the ass a little squirrely on the second lap. Hard brake corner, cold tires, left turn.... But once things warmed up it was great.

The oil temp gauge. My power wire that i tapped into a fuse with on the fuse panel worked it's way loose and I lost power to the gauge. I didn't have time to fix it because I volunteered to help out the TNiA staff during the event. Popped the panel, wiggled the wire and all is good. I just kept an eye on the water temp gauge like last year. All seemed well.

I have to apologize for the audio quality. I tried an external mic on the GoPro and apparently it was to windy still, hence the popping.

First lap was under yellow... and there's half a lap cool down at the end... Not real exciting, but I did pass some cars so that's a plus.