I missed the NISMO being confirmed. Do we have a link to see if there are any concessions that have to be made.

 

I'm with you, I've had my Nismo apart and I don't really think it will be hardly an advantage at all. I think the really interesting battle will be the 1k higher rev limit with the HR, and higher HP limit, but will the 200lb weight difference hinder those advantages???

 

Just that the spec is for all 03-08 Zs (so no 09' ZRs allowed!): http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/s...rules_2012.pdf

I emailed with the local director, and he confirmed "yes, all makes/models of 350Z are permitted". Additionally, "(we) did a fair bit (of) research to reach the conclusion that . . . the NISMO cars won't provide any real competitive advantage during competition. . ."

 

I received a spreadsheet from Paul St. Clair yesterday with all the pricing on it. PM me your email address and I'll send it to you.

It shows shocks at $2600 for all four and springs at $180 for front and rear and sways at $180 for front and rear.

 

Yeah I think Nissan was bordering on false advertisement releasing this car as a NISsan MOtorsports version of a 350Z. Their upgrades for the 2013 NISMO 370Z is adding subwoofers...smh

 

Thanks for confirming. I do have that one, but when I went to order it through Nissan, the pricing was higher. Can we order directly from Paul? If so, I'll wait until he returns next week and do that.

 

I am not sure. I have requested pricing about a lot of stuff and no one responds to emails except Paul. I also asked them about the Wavetrac and if there was a difference from base model Z's (no factory LSD) and ones that come with the VLSD. That seems to be how a lot of the aftermarket LSD's are. No response from him on that one. I just don't want to order it and get into the install and find out I have the wrong one.

Other websites denote that you need to call and confirm your VIN and model and everything so order the correct one. I am not getting any help on this from Nissan. I sure would like to know.

 

Well, I'll ask this:

Has anyone recently ordered-and-received (or had it shipped) the SpecZ kit at the $3k pricing (and $1099 for the diff)?

 

I am gonna try to set a meeting with Jeremy for next week to better understand the process to get answers...or to create a process to get answers

 

On a side note...Hoosier changed their contingency. SPEC Z with some BFG's is looking better by the minute.

 

WOW!!!! they must be pissed because of the BFG deal

Hoosier Racing Tire
2012 NASA Regional Racing Contingency Program
Program Name: 2012 Hoosier Racing Tire NASA Regional Racing Contingency Program
Payout Schedule 1st Place 2nd Place
7 or more starters 2 Free Tires 1 Free Tire
5 – 6 Starters 2 Free Tire


http://www.nasaproracing.com/conting...gency_Info.pdf

 

That's going to **** a lot of people off. My phone has been blowing up because of it already. Mostly TT guys including myself. BFG has a better contingency for PT than Hoosier now. BFG doesn't include TT or I would be on that sh*t right quick!

 

Guys- you need to register with Nissan Motorsports to get the racer's discount. Paul St. Clair is the rep responsible for most of the Spec Z stuff right now.

 

How does one register with Nissan Motorsports?

 

here is a good start...I will try to post/link the entire package once I figure out how to do that

Nissan Motorsports
Racer Support Program
Contacts
Paul St. Clair, Phone: (615) 234-2102
Planner, Motorsports Fax: (615) 449-5606
Nissan North America, Inc. Email: paul.stclair@nissan-usa.com
Ben Hill Phone: (615) 234-2104
Customer Service, Parts Fax: (615) 449-5606
Nissan North America, Inc. Email: ben.hill@nissan-usa.com
Diana Davis Phone: (615) 235-2103
Customer Service, Accounting Fax: (615) 449-5606
Nissan North America, Inc. Email: diana.davis@nissan-usa.com

For more information on the Racer Support Program, or to order the catalog, contact Nissan Motorsports at 888/833-3225 or nmc.race@nissan-usa.com.

 

Thanks for the info

 

Laze1, I've got a few questions for you to relay over since you seem to be the first publically annouced director...There are some inherent reliability issues with certain components on the Z platform and most of them are exaggerated further when the car is raced, so I am curious what allowances NASA will allow for replacement of these components or will it be more of a correct as the problem is more visible?

Some examples:
-the fluid filled rear diff mount bushing is known to fail frequently, same with front LCA? so why not allow NIsmo hard rubber bushings or whiteline bushings?
-OEM wheel bearings on track cars seemed to get burned up frequently and it seems like the OEM murano bearing is a sound plug-n-play remedy so why not allow them?
-the oem slave cynders are known to fail, especially with upgraded clutches and flywheels and it seems like Z-speed performance is the only company addressing it (they also offer a wilwood clutch master cylinder upgrade to go with it)
-Nissan knows the OEM power steering cooler is inadequet, but did they know the Nismo version isn't much better in 95+degree conditions? a larger 4-row system would be much better if allowed.
-are they going to allow trans/diff/engine oil coolers?
-lastly, will they allow modifications to the OEM hoods like air vent slots and hood structure removal (think 380RS)?

Sorry for dumping this on you, but I am really interested to know the solution to some of these problems or modifications. I also realise that this is a spec series so some restriction is required, but the points I noted above seem like very sound corrections to oem problems that are not being addressed. So my suggestion is allow, license/develop and then restrict. Spec racing is meant to be a simple effective and cost saving formula, so why not allow reliable improvements that will insure a lower part failure rate? None of us want to be replacing crap parts with more crap parts just because the rules don't allow us to properly correct the problem.

 

350Z weaknesses are pretty well known by now, so I am confident that over time the rules will morph based on the concerns of the Racers. However, on day one I think OEM or NISMO parts will rule the day...

Note: over the next few weeks I hope to have a formal meeting with NASA and/or Nissan to discussion the questions that we all have asked. I am creating a list of issues...and will report back on them sometime in the future.

 

I was thinking about how NASA was going to handle post race technical inspection. Now I don't know how NASA really does it as i've never been to one of their races but I can imagine that all the cars in the Spec Z class are directed to the impound area after the race and told to jack up one side of their cars and take off both wheels. Then roll them over to the BF Goodrich truck and have the tires taken off so the wheels can be weighted. Once that is done you have BF Goodrich remount and rebalance your tires, put them back on the car and load up and go get your trophy.

You have to take the tires off because used tires each weight a different amount depending on how many track sessions they have on them. Should be fun to watch post race inspections.

 

At a regional race, the most that happens under normal circustances are random weight checks and Traqmate data checks for HP. If someone complains and files a protest...then things can go further...depending on how flagrant the alledged violation is. However most of the time really obvious cheaters are just told NOT to come back and DQ'd.

Most issues are driver related...who hit who 1st

At the Nationals, things are different, likely more SCCA-like. ...but I have not been there yet...so I can't say.

I think most of the review will take place when getting a annual tech inspection...and when you go to the first race in region or the 1st race at a new region.

If you are kicking everyones *** in the corners, so be it...if you are passing Z06s on the striaghts...you will go to see the race Stewards for a chat and review of your Dyno sheet. Frankly, I don't think anyone in NASA at a regional race will ever protest a 5 oz lite wheel or trick-special shock rebuild...of course there is always somebody that is unhappy...but that is just life

To date, NASA is as laid back as the racers desire them to be....if the races raise hell, then NASA will take action.