* Go through the car and make sure all bolts are re-tightened.
* Investigate DOT-R tire options (again).
* Investigate "wet" tire options
* Re-pack trailer bearings
* Investigate lightweight options for enclosing HF trailer frame (again).

 

2009 will be the 1st time on the track for my Z that I purchased last September. However, I have 45 track days between two other cars since 2006. Race Prep 95 E36 M3 and SVT Focus.

Don't laugh too much on the SVT Focus...LOL Ran in every Advanced group I tracked with the car.

Coil overs
Sway bar
GT Spec parts
Seats
Steering wheel/Hub
Brake upgrade
Track Wheels
Roll Cage

Will run Hoosier R6 and Hoosier Rains.

 

Nismo LSD , cause my VLSD is wasted with 77k miles, my car has been peg leg for 20k miles now.

 

Schimmel does great work.

 

No laughing here, it's one of the most underrated track cars around.

That and the SVT Contour.

 

I am actually considering buying a SpecFocus...

If I buy one, I will relegate the Z to a street and HPDE-only car, and run TT and W2W with the SpecFocus.

http://forums.focaljet.com/nasa-spec-focus-series/

 

Then your guaranteed first place since you be the only one in the Southeast with one , ... spec-E30 for the competition is where I would go for the inexpensive racing.

 

I wish SCCA Sports racers would make it to the east coast. They are like Radicals on a budget.

 

My off season plans:

I plan on getting the Z high up on jack stands and then,

1. Gonna switch out the oem push on/turn clutch Reservoir with a Wilwood reservoir p/n 260-10204 ($8.63) and Cap for that reservoir p/n 330-7641 ($10.67) with mount 250-10263 ($7.43) and universally mount it where the oem goes.

Reason:
Be able to bleed using Motive power bleeder on both my brakes and clutch.
Install SS lines, both clutch and brakes. switching reservoir to a screw on type cap to be able to use motive power bleeder.

2. 5/16 plenum spacer.

3. Pathfinder cooling mod - already have, waiting to do plenum spacer install to do this mod at the same time.

4. Making solid front and rear braces: - already have, to mount using the factory Nismo "mass damper" locations and brackets.

5. Rear Tie Brace - gtspec brace

6. I plan on welding a "half ball" or circular plate at the 4 each factory jacking points so that i have a good jack seat when jacking up the car! I want the plate to mate perfectly with my jack's cupped fitting.

7. Not AutoX related - Drift related: Will be installing a hydraulic E-brake using Wilwood equipment, retaining factory ABS. Run hard lines, SS lines, fittings, etc.

-J

 

That is the plan... I'm #1

Note: the SpecFocus runs PTE/PTD also.

Ford was giving some help on the Focus, but who knows for 2009?

Or maybe look into a Spec3??? Or Honda Challenge Car...Or just rent-a-ride from kind folks like yourself!

 

NASA Spec Focus is getting bigger each year. I'm a sponsor on Focal Jet.

I have a couple of friends that have Supercharged SVT Focus that track on a regular basis.

Was always fun to have the Porshe and Vette guys come up to us in the paddock and ask what we had for mods since we were riding their ***** through each corner.

Your learn the race line real fast when those high HP cars won't let you pass. You end up forcing a pass.

If you guys ever track with the Alfa club they are one of the few that let you pass in areas you shouldn't on the track.

In Seattle the advance group passes from T6 all the way up-to T1. Most clubs only allow passing on the front and back straights.

Leo Capaldi (sp) is racing a 2009 Sedan. I believe he did have some help from Ford.

Spec Focus at Mid Ohio

http://www.vimeo.com/2432193

 

Speaking of other budget cars, I'll be autocrossing a Mazda3 in HS for 2009. I can only afford some tires at the moment, and the Z is in SM instead of BSP at its current trim level. I got waved into DE3 last month, so I'll do some time attacks next year. Aside from an exhaust, the next stage is roll bar/seats, so it's a big, expensive step that crosses the line from street car to track car.

 

The Z is actually in great shape and sleeping in the garage so I'm working on my new DD. Got a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport and I'm starting to buy mods for that, . Getting ready to lift it 3" and put some 31's on. Then I'm ready for some serious mud, haha.

 

SRF? Formula Ford?