i have a guy at a local nissan dealership who is willing to give me used tires for the stock 17's. I am planning on installing Tein Flex w/ edfc on the car in a month. is it okay to drift the stock car? what else should i get for the car for drift and reliability? thanks.

 

1.) Flush the coolant with distilled water & water wetter...or at least a mixture of them.
2.) Replace crappy factory power steering fluid with redline synthetic power steering fluid.
3.) Get a differential if you dont already have the viscous type, and if you do have the viscous type, it wont last long so get the nismo one
4.) LEARN LEARN LEARN . . . NO MODS WILL HELP YOU if you don't know how to drive the car to the best of it's ability. Spend your money on drift days not modifications for the car. It's good to go out of the box.

 

You forgot to mention that you have to take out the ABS fuse. You can't do any braking drifts without taking out the ABS fuse.

 

I have been drifting on a stock 350Z since Jan. I have a base model, but I have the nismo LSD set to 1.5 way. I also am trying to get ready for a drift day in my local are next month. Are there any other things that should be done besides what is listed above? Also, what should be done afterwards to maintain reliability? Should some oils and fluids be changed before and after? Also, what will make the Nismo LSD not as loud and a bit smoother? I am probably going to replace all the fluids before next drift day? What is good to use for each fluid?
Also, I noticed that the base model doesn't have a seperate ABS fuse. it is attatched to two other fuses...is there any other way to get around this?

Jon

 

also, about coilovers..I have done tons of research on coilovers in the past few months and I even posted a pretty comprehensive FAQ in the suspension section.(at the top) I personally wouldn't get Tein Flex's...especially for drifting.
I am actually looking into some Kei office coilovers. They seem to have the best features for a pretty decent price. Another good coilover would be Silk Road, which are a bit cheaper, but still have all the same features.
Besides those two, I would probably choose Cusco Zero2, or HKS hipermax II or RS's.
But If I had 3 grand to spend, I would get the Zeals, but I dont think its worth it IMO just for coilovers. I also heard that you can get Tanabe DD (drift spec coilovers) on special order...but these are very expensive and uses the spring on the shock body instead of the spring seat.
Jon

 

I always change out my fluids before and after tracking my car. You really work the engine out on the track because you keep it in the 5k+ range for an extended period of time. When the engine oil gets really hot, it tends to break down quickly, so you don't want to be driving on the oil after the track day. Will it kill your engine if you do? Probably not, but it certainly can't be that good for the car. I also like to change out the differential oil and transmission oil every other track day. I would do it every track day, but it's a big hassle to change out all the fluids every time. I do bleed my brakes before each track day, however, because I want to make sure that I don't have any air in the lines. Furthermore, fresh fluid has the highest boiling temperature, so you can feel confident in pushing your brake to the limit.

As for the ABS, what is it connected with in the base model? I know that 03 models have the ABS and VDC linked together, but you want both of them off for drifting anyway, so I take it out. As long as the ABS fuse isn't connected with a vital engine/brake component, it should be fine to take it out. Why don't you try taking it out and testing it out (in a safe environment).

As for coilovers, I use Hypermax IIs. They are working well for me. I contemplated getting the Cusco Zero2s, but I didn't like how they set up the rear struts. It seems like it places way too much stress on the shock mounts, which the stock suspension wasn't designed to do.

 

Do you have an aftermarket diff? If so, what oil do you use to make it a bit more quiet/smoother? (less poppy) Its been a while since I looked at the ABS fuse, but Im almost positive its attatched with ignition. I will have to check it out again to make sure.
So, How do you like the HKS hipermax II's? I am currently looking to get a set of coilovers very soon, but I have a few on my list that I'm looking at. I really like the HKS setup, but I'm kind of dissappointed that they didn't include a lower shock perch to adjust height. Therefore, you are forced to adjust height from the spring perch which will preload the spring, correct? I just dont understand why HKS wouldn't include a lower shock perch to independently adjust height and spring preload. Also, can you elaborate more why the Cusco coilovers will place more stress on the shock mounts? What is the difference between the HKS and the cusco shock mounts? They both have pillowball upper mounts don't they? Anyways, I would like to hear more about how you like those coilovers. How is the ride quality on street, shock adjustability(can you feel the difference in all 30 clicks?), shock valving?, etc...Have you compared them to any other coilovers for the Z? How do they handle on the track and while drifting? Do you have any regrets getting them? anything about them that you dont like? Also, how is the handling balance, is it more understeer, or oversteer bias with your particular setup?Also what tires sizes are you running?
Jon

 

I have the same problem when trying to take out the ABS on my base model? Someone has posted another thread about taking out the connector on the ABS actuator https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-tires/174354-anyone-knows-how-to-disable-abs-on-a-base-model.html ,
however, my concern is the check engine light may come on once you disconnect the plug, the code will have to be reset. Other than that, i am just wondering how many set of extra tires do you guys bring to the track, and HOW do u guys carry them in the Z? I tried it and I could only fit 2 extra wheels in my Z at max, and one of them have to sit in the space between the head rest and the big bar in the trunk, ofcos, my firend was sitting on the passenger seat so i cant place the wheel on the seat.

 

hmmm... from my experience......(not sure about anyone else), but it is really not a need to replace your fluids that often unless your sliding every other day up to at least 4 times a week. If your buying good fluids ..then your fine. its made to be durable and extremely viscus during high tempuratues. all you need to begin learning to drift is a rear wheel drive car with either a 1.5 or 2 way diff and at least 200 to 250 hp at the least. other than that. time and practice practice practice. let me not forget tires!



oh and a basic coilover system that of course is not by a cheap company will do just fine. what is important for suplemental reasons are the adjustable arms assisting to your complete suspension. otherwise your fine with the stock set up in the Z.... the Z has an outstanding set up as it is stock... the body was built to be remarkable with its suspension work. all the way to stock tower bars front and back. just go and have fun and learn about your car. feel it out..learn its faults and advantages!

 

If you wanted to go to a drift day, would you need another set of wheels too? I was under the impression they didn't offer tire mounting there.

EDIT: I'm speaking of the one in Southern California.