I just bought an 03 350Z to primarily take to the track. Got a good price on it. I have noticed the rear breaks loose pretty easily. I will mod the wheels tires & of course lower it.
But, I see them as drifters and not too many at the track. How is the stability at higher speed corners and trail braking ect.
Anyone with experience? Before I start putting $ into this thing?
Thanks

 

Moved...

 

The 350Z is one of the most popular tracked cars around. The aftermarket support and existing knowledge is very good. Are there as many tracked as Miatas or E30's...no, but about the same amount as Vettes and such.

 

Search instead of posting every possible thing your thinking of has been covered b4 just a lil advice

 

Many of us track our cars. Read through this forum as much as possible. There are countless things to talk about. Do you have any experience? If not, I suggest you track it just as it sits for at least 5 events.

 

I do have experience.
I will use search also for sure.
Just looking for some opinions about the cars
handling characteristic's and overall thoughts
of the Z as a track car.
Thanks

 

It is a great car to track in stock form. It is a fantastic car to track in modified form. I enjoy tracking it bounds over my 300ZX TT (for many reasons, although the power and fun factor of the turbo car has no comparison).

A well-driven, well put-together 350Z can compete with 95% of the cars at open track days. Will you make it a dedicated track car? Roll bar/cage, gutted, dedicated wheels, race pads, etc.? I still drive mine to events, though it's less than comfortable.

 

Well, I did exactly the same thing......bought an 03 one year ago to use as a track car (as a complete novice at that point).
So far, I have been really happy. Yes, it is a little heavy. But it is a very user-friendly, reliable, "medium" horsepower car.
So don't second-guess your purchase - I think you will enjoy it for a long time to come

 

If you have experience you will catch on quick to the mods......Dig through the motosports forums and our DIY threads..

I agree with Scotts300 and Reserved.....

-J

 

If my event on November 30th is any indication... LOTS of people track their Zs!!

 

I've always driven 911's. Wanted to try something new and more cost effective.
I think 1st will be wheels, then lowered with suspension improvements then brakes and safty stuff. Probably will start with wheels and tires and try to get used to the car.
If I like how it progresses then maybe get a trailer. My buddy and I are splitting all the car and costs and saving our others cars from getting trashed on the track.

I messed up on the Quote - fixed...

 

Awesome!
Sweet cars

 

Depending on the years of your 911's you will notice the Z will have higher entry speeds and less polar movement than the 911s. The 911's can put power down better at corner exit, but the Z's tend to have higher corner speeds and exit speeds in general (Stock for Stock).

The 911's have better brakes (996 and newer), but that can be fixed fairly easily.

 

That's good info. Stock 911's do have good brakes. I cant wait for spring to
get it going

 

What version 911 are you used to? I'd think the Z is a downgrade from a 911, though I'm sure they're much more expensive to upkeep (actually I'm not sure, I'm simply assuming).

Depending on which model 03' you bought (track or non-track [does it have Brembos? If yes, then it's a track version]), you may want to start with brakes given your experience. The rear calipers and pads on the non-Brembo are tiny, and it takes a special order for manufacturers to cut another pad set to fit into the non-Brembo rear calipers so that they last more than one day of lapping.

Even the OEM Brembos can be faded quickly by one experienced in the art, but they would get you by while you dial in the rest of the car. A good set of coilovers - Koni Truechioce Phase4 coilovers are my preference - and dial in the spring rates, and you'll love how the car handles on sticky tires.

 

I've run a 993 and a GT3. The car is a down grade but thats ok. I'm looking to get back to less power and more driving. I will have to set up the Z properly though. I know the brakes will need upgrading. It's hard to decide what to do 1st. I think wheels and tires and start to play with it. Then coilovers and lower it. No rush yet.
Does anyone recommend a northern NJ nissan tuner for doing suspension and brake work?

 

if the 03 is a base

BUY A LSD, my first mod and honestly one of the best mods out there.

 

Actually, compared to a 993 non turbo, the 350Z should actually feel better balanced, especially on long sweepers. The 993 and earlier models tend to pendilum on high speed sweepers. Power to weight is very similar, with a slight nod to the 993 but the feel should be just about the same.

With upgraded brakes the 350Z will actually stop better since the F/R distribution is better and weight transfer is more evenly balanced. Looking at data they usually lap most tracks with in .5 seconds of each other.

These are just my experiences between the two though.

As far as a GT3 though, it's made to be a track car and not a street car. Why not just use that?

 

Just looking to have a track only car. I enjoy the GT3 on the street and its a pain cleaning it up from the track and going through tires, pads often. The PCCB's are getting worn and will cost more than the Z to replace them.
Your right about the 993 in the sweepers , with stock suspension anyway. I'm glad to here so many positive things about the Z.

 

Ditto. Bring spare pads for the rear, between the small size and the shield trapping in heat I was able to chew through the oem rear pads in 3 sessions without being too familiar w/ the car, and ended up going home early. don't be like me.