What do you feel is the biggest challenge tracking your car? I currently track my boosted BRZ and I am in the process of possibly getting a 350z and would like to make a track car and want to see what challenges you have faced. It is a 2005 base model

 

Bonus points for starting with a base model. You won't have to deal with traction control electronics or extra weight of unnecessary options. You will want to upgrade the brakes, install a limited slip diff, upgrade the radiator and install a large oil cooler.

 

thanks for reply. I am pretty excited for the Z. Some people said save a little more and get a 370 but I would rather save money and put in mods and aero.

 

definitely BBK, wheels/tires and some cooling. If its stock you will have to keep the revs high, oil temps will go up. I wouldnt overlook safety stuff either, get some seats/harnesses and a good wheel.

 

As you improve, you'll find cooling for the brakes will become critical. Look at some of the solutions of venting cool air from the front bumper to brake ducts near your BBK. Be sure to bleed your brakes completely and use a good DOT 4 fluid replacement.

 

The Good:

- The chassis will take as much tire as you’re ever going to need.
- True race (vs “tuner” such as Mishi etc) aftermarket support is very good.
- Driveline components don’t blink at big power/track duty, with the exception of the factory VLSD not locking when hot (not in a base model, so you’re golden).

The Bad:

- Big components come with bigger price tags. Running costs for fuel, tires, brakes, ball joints, wheel bearings and other consumables is higher.
- The “formula” isn’t really known. Unlike some other chassis communities, there’s not really a consensus track setup for the Z. With certain setups it likes a bigger front bar, doesn’t seem to care how high the front spring rate is, but is sensitive to frequency split and a stiff rear bar. That’s not exactly a super helpful starting point though.
- Fuel cut in long right hand corners with anything below 3/4 tank, unless you go with a surge tank setup.

The Ugly

- Weight. It’s heavy. So heavy. And it’s hard to remove weight within a rule set. If you’re not playing to a set of rules, go bananas, but the easy weight all comes off the back, so there’s another wrinkle in the balance/setup conversation.
- Power. Expect no extra and be satisfied, or add forced induction. The engine is pretty much maxed on NA jam from the factory. Your NA $/hp is super marginal compared to say…a turbo BRZ…BUT, if you add FI there is many vroom, much power to be had. Back to what the rules will let you do.

Welcome to the Big Booty Loud Car Club

 

I'll add that while there are many "formulas" out there, a good guide is the spec-Z racing class documentation. It saved me a lot of trial and error picking components that I knew were gonna fit right and work on the track.

Also, maybe I'm a unicorn but I never had any issues with fuel starvation in my car :knocks on wood: