NASA TTC/PTC 350Z question.
 

I inquired with the NASA director for SE but thought to post here as well since many of you have run with NASA an may know already. Any feedback is appreciated. Correspondence:

Jeff,

I am sure you get these questions frequently, but here it goes.

My target is to run a 2007 350Z "Base" trim level with below modifications in PTC/TTC (thinking to move from HPDE4 this year).
Starting at TTC* I have 12 points to play with.
Below is the list of modifications that I would run:

1. Change to OEM Brembo brakes on Front/ keep OE rear = 0 points?
Brembo among other things was BTM for Grand Touring trim level, but Grand touring is not shown on class list,
My hope is you guys bundled it with Base/Enthus under TTC*. If not I take an additional 2 point hit.
My concern is track pack in preceding years having VDC, Brembo, aero, etc is shown as separate but goes away in 06.

2. Change to Nismo LSD = 1 point?
VLSD was BTM on Enthusiast that is shown as TTC* so I assume +1 is correct.
However, being that my car is "Base" my fear is being charged +3 point...

3. Change struts and springs to Koni DA coilover (Truchoice phase 4) = 3 + 2 points (no questions)
4. High flow cat = +1 point (no questions)

5. Being that I would only have 5 points remaining for tires - thinking RS3 (140tred) at 265 = 2 + 1 points
Ideally I would run 100tred (NT01 or similar) so maybe better to get rid of HFC and use 6 to run NT01 245 at 7 - 1.

Mainly, just wanted to confirm point assessment on No1 and 2 before installing the HFC and choosing tires.

Thanks,
Igor

Sorry to say, your #2 point, that the optional Nismo LSD is only a +1 points assessment is not correct, unless you're referring to the OEM VLSD. The OEM Nismo 350Z diff is the same as the OEM VLSD used in the other Z33 models. Folks get confused because of marketing, but the LSD as sold by Nissan Motorsports is a true mechanical diff and will earn higher points.

Thanks for the response.
So assuming +3 for Pro GT LSD which is faster all else same.
Diff Tires (square) Points
A ProGT RS3 265 6
B Open NT01 245 6
Thinking (A) is faster by a small margin although I don't feel much power loss at corners even running less than ideal NT05 275.
Thanks.

No matter your skill level, the LSD (A) will probably be faster and more consistent on a road course than running wider/stickier tires. It'll also cost less, when you factor in the tires that'll get damaged by wheelspin on some sections of the course.

My understanding is that you would have to take points for adding Brembos - but Im not certain!!!!!!!

Yup..Brembo will cost you 2 points (or Stoptech or others)

Frankly, you will not need Brembos for TT, the 2 piston calipers on the later model cars should do fine...

Save points for big sticky tires :icon38:

laze1 - I had bad luck tracking base callipers for 1year (T2 ducts, XP12, Motul fluid, no shields). Thinking 2 points hit for extra confidence is OK.

The GT LSD will be +1 on Z based on an old post from Nasa director.
http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20443
so a no brainier (specially now that its legal for specZ which is a likely my path down the road)

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I believe that is correct since +1 is for VLSD on my 350Z Track upgarding to Nismo Diff. Take 3 Points going from open diff to LSD. Also Take points for Brembos. My 04 Track is C* but the 07 has VQ motor for more HP's

You should hook-up with Fixxxercask....he is REAL fast in TTB with non-brembos...

Thanks Laze!

I had the Brembos on the car before in TTB and was taking 2 points for them. I changed them back to the single piston calipers (my car is an 04) and I did notice a little difference, but not 2 points worth. I have not had any overheating issues with mine. I run cheap blanks, XP-12s and Motul fluid. I have ducts in the front, but nothing in the back. I am also running A6's, so my I'm sure my braking efficiency is higher than running street tires.

Also, for the LSD. My car is a base and I was taking 3 points for a diff for an entire year before I realized I only needed to be taking 1 point. The NASA TT director pointed out that under the base classing it also states that the Enthusiast model falls into the same base class and because of that I can treat my base model as if it has an OEM VLSD, therefore only 1 point for an upgraded LSD. It was posted in the NASA forums somewhere.

Good luck with TTC. Got to watch out for those S2000's! :icon38:

Thanks Fixx for the tips. Saw some of your vids on the tube, very impressive driving.
Thinking I'm going to try the car as is for a year (with bremobo, coilovers) and if not competitive go your route with stock brakes shocks to upgrade tires. I saw a post a while back of a guys running 225 Hoho square in TTC and doing well in his region, so bought some takeoff Conti for cheap to practice on, hope to dial out the oversteer. Likely that will not be enough tire so will end up running 265 RS3...and ultimately agreeing with you guys and removing some mods to run sticky rubber.

I ran my base 2006 350Z in TTC:

Here are my mods, which were below the points limit:

1. OS Giken Super Lock LSD.
2. Koni Sport shocks (revalved).
3. Custom wound OEM size springs (600F, 450R).
4. Custom machined Hydlar front UCA bushings.
5. Nissan Motorsports adjustable ARBs.
6. 245 Hoosier R6s on RPF1 18 x 8.5 wheels.
7. K&N drop in air filter.


With a much better driver then me the car ran right at the NASA TTC lap record at Auto Club Speedway.