Ok so, Im excited as i will be traveling to Limerock and taking my first HPDE course and getting track time.

I purchased the car recently and had hoped to have modded and tuned prior, but have run into issues finding a tuner.

Given that, which mods should I install and or not install given i won't have any type of tune and don't want to run like crap(even though its only a learning session)

Mods on the way are:

1. m/d 5/16 spacer
2. Berk Hfc's
3. Tanabe exhaust
4. Cai (came installed on the car)

Any other tips appreciated.

 

Here is my advice, and you can take it as you want.

Don't do ANY mods to the car before taking it out on track. The Z is a quite capable stock. The most important thing to concentrate on your first, second and possibly third track day is the driver, not the car. Trust me, you will be in sensory overload at first. Everyone is. This will also keep the car more reliable and one less thing to worry about as you learn.

Work on the line, the techniques, and vision before doing any performance modifications. Once you are more comfortable with that you can also make better decisions on what modification work best for your driving style and car. It will give you a baseline to work from and once you know what the car is capable of and how it can truly perform you can make small changes as you go along and measure the results.

If you really want to do something to the car, get better brake pads, fresh brake fluids, and a good oil change.

Also keep in mind that all modifications are linked. If you add more power, how will it effect braking, turn in, etc. I personally think it's best to work on braking, reliability, traction, balance, and power in that order.

edit -
good references:

the Track day faq - https://my350z.com/forum/autocross-r...-hpde-faq.html

The track/AutoX modification guide - https://my350z.com/forum/autocross-r...ion-guide.html

 

It will be a exciting and rewarding day. Have fun. Wish more members would spend $250 on HPDE instead of carbon fiber.

 

I had a feeling that would be the advice. Im anxious to mod since they just arrived and I feel the car is underpowered(in general terms)

I understand what you are saying regarding the experience though.

Im sure it will be very stimulating to the senses and a lot to take in at first.

can't wait

 

I completely understand. When new toys arive in the mail, it is so much fun to go ahead and put them on.

 

Congrats and have fun, On my first HPDE I could have used the "good oil change" advice. It's fairly important depending on certain factors. As for mods I don't think any of the mods you listed would hurt anything but if you can check the Air/Fuel (i.e. a dyno run) and verify the mixture didn't lean out it would be ideal, otherwise I'd say stay stock and don't worry about extra power. The car is very user friendly as a track car and you'll find its a lot quicker track car than most HPDE 1 drivers will have and can handle. Personally, I had a stock motor and was hurrying a 996 911 turbo everywhere except the straight.

Only one thing to worry about... Having Fun.

 

 

rich2342,

I am going to give you this fair warning!!!

It is more addicting that crack.

 

Ditto what mhoward1 said. Granted you should be able to work out any issues encountered by the modding in a month - (ie. mistakes, check engine light, etc..) but why risk it? If the car is running fine now - eliminate the risk and concentrate on driving!

 

Im sure its addicting. That's what im afraid of.


The sucky part is there aren't any tracks remotely close to mass other than NHIS, which from the you tube vids looks very bumpy..

How much of a beating do the cars actually take?

 

I started doing track days last year and do not have any performance mods on my car. I think my car is capable A LOT more than I can drive I changed stock pads (after they were worn out) with Carbotech race pads and got a set of tires/wheels for track to reduce cost. This year will probably do stainless stell brake lines.

I've seen Miata's pass me and I have passed Ferrari, Porsches, Corvettes Power doesn't mean anything, driver means everything.

Have Fun!!

To your question of how much beating cars take - A LOT.

- if you are worried about rock chips, make sure to tape up the car. Search and find out which parts
- I change oil after about 1500 miles (50% track + 50% street)

 

Depends what your day is like.

2 20 minute morning sessions
lunch
2 20 minute afternoon sessions

Pretty easy for the 350Z.

 

Beatings take many forms and probably the biggest is what you'll do in learning to drive your Z on track. Can you release the brake pedal cleanly? Will you overbrake at times? How smooth are your heel/toe downshifts? What kind of lines are you using and are you able to use the entire track?
Remember- how much of a beating your car takes is directly related to how quickly you learn.

 

Hmm well then looks like im all set.

 

What a conundrum..

babied Z meet track...

 

i will be at limerock as well on the 27th as well...see you there man

 

Cool, Not a beginer I assume?

Are you a member or NASA?

 

How does it all work if I were to do COM and or Nasa? Can you have dual membership?

 

You can have as many memberships as you want. The more memberships means the more track opportunities/experience. But also remember each organization has their own set of rules to learn. Start off with one and get to learn them, and then look into others. NASA/SCCA are probably the most known clubs i can think of. I started tracking my Z beginning of last year so im sure the more experienced guys will chime in on this.

 

Good to know.


Ive got limited resources, but the proximity of courses to me is the problem which is why i'd consider different orgs which have events at more local tracks.