Need help quick! Is a '05 350Z Track a good HPDE car?
01-25-2009, 12:20 PM
#1
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Need help quick! Is a '05 350Z Track a good HPDE car?
New guy here, new to HPDE.
I ran my first two HPDE events last fall in my Corvette, and I am now hooked.
I am in the process of buying an HPDE car for my 16 yr old son, so we can do HPDE events together.
Is a 350Z Track a good choice? How about $13K for a 2005/ 30K miles?
I have found a very good deal on one, but I need to commit in the next two days.
So, please help me to decide. Is this a good overall choice? I have read a lot about the car, and it seems to be a very good balance between power, braking, suspension, etc. My only potential concern is lack of visibility for the driver to see other vehicles.
Thanks in advance for your help. Also, is this posted in the right place
I ran my first two HPDE events last fall in my Corvette, and I am now hooked.
I am in the process of buying an HPDE car for my 16 yr old son, so we can do HPDE events together.
Is a 350Z Track a good choice? How about $13K for a 2005/ 30K miles?
I have found a very good deal on one, but I need to commit in the next two days.
So, please help me to decide. Is this a good overall choice? I have read a lot about the car, and it seems to be a very good balance between power, braking, suspension, etc. My only potential concern is lack of visibility for the driver to see other vehicles.
Thanks in advance for your help. Also, is this posted in the right place
01-25-2009, 12:26 PM
#3
Oh Hell Yes!! it is a good HPDE car......and that sounds like a good price..
yo will just have to learn to use your mirrors for track usage...but it is fine once you get used to the limited rearward vision. Use the center mirror for just about everything...move the side mirror way out to see cars in the blind spot....then mass-the-gas
BTW: Are u on the NASA forum?
yo will just have to learn to use your mirrors for track usage...but it is fine once you get used to the limited rearward vision. Use the center mirror for just about everything...move the side mirror way out to see cars in the blind spot....then mass-the-gas
BTW: Are u on the NASA forum?
Last edited by laze1; 01-25-2009 at 12:54 PM.
01-25-2009, 01:30 PM
#5
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The 350Z track model is a great base to start from. The Brembo brake optiion helps novice HPDE participants with strong and easily modulated brakes throughout the day. Improving them with better DOT 4 fluid, brake pads and SS lines can be a good project for you and your son. The '05 models were also a little lighter and the price looks strong. Of course, a mechanical inspection and check of the car's history is always recommended.
01-25-2009, 01:44 PM
#6
I just bought an 03 (Track model) to use for HPDE's.
IMO, the only real disadvantage is weight - they are definitely heavy.
Other interesting thing is that you do not see many on the track (at least the track that I have been to)
The other car to consider is a Miata - light, inexpensive, lots of other Mazda drivers to run with. Might also be a more suitable car for a 16 yr. old.
IMO, the only real disadvantage is weight - they are definitely heavy.
Other interesting thing is that you do not see many on the track (at least the track that I have been to)
The other car to consider is a Miata - light, inexpensive, lots of other Mazda drivers to run with. Might also be a more suitable car for a 16 yr. old.
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01-25-2009, 07:54 PM
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Oh Hell Yes!! it is a good HPDE car......and that sounds like a good price..
yo will just have to learn to use your mirrors for track usage...but it is fine once you get used to the limited rearward vision. Use the center mirror for just about everything...move the side mirror way out to see cars in the blind spot....then mass-the-gas
BTW: Are u on the NASA forum?
yo will just have to learn to use your mirrors for track usage...but it is fine once you get used to the limited rearward vision. Use the center mirror for just about everything...move the side mirror way out to see cars in the blind spot....then mass-the-gas
BTW: Are u on the NASA forum?
Sorry, I am "dad", and this is my "Z":
Last edited by NVR2L8; 01-25-2009 at 10:02 PM.
01-25-2009, 08:19 PM
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The Z is a much better car to track than an 05 Mustang.
That being said, the first thing you're going to notice as you start tracking the Z hard is that the base brakes are not up to track duty. The OEM Brembos are better, and with more aggressive pads, they will stand up better to track abuse. That being said, they still have their limits.
But before you start modding the crap out of the car, make sure your son's skill levels get up to the level of the car. Too many people on this forum (as well as other car forums) are too quick to mod their cars before their car driving skills and knowledge about suspension setups are up to the task. The end result is that they frequently end up making the car perform worse than stock, or too touchy at the limit for their driving skills to handle.
If I had to do it again, I'd start off karting instead of doing HPDE.
That being said, the first thing you're going to notice as you start tracking the Z hard is that the base brakes are not up to track duty. The OEM Brembos are better, and with more aggressive pads, they will stand up better to track abuse. That being said, they still have their limits.
But before you start modding the crap out of the car, make sure your son's skill levels get up to the level of the car. Too many people on this forum (as well as other car forums) are too quick to mod their cars before their car driving skills and knowledge about suspension setups are up to the task. The end result is that they frequently end up making the car perform worse than stock, or too touchy at the limit for their driving skills to handle.
If I had to do it again, I'd start off karting instead of doing HPDE.
01-26-2009, 04:35 AM
#16
I agree, the 350Z track is a very good HPDE. It's well balanced, offers just enough nannies to keep things a little safer, and has a good upgrade path is you or he decide to pursue that path later on, and I suggest he waits until later on.
I can also recomend the Miatas as well. While they are down on power, they more than make up the difference in weight savings, handling and balance and over all fun factor. Plus you can pick one up for under $5K and build it to spec miata easily. It is also a lot less in consumables as the year goes on.
I can also recomend the Miatas as well. While they are down on power, they more than make up the difference in weight savings, handling and balance and over all fun factor. Plus you can pick one up for under $5K and build it to spec miata easily. It is also a lot less in consumables as the year goes on.
01-26-2009, 09:29 AM
#19
the 350z is a great car for HPDE's. Since you own a corvette, it makes the 350z an even sweeter choice because both cars handle similarly and can be driven similarly. You guys can compare driving notes.
Although preferably, you want the Track model for its superior Brembo brakes, you can get pick up some aftermarket brake kits for $1600 brand new or buy them used for much less.
Although preferably, you want the Track model for its superior Brembo brakes, you can get pick up some aftermarket brake kits for $1600 brand new or buy them used for much less.
