Hey guys

I am in the process of buying my first Z, black 2007. I'm choosing a 2007 because it has the HR engine. From what I've read, it's the best engine of the 350z.

I've auto-crossed with club stuff for years, nothing SCCA or NASA, so car prep isn't new. My first few times I'll be on a good street tire, braided brake lines, better brake pads and pretty much it. My question is, with these cars now 14years old, what are some common things to look for or fix/upgrade before heading to the track.

I've looked online/YouTube at 350z's that have been tracked and they look very capable, unless it's ALL driver.

Vid 1. I searched 350z VIR since I'll be running there mostly. This vid came up. Sounds like a good exhaust

Vid 2. Pretty sure same guy since they both say Liam. He says it's Hoosier tires, but he looks like he has more than that. Suspension, brakes, more power..? He also has another vid, but the intro is really long

Vid 3 Road Atlanta

Thanks for your help

 

First upgrade the cooling, larger radiator and a large oil cooler. Second, if your car comes with base brakes, upgrade those as well. Otherwise, spend money on seat time and the rest will become obvious as you get to know the car. I'll probably see you at VIR at some point.

 

Perhaps it was an oversight, but brake fluid wasn't mentioned in the OP. A higher quality DOT 4 brake fluid is a must. Plenty of brand recommendations and discussions in this forum, unless you have some favorites.

 

Very much appreciated.; I didn't think about cooling

Will do. Very much appreciated

The vids I posted, do you know who the are and if they're on here?

 

I have a few videos driving at VIR. I'm going to be there for Hyperfest. There are a few Z people for NASA that does ST/TT that are really helpful.

 

Damn, I'll be out of town Oct 1-3. Do you know of any good clubs that run at VIR?

 

My opinion on cooling would be oil is more important than water. Ive got a 2007 and with a large, 34row, oil cooler and a stock rad I was peaked at 246F on oil and 223F on water at Road America with a 25min session. It was probably 75 out at that point but I didn't include ambient temp or intake temp in the log. So if you want to hold off on a radiator its not something you need to do before your first day just probably something to do in the first year or so.

You'll want to do brake ducting before long too. You'll burn through front pads without it.

 

I'll be at VIR on Nov 6-7 with Audi club and possibly 4-5 as well with TrackDaze, if I'm able to take the time off. A lot of people combine these two events into a 4 day weekend, and it's one of few opportunities to run the VIR Grand course, TrackDaze usually does it on 2nd day.