That was actually my main reason for ordering the '05 Track -- 500-600 higher fuel cut (over the 287 engine) meant 64 MPH (on stock-sized tires) vs. 60 MPH at the top of 2nd gear.

 

Chris,

Good luck whatever you decide - I'm sure you'll be fast regardless of the model you choose. Hopefully the BS class will continue to grow and flourish.

 

So not to bring up an old thread, but it is my thread, and it's still relevant

I imagine in the next few months I'll be purchasing, depending on what I find locally that might be sooner rather than later.

 

Good luck!

 

I autocrossed an 03 Track with konis and hoosiers in B-stock pretty competitively for the last 2 years before buying my new Grand Touring this summer... and I can say hands down the GT is much much better even in completely stock form. The feel of the handling, more punch from the engine and higher revs alone make it more fun to drive too.

But, if you can, buy a 370Z!!

 

actually, i just read that you have a Z06. KEEP IT!!!! Or trade with me?

 

Hey Chris,here's our take on the best 350 for autoX based on a BS setup and the data we have:

...............Weight/full tank..........Wheels...........Tires

03 Eth.............3100.................7.5/8.0x17........275/40/17
03 Track..........3151.................8.0/8.5x18........285/30/18
05 Track.........3165.................8.0/8.5x18........285/30/18
07 Ent............3200.................8.0/8.5x18........285/30/18

As you will recall the big WEAKNESS with the 03 Enthusiast was the ABS ice mode problem( lift a rear wheel while touching brake and gas at same time = ice mode) and it always happened when entering a critical high speed turn.As far as we know, it was an 03/04 problem only and only the Enthusiast model.

The other 03/04 Enthusiast problem is 7.5 " front rims.The 285/30/18"s on our 05 Track did wonders for the inherent nose-heavy Z push problem.

Model differences in weight,HP and torque are not issues...all Z's have power to spare on an autoX course because they all share the same weak LSD.

Bottom line....our choice for the money would be an 03/04 Track model.
Jim and Carter

 

I have driven an 03' two 05's an 06' and two 07's.

I am guessing the 370 will be faster than any of those, but I think the 07+ are faster than those before. Handling differences are negligible (between the 05+ 350's) but the extra power (and extra MPH in each gear) come in handy.

I drive an 05' BTW.

 

04.5-06 have a better front suspension geometry.

HR engine is good, but taller than the earlier engines, which raises the CoG of the front end.

RevUp engine ('05 Track, '06 MT) has a different ABS computer which doesn't throw ABS codes if you left-foot-brake.

I've been so tempted to find a 370 Sport package and get a true "competition" weight, but I kind of think that the dealership might be a bit concerned about my removing everything from the car just to see what kind of weight it truly would be.

 

Best estimate so far for 370 Sport in full autoX trim is 3280.

 

Nismo 350Z. The springs are stiffer (can't change them in BS correct?) and the car is lowered from the factory. Car has much better response than any stock 350Z. Plus the sway bars are stiffer (I know you can change the front bar in BS). Price wise they be available at good prices as the 09 is out.

 

Chris,

May I suggest you look at this Z? I think the 04 track model is perfect!

https://my350z.com/forum/cars-for-sa...h-goodies.html

 

Details?

I recall that a few parts changed, geared towards greater toe adjustablity and a different compression rod to help address premature bushing failures. But I'm not aware of any other changes that would offer up better things geometrically. Could have simply missed the memo however, so that's why I'm making the post

What specific info did you find that suggests 04.5-06 cars have better front geometry vs 03-04? Things that impact performance alignment of course.

 

Thanks Fooshe, but I'd like to run Stock for one more year.

From looking around at price and such, I imagine I will likely go 03/04 enthusiast or 03/04 track as Jim suggests. I'm going to try to start moving our four horse trailer and the 240Z this weekend (Ebay and craigslist) depending on how those proceed will tell what i have for spending money and timeframe to purchase.

Thanks for everyone's feedback! I hope to be more involved with the website again here more in the very near future

edit: and because I have a problem, project370z.com just in case

Now, I had project240z.com, and corvettez06.org, I need to find a domain for a 350z to purchase

Nevermind that last part. Before posting this message I purchased project350Z.com

 

The 03-04 cars had to dial back the alignment to keep from killing tires. The 04.5-06 cars could have the aggressive alignment and not burn off the front tires in normal driving. I'll have to go back and dig up the notice, assuming that if I can even find it (but IIRC, it was posted on My350Z).

I haven't compared parts-to-parts, but *my* '05 Track model doesn't get odd wear patterns across the fronts, nor does it really burn off the outside front corners. The Hoosier A3S05s that I ran for a little while actually wore the inside edges off the rears (corded) before the fronts got close.

My "performance alignment" is the stock alignment. The car is very neutral bordering on slight oversteer. That is with 285/30R18s V710s.

 

My 03 burned off the OEM tires, after that it was fine from a tire wear perspective.

I'm still torn on what I will get, if anything. Hopefully in the next month or so I'll get permission from the wife and move on something

 

Looking forward to seeing you back in BS Chris!

 

For Stock BS class the best one is the 07+ NISMO 350Z with the extra seam welds, all the added suspension components. You get all that extra stuff and it is still in BS and will kick a regular 350z or a modded one in the behind.

 

Why weren't you at Nationals then last year? I've never run against one.

 

I have, and they *can* be quite quick if driven well.