Hello Everybody

Well, I have lots to tell, it’s just that I have been too busy putting 2700 miles on the car, in three weeks!!

Picked up my TRACK Chrome Silver in the Bay Area and drove it down to LA via the 101 and a dinner stop at the Warf in Monterrey.
Wanted to wail on it real bad, but I held back until the first oil change, at 972 miles. Set the up shift light at 4000RPM’s and CONSTANTLY varied revs on the freeway, every ¼ mile. Up shift, downshift, dip clutch, repeat…….Let me tell you, it was work.

Well, at 972 miles, I popped its cherry!
OMG this thing runs hard. Every up shift, it just lunges forward with impunity, without the slightest hesitation or dip in power. The electronic throttle control is tremendous, the best I have experienced so far. This car pulls hard in any and every gear except 6th. I don’t know about this 287 stuff, it’s awfully stout.

Cornering, the car communicates very well. Responsive steering that “talks” to you, and tells you what’s going on. Phenomenal brakes, with great feel and great grabbing power. They slow the car down from 150mph very well. Only downer is a lot of brake dust.
The clutch is precise and light, but not too light. The shifter falls right to your hand, away from the wheel, and feels deliberate and mechanically precise. In the daily world of rubbery and vague shifters, this is a breath of fresh air. Heel and toe very easy.
The interior I have no qualms with, stark perhaps, but I like it. No fluff, its all business in there. I love the drivers seat, really hugs in the corners with great lateral support. 5’11” 170lbs. Controls easy to use, the only annoyance is having to turn off the VDC every time I start!

Three days into the ownership, I pitched the standard tires. Purchased S03 Pole Position through the Tire Rack and had them installed. However I could not stand the “cupped in” look of the standard size on the Rays, so I went with 255/45/18 on the rears. What a difference in looks!! It really fills the wheels.
And for those of you out there saying that’s a no no because it changes the tire speed, Hey I can live with one percent! Tire RPM changed from 780 to 772. Uh, big deal.
The performance of the tires has already been talked about, and they are great.

Had a spirited run around Malibu Canyon Roads with my friend Robert and his Z32TT. He has the StopTech Caliper upgrade that he documented in TwinTurbo.net. The VDC was kept on and it works very well in the tight twisties, very unobtrusive, only comes on whey you are about to “break the bungee cord”. Then it only applies the slightest brake pressure to the wheel needed based on lateral loading, steering and throttle input. Actually, I think it’s a little scary that is comes on so late. Very well done.

Pics of the car coming up if someone can help me with the size, it's saying the file is too large. Suggestions?

 

Thanks Phoenix. On the way......

 

great review, makes my feel like I made the right decision, I'm still waiting for my Z, but from your description I won't be dissapointed at all.

 

Great review, Thanks

Loved the line " it just lunges forward with impunity"

I can't wait for mine......Oh ****, I have another 4 weeks to add to the 7 months......What's the line....absence makes the heart grow fonder?

 

Why would 255/45/18's change the tire speed? It would be wider but the OD should be the same.

Good review. I also ordered a Chrome Silver Track.

 

The real question is why would you want to increase rear tire cross section without increasing front? Basically, you have just increased your oversteer and made the car handle worse.

 

Read up on the specs at Tire Rack.

The S03's have a wider tread face than the 040's, regardless of size.

Yes!!!, the 225 S03's are wider that the 225 040's.
And did you mean increase understeer??????....instead of oversteer.

You have a picture of a go-kart on your response, if anyone should know about playing with tire pressures it would be you.


Then again, maybe not.

 

Heh, low blow...so anyway, 255's in the back and 235's up front to fill the gap?

 

dc350...

Great review... thank you very much.

Would be interested in learning about your perceived road holding ability of the S03 .. with wider track... than the 040's.

My first upgrades will be the suspension and the wheels to NISMO.. after a few months.

 

My apologies race boy.

 

The sidewall is a little taller 255*45%=114.8 vs 245*45%=110.2

If you check out the s-03
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...+Pole+Position
And look at column Revs per Mile you see the only exact match(780) is 275/40 18"

 

This is the first time I recall a post that mentions the VDC. I've felt it's application several times, during apex-carving sorties. It is noticable, especially on a decreasing-radius high speed corner, when the lateral loads pile up at, or immediately post, the apex. I'll know more after a session at PIR.

 

Thanks belkmike. I'd like to get some autocross sessions in on the RE040s to get a feel for the Z before going to something with more grip. Hopefully, we'll have some feedback as to the best tire sizes & brands to run on the stock Rays.

 

Great review

Looking forward to meeting all the So Cal members soon..

IF I EVER GET MY DAMN CAR

Ok...I'm Ok...really

 

...for your comments.

Just came back from a drive on PCH and there is something I would like to add.

As an overall package in regards to all the key points I spoke of, you can't beat this car for the money. Or otherwise, because the performance of all the key items is so high.
For now, I am very satisfied. However, the mods are coming.....


BTW Fairlady Z, I ordered the clear side markers from JapanParts.com. Hope to have them soon.