I was doing a little testing. After getting my '07 I was going through Nissan's specs on the transmission and final drive. I was surprised to find that the gear ratios were the same for all model years for 6 speed Z; from '03-'07. That raised a flag in my head.

Later that week I did a test, since I'm still trying to get break in milage I keep my RPMs low. I had a friend help acting as a second set of eyes for this test to verify what I was getting was correct. The new redline for the '07 Z is 7500 RPM so I attempted to hold 3750 on a straight road in 2nd gear to see what speed I was reaching. I was surprised to find that I was hitting 35-36 mph at 3750 RPM. This would mean redline in 2nd should come at around 70-72 mph.

Given that 2nd gear seems to be too tall for the new engine from an autoX point of view, that the car about 100+ lbs heavier than '03-05, and the engine is developing less torque; does this add up to a stock vehicle that is potentially slower in autoX than the '03-'05 Z? The '07 does have significantly more power (but would rarely be seen in 2nd gear on most autoX courses), bigger OEM brakes, develops more torque earlier in it's RPM range, and a revised spring rate for the rear. Would these revisions make for a better B Stock car?

 

I still think it will be a better BS car, you get bigger rims which gives you a wider tire choice. The new engine has less torque, but it's not by much. I say just keep it and fight it out

 

almost sounds like an S2K ... Drivesolo and I both run the majority of our autoX events in a smaller lot, there's times where I'm fairly low in the RPM range in 2nd gear, and I have an '05.

*I hope the '07 is slower - I'll need every advantage to beat him next yr!

 

^ What the?!?... Curses! You've found me out First350! But you haven't foiled my plans just yet.

I'm thinking that a final drive change is on order. Just wanted to get the impressions of other '07 drivers before shelling out the cash for one. (Will be running in BSP in '08).

 

IMHO, the 07 is a better autocrosser than the previous models. Like you I had an 03. It's weakness was 2nd gear. I found myself hitting the rev limit and shifting to 3rd in more courses than I liked such as the Cecil Tour this spring. I haven't had to do that with the 07 in even some of the really wide open courses since. But I have hit the rev limiter.

I found it took 5-6 events before I became comfortable with the jump at 4k (like boost). I was loosing time by spinning the tires in a straight line after I exited a feature because I was used to flooring the pedal once I was straight in the 03. Acceleration has improved in the straights between features once I got used to the boost.

The 07 needs Konis. I proved that at Walnut Ridge. I was closer to Asher at the Huntsville Tour once they were installed. Now the driver needs a lot more seat time and agression.

My son bought my 03 but he only wants to co-drive the 07.

 

damn, wish my dad had a Z. instead he got a miata. still fun as hell to drive on a road course but man its a turtle on exit speed and straights. i let him take my Z around a few laps hoping he would buy one. "cost to much to upgrade" was his reasoning. hence the miata.

 

I think the 07 z is better suited to national level courses which are a lot more open and flowing.. ie faster, albeit technical, than most regional courses.

 

The 07 does not have less torque. There was a comparison a while back between it and the nonrevup/revup motors. Stronger than either of those.

 

Sorry Jun. I disagree. It's better than my previous 03 on any course. I've run some tight ones at small venues and open at others. With the right line it works anywhere. No lack of torque either. I'm mostly trying to keep the rear end planted.

 

the time wasted by shifting would (IMHO) outweigh the small loss of torque. my raised rev limit from my reflash was totally helpful last weekend on a course where we saw 66-68mph

 

I have driven the stock '03, '06, and '07 on autocross courses. IMHO, the newer models are getting progressively better. The revised suspension seemed to help a lot.

 

Hey MC, did they class your Nismo as B stock? I would think they would given the rules, but it is a topic of discussion at work since I'm going to take mine out and start to do some Solo runs.

 

Not classed nationally, but "OK" for regional events.

Personally, I think that the Nismo will go directly to BSP.

 

I'd say that the 04.5 and 05 non-track models are better than the '03, and the '05 track model and '06 enthusiast are roughtly equivalent, with the '06 track model having a potential advantage -- if you can find 19" tires that will fit the wheels.

We'll have to see in Topeka if the additional power and wheel width of the '07 can overcome the potential additional weight and potentially higher roll center (taller engine). IMO, I think that the '03 and '04 are at a distinct disadvantage due to the unrevised suspension. The '05 track and '06 enthusiast (both with revised suspension and revup engine) will be very close to each other, the '07 enthusiast is the wildcard. It could very well be a drivers race.

 

Was there a change between 04 and 05? I thought it was just a standard TPMS as an added option and the 300HP motor on the top end cars

 

Yes -- the revised suspension for the "later" '04s -- hence the "04.5."

All of the "goodness" of the original suspension (quick turn-in) without the tire feathering.

 

i thought the 04.5 thing was a myth. what is the vin change at?

quick turn in and stock z dont go together