It's been a while but as a point of reference I think a 100% stock 350Z on street tires should do a sub 2:25 or 2:20. Do not let those time discourage you at all. I've seen viper drivers do 2:40's.

 

Nice. I just left the military and VA,but I love VIR. Great track,I got loved tapped by another Z and almost got sent into Oak tree. Now up here in the Hudson Valley NY looking forward to NJMP

 

That sounds about right depending on the Z trim model and year. It was my first time at VIR this weekend. My best time and last run was 2:33.04 (I got video :-)). I have to say, wow, that is a very interesting course! It took me a long time to get a handle on it. Tweaking my suspension, found great settings on the last run.

I have a base 2003 350z with Falken RT-615K, Fortune Auto 510 Coilovers, Motordyne swaybars, Kaaz 1.5way LSD, ACT lightweight clutch and flywheel, Hawk Blue 9012.

I'll talk more on it when I post the video, but my 2:33 time was when I was experiencing technical issues and a lot slower on the straights vs earlier in the weekend, but I was wicked fast in the turns (due to learning the course and suspension tweaks). My top speed was 128MPH
on the back straight on my first day, but during the run where I got the 2:33. I couldn't get past 105mph. This was either due to a ground issue or trans/motor oil heat. Kept going into limp mode on the start/finish straight at gear 5 at 5K rpms.

That being all said I was faster in the corners than an Audi R8, Porche GT3, and more.

It was an amazing track! I love it! I got the pad lock hotel. It was so nice going into the hotel after my runs to cool off and chill. Let me know how NJMP goes.

We should all pick an event to do together. A nice central location like VIR .

 

How do you like the 510s? I know the fortune auto guys pretty well, at least Terry. They do test and tunes and the blackwater track and their evos are nuts.

Also with your 510s do you still have your mid link installed or did you replace it with a toe arm?

 

I plan on doing a video review of them with a before and after video at Summit Point next time I go there. So far they feel amazing and to answer your other question...BAM!

BAM!


Once, I did some suspension tuning after each run with the dampener settings. The car gripped like mad! Unfortunately, I was having issues with limp mode and seemingly heating issues, but that run was my fastest time, lol!

I think I will create a youtube series on the comparison of my mods, tweaks, and tuning with a before and after comparison.

 

There's about 9 z's signed up for VIR for this weekend. Tarheel Sports Car Club. Two day event with time trial.

Don't be discouraged by your times 2:33 is still moving around there. VIR is a technically challenging course, although there ar evariaances to the line, its difficult to get correct right away.

 

Yes VIR and Road ATL are the toughest two on the east coast to get right at speed. I'll be there this weekend as well, breaking in the new to me race car. You'll see me on grid too, I'm the Grid Marshall for Tarheel

 

I can highly recommend the Tarheel events...then again I am very bias since I am one of the guys who started the program.



I wish I could be there, but I will be out of town.

 

This is absolutely correct. VIR is one track of many nuances, and it really takes a while to get up to speed there, even for very experienced drivers.

Given that this is all new to you, your time is very good, and by no means slow by any street car standard.

 

Yeah, I was starting to get a hang of it on Sunday. I was consistantly getting 2:35's on Saturday with a top recorded speed of 121mph. On Sunday, my car started to lose power and then go into limp mode in 5 gear at 100mph or so, coming onto the start/finish straight mostly. I noticed the black ground cable to the battery was super loose, as in I could just lift it up and off the battery. I think this was the cause. Unfortunately, I found that out at the end of the day after my last run.

As for my best run which was my last run, I was stuck behind a car who I was faster in the turns (had to slow down a lot), but it was my best time (due to suspension tweaks and learning the course more, also comfort level)! I couldn't pass either because on the straights my car wouldn't be able to accelerate as well and then limp mode would activate.

I have video of it with telemetry data. I will post it up later tonight! I've got some interesting videos, including one of me nearly spinning out at 77mph and saving it by drifting, lol. One thing I can say about my driving is that I know how to control and predict oversteer and understeer.
Thanks, I am interested in seeing how I will do when my car has no issues (see my response to ldstang50 above) and I am not stuck behind a slower driver. That all being said, I am in love with VIR.

As for VIR this weekend... There are that many Z drivers there?... I really want to go, but I don't think I can. Although not solid plans, I already made plans. Keep me posted on any future track days because I've been going to them like crazy recently.

 

Welcome to the dreaded fuel starvation syndrome of the 350Z. When you start staking Hog Pen (turn 17) with speed and aggression, the centripetal force pushes the fuel away from the pick up in the tank.

Sounds like you were hustling along pretty good.

The good news is the fix is relatively cheap, start the session with more fuel

I have to fill up between every session, but I am hustling that curve pretty hard. Most folks need to start with at least 1/2 tank of fuel. the 370s have it much worse from what i here.

 

Haha, holy crap that makes a lot of sense! Also, did some searching on the forums just now and found out more about it. Hoping there is more of a permanent solution.

Brought to you by Lightning Guy

Thanks man!

 

Hydeciel, do you have your run from VIR?

 

Yes, I finished overlaying the telemetry data and now I am cleaning up the video, rendering as I type this, done in 55mins. After that I can finally upload it to YouTube. Long process. Also, it turns out my best time is a tad better 2:32 and some odd milliseconds.

There will be more after that, but this one has my best lap, but with the apparent fuel starvation issue.

More to come soon! Probably by morning!

Cheers,
Hyde

 

What camera do you have and how do you have it setup? I really like how you can see everything that the driver is doing!!

 

PCA PDX/HPDE 9/2/12 at VIR. Lap 6 is my best lap. Having the famous fuel starvation issue after the right turn on the start/finish straight.
This is my final run for the weekend at VIR. Driving my 350z with the PCA. Ran into a few problems with fuel starvation and a grounding issue, but this is my best run. Best Lap, lap 6 starts at 13:05
Car:
2003 Nissan 350z Base Trim

Suspension Mods:
Fortune Auto 510 - Dampening settings - Rear 25% (Soft) - Front 75% (Firm)
Megan Racing Adj. Front Up Control Arms
Megan Racing Adj. Rear Lower Arms
Megan Racing Rear Camber Arms
Megan Racing Rear Radius Arms

Powertrain Mods:
Sikky Transmission Mount
ACT Lightweight flywheel
ACT Clutch
Nismo Pilot Bearing

Misc:
Nardi Steering Wheel with Workbell QR

 

I use the gopro hero 2 set at 720p. Mount is a sunction cup to the back window (no roll bar or harness bar)

 

Another VIR vid, playing tag with a Porsche Turbo
The sound you here is the intakes, which oddly you cant here in the car

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jRgkiHUsWfI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

Idstang50 - how much do you zoom in on the gopro?

 

no zoom on the gopros