Heel / Toe In The Z
#21
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Jet, I definitely think it is harder to Heel-toe in the Z vs other autos. I wear a size 12, but given my heel-toe style (heel roll with my foot slightly angled - toe side to the gas) the gas pedal is still too far/recessed in relation to the brake to H/T without mild strain.
Although they say the brake should never sink past the level of the gas, it's still a bit high for my taste.
I actually think my unconventional H/T style (toe blips gas, heel modulates brake) evolved from the Z's pedal configuration. When I try conventional H/T (toe side modulating brake, heel throttle blip), I feel my heel sinks too low for comfort. I am considering an aftermarket pedal cover for the gas, but I just can't get comfortable of the possibility of the pedal cover falling off in a squeeze (paranoia I'm sure, but still).
Although they say the brake should never sink past the level of the gas, it's still a bit high for my taste.
I actually think my unconventional H/T style (toe blips gas, heel modulates brake) evolved from the Z's pedal configuration. When I try conventional H/T (toe side modulating brake, heel throttle blip), I feel my heel sinks too low for comfort. I am considering an aftermarket pedal cover for the gas, but I just can't get comfortable of the possibility of the pedal cover falling off in a squeeze (paranoia I'm sure, but still).
#22
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At a stop, my brake pedal is higher than my gas pedal. Under hard braking, it sinks about level with the gas (maybe a tad lower??). Anything under hard braking, and the pedal is slightly higher than the gas. This, combined with the brake-gas proximity (too far for my style), makes everyday heel-toeing more strenuous than I would like.
To your point, I would probably have no complaints about the relation of the brake/gas pedal to the floor if they were spaced properly (again, relative to my style).
#23
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MY350Z.COM
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I bent my gas pedal over about 1/2 inch, Randy Pobst mentioned doing this in one of his articles in Sports Car. So i tried it on the Z , and it works great for me. I wear a 12.
#24
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The only problem I have is I get too used to heel toeing on the street... which is usually a mild to moderate downshift... once I get on the track I have to adjust to reach closer to redline without overrevving... and adjust to the differences in timing. Other than that the footwork is childs play. A lightweight flywheel would help.
#27
The stock pedals in teh 350Z are pretty terrible. The gas pedal flexes right to left and is very vague. Also the pedal distance between the gas and brake pedal is wide enough for your foot to slip between them. I would recommend using pedal covers for the gas pedal like many already have done/suggested, reducing the gap between the gas and brake pedal, especially when the gas pedal flexes and moves even further from the brake pedal.
Also wear good driving shoes (even for the street) like Piloti.
0.02
Also wear good driving shoes (even for the street) like Piloti.
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#28
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pretty easy but like everything awesome it takes practice. I guess make a mental note to brake with the top right of the brake pedal. and swing the foot over. after you have an idea in your head where that part of the pedal is everytime its going to be easier. I dont have my foot cover the entire pedal. I use mostly the right side. I used to roll my foot over when i started but i dont like the way it feels and i can blip the throttle better with my heel/bottom of my foot. Just practice and work on your braking level. Also keep in mind it should be a really smooth process and nothing that is super forced or upsets the car. oh im a 10.5 shoe and i can do it pumas , nikes, docs, etc. practice and have fun!
w.
w.
#29
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I agree...tough to heal toe...
JETPILOT, i agree with you. I know how to heal toe too and I find it hard to heal toe in the Z. I'm not sure I understand why some folks seem to have no issues. I think part of the issue is with where my knee and upper/lower leg ends up when doing the heal toe. I'd be interested in seeing photo's of where folks legs end up when they are in the heal-toe position.
I'm heading to change the pedals to see if it helps...
I'm heading to change the pedals to see if it helps...
#30
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Thanks for the reply. It sounds like I cars are similiar, but we are different. Under anything but the hardest braking, my brake is higher than or equal to the gas and I can heel-toe fine. Under very hard braking, the brake pedal is significantly under the gas pedal, and that makes it hard for me to heel-toe.
Good point.
At a stop, my brake pedal is higher than my gas pedal. Under hard braking, it sinks about level with the gas (maybe a tad lower??). Anything under hard braking, and the pedal is slightly higher than the gas. This, combined with the brake-gas proximity (too far for my style), makes everyday heel-toeing more strenuous than I would like.
To your point, I would probably have no complaints about the relation of the brake/gas pedal to the floor if they were spaced properly (again, relative to my style).
At a stop, my brake pedal is higher than my gas pedal. Under hard braking, it sinks about level with the gas (maybe a tad lower??). Anything under hard braking, and the pedal is slightly higher than the gas. This, combined with the brake-gas proximity (too far for my style), makes everyday heel-toeing more strenuous than I would like.
To your point, I would probably have no complaints about the relation of the brake/gas pedal to the floor if they were spaced properly (again, relative to my style).
#31
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Sounds like the G is the same cr@p. Gas is to high and far away to effectivly heal-toe under heavy braking. On the street it is a simple matter and I can do it uber-smooth (I wanted to use uber!), but for autox or track I've never been able to do it well. I hardly do it at all anymore after my foot has slipped off the brake a few times and that causes some interesting results on lap times :/
#32
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KornerCarver has the solution. These pedals have much higher grip than factory. The gas pedal has extra width added to the left side for easier heel toe. They are sized to fit the 350z specifically, nothing else. And, once installed, you can fine tune the height relationship between the gas and brake pedals by shimming the aluminum pedal with washers. In other words, you can safely raise the brake pedal to a more comfortable height for heel toe.
not trying to sell anything, but you can check them out here: www.srpracing.com
#33
A few things I have noticed about the 350Z's (or atleast the 03-06 models).
1) It's easier to H/T if you find a pivot point for the heel of your foot. Keep that stationary and rotate the foot round helps to keep the side of you foot aligned with the gas pedal.
2) They are MUCH easier to H/T is street conditions vs track. Once the Brake starts to sink a bit it is significantly lower than the gas. You are also braking much deeper and harder on track than you would on the street (in most conditions), and that puts the brake pedal in a much different position. On other cars that really isn't the case since there isn't as much brake pedal range on cars like Porsches and such. I have found this makes it really hard to keep in tune with just street driving.
The biggest thing I can comment on is find that pivot point on track and stick with it for street use. It will make your street h/t worse (or at least not as smooth), but it will help on track.
1) It's easier to H/T if you find a pivot point for the heel of your foot. Keep that stationary and rotate the foot round helps to keep the side of you foot aligned with the gas pedal.
2) They are MUCH easier to H/T is street conditions vs track. Once the Brake starts to sink a bit it is significantly lower than the gas. You are also braking much deeper and harder on track than you would on the street (in most conditions), and that puts the brake pedal in a much different position. On other cars that really isn't the case since there isn't as much brake pedal range on cars like Porsches and such. I have found this makes it really hard to keep in tune with just street driving.
The biggest thing I can comment on is find that pivot point on track and stick with it for street use. It will make your street h/t worse (or at least not as smooth), but it will help on track.
#39
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I remember seeing that pic before and it was on a RHD Z, I dont think they come on our US Nismo's if thats what you meant. Either way hopefully we can get them
EDIT: you can see the gas door popper is on the other side too.
EDIT: you can see the gas door popper is on the other side too.