Hey, My name is Mike and I'm building a 370z for STR. Actually, I'll be competing against Brian tomorrow in New Mexico...

Anyway, I stumbled upon this thread and I'm simply dumbfounded by how high the spring rates are in Brian'd build. I know that's what everyone was doing with the S2000 when I had one... 900F/800R springs were the usual spec. However, I thought that was just to keep the tire out of the fender!

Well, my setup is crazy wonky then. I'm on KW V3's. Bah...

I still think the 350/370 are underdogs. However, I think the 370 will have more of a fighting chance with a "normal" driver like myself. Same issue with width and weight... but more power potential. If Brian is only making 250whp then it's even a more "uphill battle" than I thought. From what I recall, Annie Bauers S2000's made about 237whp in STR trim and weighs 500lbs less fully prepped (or close enough to it). Same tire and same wheel size makes this a real challenge. Then when you think about the STU boost buggies being on nearly the same tire, making gobs more power, and having AWD.... Oh, and having nearly the same PAX as STR... it really makes you realize how much weight matters.

Oh well... I bought the 370z because I didn't want another S2000. Plus, it's way better looking!

Brian is extremely talented... I hope he doesn't embarrass me too badly this weekend. I'd like to at least come home with $100 Hankook money!

 

I wouldn't read into the dyno numbers. Even with the weight handicap, the Z pulls away steadily from a dig over an s2k. It is the same way in BSP.

As far as spring rates, it's what the car needs. We have a relatively low motion ratio and heavy corner weights. The natural frequency is pretty tame actually with a 1000lb spring up front.

I also disagree that the 370z will be better for "normal" drivers. The 255mm tire handicap makes me think it would be the opposite, and that a 350z would be much easier at the limit.

 

Subscribed...and inspired by witnessing the subject car in person. Also slowly doing my homework for an STR build...

 

I think the 350z is well suited to STR, but its more competitive home is BSP IMO. It takes more money to run BSP, no doubt about it, but man is it fun . Having said that, my very well sorted BSP car will be for sale after Nationals this year (or now if the price is right).

 

Unless I have misread the listings, the 370z is not eligible to run in STR, only the 350z. Sadly.

 

370z is definitely legal for STR. It was moved this year.

 

ORLY? Maybe I've got an old listing. Hmmmmm, I really miss my 370...

 

I am sure one will cycle through to you in the next 18 hours with your car ADD....

 

Anyone have thoughts on the Rivals vs ZII's.

My RS3's are about gone. Here in DFW we have events on a smooth asphalt, ruff asphalt and concrete. I like the RS3 for the heat tolerance but if your on limited runs its hard to get the heat going.

 

I had 2 friends test the rivals, and they were very disappointed.

 

Test as in autocross testing?
Thanks

 

Track

 

Thanks

 

Living in TX, the issue is going to be heat management. I have a limited experience with both, but the Z2's get hot and are not easy to "bring back." This was on an STU Evo, which beats the poo out of the front tires.

 

Mike, which brand/size front bar are you running? Do you know if Brain thinks the Hotchkis 35mm is too small/too light?

Trying to figure out what will be needed for 285s if the STU thing goes through...

 

I use the hotchkis. I'm not a fan of running an overly stiff front bar on an SP/ST car. I use the 2nd or 3rd hole on the hotchkis depending on surface, weather, etc.

 

So this STU thing for the 350Z seems like it is going to happen. Brian are you going to be moving your STR car into a STU car?

 

Picked up a new Hotchkiss bar for $100 the other day. Thanks for the advice. Going to try it in RTR form this next weekend.

 

I hope he makes the jump to BSP!

 

I'm still debating options for next year but do know I'm keeping the car. If I end up running it, I'm leaning more towards STU as SP has too many compromises keeping the car streetable.

To answer earlier questions, I ran the front Hotchkiss bar on full soft in Lincoln with no rear bar. This was with 1000/700 spring rates. Ended up running less shock as well, which the Hankooks seemed to prefer.

Mike,thanks again for sharing your offset experience, still trying to decide between 10.5s and 11s.

I really hope more of you prep for STU. The cars are going to be a blast on 285s!