I’ve tracked my Z for approximately 2.5 years now doing track days but mainly sprints (similar to time attacks). Built engine with APS TT putting out approx 480 HP at the wheels, AP brakes, Bilstein, etc. Nothing else really needs to be done to the car except to lighten it (by completely stripping it and CF panels) and maybe a little more boost.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have some top running pro drivers drive my car and my times on various circuits have been within 0.8 secs of their times. I’m happy with this and after countless laps (I go to a track every 2 weeks) I’ve reached a plateau with my times with the current set up.

I drove a Radical SR8 today and was blown away. Obviously it’s a purpose built race car so I cannot compare it to a Z but it has me thinking.

I’ve spent approximately $100K (AUS dollars) on my Z including car.
SR8 costs $200K.

So hypothetically if I spent another $100K modifying my car (CF body, strip interior, more power, sequential box, etc) would the Z ever be as fast as the SR8?

Or should I just sell the Z (for a huge loss obviously) and buy the SR8?

Does anyone know of any twin turbo Z race cars that are running exceptional times (ie. Times comparable to 997 cup cars or open wheelers such as the SR8)?

Input would be appreciated.

 

Live my dream and get the SR8. Completely emotional response, but damn that thing is a thoroughbred.

 

Maybe in a straight line, with enough power.....Maybe if Daffey Duck was driving the SR8...but, never around corners, never under brakes, never on a track lap, never,never,never......

You are right. You cannot compare it to a Z. You can't compare a modified road car with a purpose built track car like a Radical, even an SR3. Different universe. If it's for racing, buy the Radical, don't even think about it! If you want that type of track performance but still want to drive to the track, buy an Ultima GTR, at least it has a roof!

 

if you have the coin, do it
ive been thinking about track only car and dreaming
sounds like you have the funds

 

A few things the Radical has that your Z will never have.

1) Weight...I can almost promise that you can never get the Z down to Bantam weight like the SR
2) Aero - The Radical is built and proven
3) CG - The CG in a SR3 is only like 4" off the ground.

The SR8 was purpose built and is a wonder, it really is. Not to mention that in the long run it will be cheaper to maintain that A Really highly modified Z. Also, there is a great group of classes for the Radicals for W2W. I love the radical myself, but also look at the Stohls.

 

Radical, hands down.


My father's boss actually owns one and those things are quite phenominal. If you have the money, do it

 

Sr8

 

SR8 .. hands down.

 

Good points. Another BIG area is design: the radical has a mid-engine layout with monacoque construction. It takes advantage of the majority of developments in modern racing over the past fifty years in maximizing both aero and mechanical grip. Your Z is primarily built for the road, but the Radical is a no-compromises track car.

Last piece of advice: if money is a factor (which it doesn't seem to be), then the cheapest racecar is always the one you already own.

 

well, yes and no..

I have learned over the year is it's cheaper to buy than build.

 

Not to rain on your parade, but in a 20 lap race you'll be in second place by 16 seconds. Sorry.

Comparing the Radical to the 350Z is an apples to oranges comparison. I suggest you rent a Radical for a couple events to see how well you like it. When I moved from a 300 hp, 2,100 lb. 240Z to a 110 hp, 1,700 lb. SRF the change was dramatic and it took me a year to get used to driving a purpose built race car. They are very different from an accidentally built race car and require a hgiher skill level and much more focus.

 

Didn't Zillinois go this route about 2 years ago?
I remember someone here buying a used radical in favor of doing a full build on the Z. They seemed quite happy w/ the results as i recall.

 

I don't think it was a Radical but it was a purpose built closed cockpit car.

 

reference, for morons like me who had no idea what it was...

 

I know but that's why I'm not a pro driver, just a lowly amateur. But I'm happy with my speed and realise I will never get to that level. And I also realise that I will never, ever take the SR8 to anywhere near it's full capabilities but would like to own one nevertheless.


Thanks for all the input guys.

 

I think one important thing to consider is whether you'll have fun blowing everyone away. If you are going to race or compete in sprints with other comparable race cars, then I can see the fun in it. If all you do is lap the field with no one else to chase down, it could get pretty boring. Personally, I like the idea of chasing down a better driver or someone in a faster car.

 

The nice thing about Radicals is they are Spec cars, so if the OP has other Radicals, Stohls, or Spec Fords to play with..all the more fun.

 

A stopwatch will fix that in a real hurry.

 

mmmmmm... Radical... It's like cracking open a wallnut with an ICBM.