mwest300zx

I used my 04 Touring Roadster on the track a few years ago when I was a novice. Minor upgrades, Hawk pads, stainless brake lines and CAI. The last 2 years I've been using my Miata which is set up for the track. I've been using Toyo RA-1's shaved to 4-32's. I like these for the Miata.I am now driving in the advanced/instructor run groups.

I am planning on using my Z a bit more often for the track. I have stock Bridgestones 225-50-17 and 235-50-17. I want to stay with a 17" wheel. Does anyone have any experience with track tires on their Z. I want to go with a track tire but as I said I want to stay with 17's.

I'd like to get your experience and comments.
Thanks.
MWest

gregom

iTrader: (3)

Well i've been tracking and auto-xing my Roadster too... not running any competition tires but I don't see how what the coupe guys would be different to use Roadster guys. I'd post over in the motorsports forum as you'll probably get more useful response.

Why you want to track your ZR when you have a Miata? Those are so light and chuckable that just look like loads more fun. The Z is a bit of a beast on the track due to its weight. But it still will do great if you have it setup right and know how to drive it.

Good luck and get those Bridgestones off, stock tires are horrid if you ask me. Only thing I like about them is they are a lot quieter and last longer.

350zpimpin

do they make you guys run a roll bar for the verts @ the track?

GTkiller

I never have been told that but i have only done the 1/8th of a mile bc i need to buy a helmet for the 1/4 mile so i have no clue. I have 19" with toyo proxies and i have a supercharger withh headers. 245/40/19 in the front and 275/35/19 in the rear and i hook fine. the only problem is my heavy *** wheels they are called konig afterburners and they are chrome.

mwest300zx

I want to use my Z as a change of pace. I last used it on track about 3 years ago when I was just learning. Then I switched to using only my Miata. Wanted to learn and be consistent with 1 car.

It would be nice to take the Z out on a big track like Watkins Glen where it's power over the Miata would be fun. I now drive in the instructor/advanced groups. Speeds are significantly higher in these groups, that's why I am looking at track tires.

Though the other option would be to back down a group and drive a bit less intense on the street tires.

Re: Roll Bars. It varies from group to group and track to track. My Z is OK at some tracks and not others and is OK with some groups. For instance it may be OK at The Glen with PCA but not with NASA.

You need to check with whatever group and track you plan on going to.

reserved

iTrader: (18)

Well, I have had no luck whatsoever finding any track or organization in Virginia or adjoining states which will allow a convertible without a full cage
If anyone has any information to the contrary, please let me know!!!!

Ataru074

iTrader: (19)

there is a motorsport section in the forums... a lot of people runs 17".
you'll need at least the front camber arms to run slick or R-comp tires on 17inch.. usually 275/40R17 all around is a good choice for the Z. (you can rotate the tires and get rid of the understeer)

scotts300

iTrader: (46)

I only run 17" track set-ups on our ZR. For autox, I used to use Falken Azenis RT615s - 255FR and 275RR, then 275 all-around. I have also used 275/40/17 Victoracer V700s all-around, and last used 275/40/17 Hoosier R3SO5s all-around. Next set-up, which is in the works, is 295s all-around.

Wrong type of track, Johnny. That's a strip, we're talking about HPDEs.

350zpimpin

I believe some clubs will allow "bolt in roll bars" maybe its omthing you can put in for a weekend and take back out.

Worth looking into. I am shopping for a fun daily/weekend warrior and as bad as I want a vert. I want to be able to track it to so I dont know.

Spork

iTrader: (6)

I'm a smack junkie

scotts300

iTrader: (46)

One group I run with requires converts to have roll-bars, however, accepted the hoops behind the driver and passenger given Nissan documentation of roll-over protection.