Hey everyone,

I currently have done a few SCCA events here in San Diego, but for the amount of money, and lack of organization. I am looking to start preping my car for track days like at Willow Springs, Chuckwalla Valley Speedway, etc. Here is the current list of things I have on my car.

JIC FLT-A2 Coilovers, which the rear seals blew out and looking into getting a new set of coilovers this month. I should of done my research before I bought this piece's of crap I know.

Nismo S-Tune Exhaust

Enkei RPF1's wrapped in Hankook V12's 9.5 +15 (245/40/18) / 10.5 +15 (275/40/18)

JWT Popcharger

Currently I am going to buy a new coilover setup first, then switch out the tires with some RS3's or Dunlop's. I would like to get some opinion's from guys who also track their Z's. What suspension setups are you guys buying? Is getting a coilover setup really worth it? I am tired of going to SCCA events, and I want to really get out there and get some good seat time out on a real course. Any positive feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

The JIC's are a decent single adjustable coilover although I have heard that they blow out more often than some other brands. Contact JIC and see about having them re-built..might be worth it. My thought is that the cheaper coilovers are not worth it if your stock suspension is still in good shape (assuming you still have the stock suspension laying around).

Spend the time gaining driving skill and see how much you like it. While you are doing that, save money for decent coilovers or some decent shocks and springs.

The one thing you did not mention is brakes. I always tell people interested in tracking their cars to make sure the brakes can handle abuse. A good set of pads that can handle some heat and full bleed with high temperature fluid is a must before coilovers and before higher performance tires.

FYI - I am running on the Nismo S-Tune suspension and still run decent track times.

 

I called JIC a few times and no one picks up. I have also sent emails, but I think they shut down for good. As for my brakes, I have a track version so I am still using the Brembos that were on the car. Although I have swaped out the pads for some Hawk HPS+, which the car stops on a dime. Since both seals in the rear are leaking, I figured that I would upgrade to some Stance coilovers since I like the way the car feels with that type of setup.

Do you go to a lot of autocross events? Or are you going to track days up in LA and such?

 

Hmmm...I thought JIC-Magic up in the LA area was still around but haven't tried to contact them in a while. I have heard decent things about Stance coilovers although most of the guys who go real low on them say they blow to easy (at least the OEM style ones). Should be better then the standard BC or Ksport coilovers.

The brembo's are fine as far as a brake setup goes. If you have the HP+, not technically a track pad but should be ok for the first couple times. If you have the HPS, I would recommend something that can handle a bit more heat. Four or five 20 minute track sessions will really test pads and fluid.

I used to run autocrosses but haven't in a while. Running track days and time attacks whenever I can find the combination of time and money.

 

After doing some research, I think I am going to save up and buy some True Sport Koni Phase 3 or 4's. I want something that won't blow again after track abuse. Thank you for your input jnathan, much appreciated.

 

Ive been tracking my car on stock suspension, with carbotech xp8 brake pads in the fronts and the rs3's on the stock wheels, and I usually run pretty competitive times in whichever group I run it. My oil temps get pretty hot thou, and I usually get brake fade half way through a session, so maybe just go out there after fixing your coilover issue and see how the car does with what you have.