Please allow the Nismo diff. The wavetrac sucks, I'd rather run a pos vlsd than those suck too.

 

The NISMO 350Z came with the same OEM VLSD that was in the track, performance, touring and grand touring models.

 

I am going to be a sh*t-ton of pissed of the AFTERMARKET NISMO diff is allowed. I know they were trying to make all the Zs "like the NISMO", so I assume that what Clifton said was ok was the diff from the factory NISMO Z, NOT the aftermarket NISMO brand diff. The OEM NISMO diff is no different, as David said, than the one that came in all the models sans the base. That one SHOULD be allowed, but the only upgrade should be the WaveTrac assuming I understand the rules correctly.

 

I spent a lot of time this winter getting weight out. I have another thread on here showing the progress from late last year. Sound deadening is out. Removed all the headlight guts, trimmed out doors, removed dash, heater core and all the guts. Removed the main harness inside the car and removed every un-used wire leftover from airbags, power windows...etc

 

And the VLSD cost less while sucking the same amount...

BTW: I ran a stock VLSD in my 2006 Grand Touring model that I ran in TT for a couple of years...frankly I didn't have any troubles...that I know of.

 

I haven't really looked yet, but what type of LSD is the Nismo? It seems that most people would prefer that over the Wavetrac. What are the benefits over the Wavetrac?

 

Ah, that's right. You have more out than we are allowed for SpecZ; I forgot about that.

That's good to hear (although my WT is already installed). I used to track an 04' without an upgraded VLSD, and it would always haze the inside tire upon corner exit. Not good for speed or tire wear.

 

Am I reading 18.2 right? Door panels can't be removed? My interior is gutted!

 

The panel can. None of the metal can, unless specifically to accommodate a NASCAR-style door bar.

 

Ok thanks...still trying to decide if I should go this direction. Seems like I have to put a lot of stuff back on and take some cool stuff off...

 

My car is gutted, too. I was worried there for a second, but I have NASCAR style door bars so I am in the clear. I think some of the rules on the interior are weird. Fingers crossed that they throw out the heater core and blower fan rule. Makes no sense at all. It will be almost impossible for people to hit 3100lbs in an 03-04 without being able to remove about everything. I also have my dash and e-brake removed. I think those are both listed in the rules as needed, too.

 

When they say the cargo bins can come out, do they mean the whole metal frame or just the plastic? Maybe the metal they're assuming everyone is taking out to get to min weight. I was disappointed to see any ballast would have to go roughly where passenger seat would be.

h) The carpet, center console, cargo bins, OEM seat belts, radio system, headliner, dome lights,
and grab handles may be removed.
i) All insulating material may be removed from the interior and trunk.
j) Other than to provide for the installation of required safety equipment or other authorized
modifications, no other driver/passenger compartment alterations or gutting is permitted.
k) Removal; or substitution of driver compartment panels is not permitted.
l) Any removable covers used to cover spare tires, tools, bins, etc. may be removed along with
attaching hardware and brackets

 

The Spec Z rules aren't that hard to understand. The idea is to allow EASY modification of a basically stock Z33. That means the removal of items like plastic cargo bins, but NOT the metal framework that reinforces the center of the chassis. Gutting the dash, heater core and blower motor isn't allowed and doesn't make sense to change.

 

I agree, but the people who have removed that stuff shouldn't have to put it back in since we all have a minimum weight. I'm not saying it needs to be a rule to have it or not have it. I just don't think it should matter because it serves no performance function whatsoever.

I removed all that stuff from my car prior to knowing about Spec Z unfortunately. I was trying to get every pound of weight out of my car. It is a race car. It doesn't need climate control stuff like that. I went a little overboard on removing the dash though.

 

I understand your view on the subject, but respectfully disagree. I read your thread on gutting/lightening your Z and wished I could have done something similar to my Z33 racecar. But SCCA T2 rules didn't allow such mods, so I raced a car that was consistently over minimum weight, but within the rules.

Interestingly enough, I also raced in PTB and ran the NASA Nationals in '08. I was outgunned in several areas, but I knew my car was legal for racing in both T2 and PTB. After that, I again considered doing the things you've done to make my car lighter, but looked carefully at the rules and decided against it.

Sure, you can add ballast to make minimum weight. But adding ballast low and further back in the chassis is an undeniable competitive advantage; it'll definitely help the cross weight splits and this can be measured easily on a set of scales. So, if the rules are changed to allow it, this sets a rules precendent that affects everybody else in the class.

 

This is true. I did not consider that ballast is technically an advantage and you're right....mine is mounted low on the passenger floor.

 

At the track...now... Full specZ goodies... And going to work on dialing it all in...

 

Spec Z in action last week at Pikes Peak International SCCA opener. Rear doesn't look quite as high with Camaro and Z4 Coupe nipping at heels.



Photo credit to Jennifer Krause.

 

what are you running time wise?

 

2 flat with bypass after a few sessions and adjusting everything 5 or 6 times. Almost hit that 1:xx.xx.

Car feels way better than it didn't Sears a few weeks ago, that's for sure.