I just purchased a 2006 350Z Track Edition car that I intend to do some modification and use it as my regular track car to do HPDE. I currently have a 2006 Lotus Elise that I tracked last year. Prior to that it was a Viper.

Anyway, the Lotus is an amazing track car. However while on track, the suspension bolts failed during a fast right hander and I tore up the drive shaft and transmission when it yank out. While I began to do repairs, I discovered that much had been written how Lotus had improperly spec'd the bolts and that if you are aggressively driving the car you should replace them. Sucks to find out after the fact.

Anyway in hopes to avoid similar surprises I would like to reach out to the Z community and ask for some information as to what I should be looking out for as I prepare this car. What are the weak/failure points that I should be aware of. Appreciate the insight

 

Looks like you have some track experience so I'll just stick to the 350Z specifics...
One thing I strongly recommend before tracking your Z is to get an aftermarket oil cooler! It's a must! You should also get a bigger radiator. Those Z's run pretty damn hot without it. Once you have them, no worries. Another weak point that I noticed is the synchros (especially 3rd and 5th gear).
I really can't think of anything else that would stand out. From there, just do whatever upgrades you wish...

 

There are a lot of members with track experience in a Z, but I'd suggest PM'ing dkmura or terrasmak. Extremely knowledgeable both on and off track.

 

Cooling mods as mentioned.
Inner front control arm bushings, compression rod bushings.
https://my350z.com/forum/autocross-r...ack-day-z.html

I see your on the east coast, what clubs do you run with? See you on track hopefully.

 

My home track is Pittsburgh International in Beaver Falls PA. I have been to Nelson Ledges but not crazy about that track.

My plans are to do a Instructor Certification with NASA at Mid Ohio in April and I am looking to do an Areial Atom test drive along with a Trackdaze event at VIR in May. Where do you run

 

Cool sounds like a nice plan, good luck on ITS. Make sure to study!
I run with clubs more towards the coast. NJMP, limerock, glen, pocono ect.

 

Oil cooler, radiator and Ps cooler, that is all that is really needed for a nice long track life. Then there are other things to make it more fun to drive.

 

I've got a 2003 and do HPDE. Here's the order I'd recommend:

1. Better brakes especially the rear's. The rear brakes wear out faster than the fronts. If you have the BREMBO's then pads is all you need. I upgraded to StopTech's BBK front and rear since I had a Touring model that does not come with BREMO's. I love my StopTech's!
2. Adjustable front camber arms - I've found front tire life about doubled when you run more negative camber. I would have bought these sooner if I had known that.
3. Adjustable front and rear sway bars with #2. Balance the car out with the change in camber.

I've never added an upgraded oil cooler or a power steering cooler. I change the power steering fluid every 3 events. I've heard the HR engine would derate on oil temps and mine has never done that on very hot and humid days. If I lived further south I'd probably add upgrade coolers.

Hope that helps.

 

Some good suggestions here, but I'd like to back up and suggest some basics. Even though the OP has prior track experience and has the Brembos in the track option, brakes remain a major limiting factor. A quality DOT 3/4 high-performance flush with something like ATE Gold 200 is mandatory. Bed in some good pads from Cobalt Friction or your favorite maker and make sure the rotors aren't too worn or heat checked.

I'd also recommend swapping tranny fluid over to a synthetic like Redline MT85, which matches factory specs and has enough friction to allow proper synchronizer operation. Change out the VLSD fluid to a high quality synthetic 75-90W lubricant as well. We could talk about increasing front camber and other mods, but that probably goes beyond addressing any weaknesses...