I'll have those later today.



My experience with 1st gear and gearing in general has been different. So its difficult to answer. Short answer is yes, 1st gear is shorter.

However, the times I've drag raced, 1st gear seemed to take an eternity because I could only launch at 1500-1800 rpms. I bet it takes at least 3 seconds to wind it up to 6800rpms. Judging from the 0-60's yesterday, I am losing .1-.2 of a second off that 3 seconds. Can you notice a tenth or two in the span of 3 seconds? I don't know.

So, I do not find 1st gear to be freakishly short if that helps answer your question. Now with slicks on, that might be a different story. If you could launch at 4k without a lot of fuss, you'd probably have to shift within 1.5-2 seconds. That would be bordering on freakishly short.

 

correct me if i am wrong here...but don't you have to shift to third now to reach 60? you will probably have to shift to 5th to do the quarter mile to. obviously, straight line acceleration numbers aren't where this car shines, but those extra shifts can add a little time and take away from the overall increase in acceleration.\

sean

 

I've got the technosquare ECU so I reach 60.9 or so in 2nd and 110.2 in 4th. I had no problem hitting 60 in 2nd while doing my datalogged runs. My best 1/4 trap is around 101.9mph. So no problem there.

 

We had some more rain last night, but the sun is out now so maybe the strip will be open. Pic of my last trip out. The guy with the Z behind me got a 13.85 total stock first time out.

 

Great review

Looking forward to the other 2 parts


Laterz
Aceman

 

6th gear rpms

60 mph = 2500 rpms
70 mph = 2975 rpms
80 mph = 3300 rpms

More driving impressions;

From a roll in 1st gear, the front end of the car pulls up noticeably more.

 

Great review!
This gearing was designed more around spirited driving and road course track events. With this gearing it allows you to not be stuck between 2nd and 3rd gear during cornering....then trying to decide which to use. Now the car will really pull in third gear.
(On the road courses we never use 1st gear except for coming out of the pits.)
For street drving I dont think it makes 1st geat too short at all.
In my opinion this is exactly what the "Track model" 350Z should have come with from the factory.
Another 350EVO first!!

On a side note the bearing are not needed but...if you have been doing a lot of track events or hard driving while the housing is open ....its not a bad idea.
Cant wait to see more reviews from 350Zers with the 3.9 FD
Cheers
BJZ

 

Thanks BJ! Awesome product. I totally agree about the track model. This modification is a no brainer. There is really no downside.

Its so damn quiet. It is quieter than my factory setup. You guys must have awesome machinists. We went a little loose on lash and preload as suggested and its just perfect. That coupled with the diff cooler should help keep things cool running.

I did order new crush sleeves, seals and pinoin/side shims. That is pretty much required correct? If anyone needs some shims, I've got some left over.

My next track day is in a few weeks and I can't wait to see what its like. I've got the whole Chicago Z track posse hot on my trail. So, this should keep me just a step ahead. O' god, all sh*ts going to break loose now that I've said it! J/P guys. Guys?

 

Better keep an eye on that rear view mirror, chief... headers, cats, and 6pt harnesses will be on when we run at Putnam.

So now I guess I have to talk BJ into making a 3.7 FD for us 5AT guys so I can have the same change in gearing, huh?

 

I spent all my money on this biatch. So all I can do before then is put on an extra coat of wax and pray! LOL!!!

Seriously though, I'm going to sell the 3.5 out of my manual setup to recoup some of the cost. I'll probably post it on Ebay unless one of the local crew wants it. I was going to trade for the auto gear, but I need the money.

 

BJ -

In a prior thread, you posted the ratios and top speeds in all 6 gears with the stock rear-end and the EVO 3.9. Please post them here. I have the (early) TechnoSquare ECU flash, so my rev limiter is at 7100 rpm. I hear some guys got it later and are at 7200 rpm. Anyway, please help us do the math. Thanks.

 

Richard, these numbers are from BJ's earlier thread.

3.538 OEM vs. 3.917 350EVO
Gear/ max speed OEM / max speed 4.0 @ 6850 RPMS
1st/ 38.9 / 35.1
2nd/ 63.5 / 57.3
3rd/ 90.8 / 82.0
4th/ 116.1 / 104.8
5th/ 147.1 / 132.9
6th/ 185.6 / 167.6


With Technosquare reflash
1st 36.9
2nd 60.3
3rd 86.2
4th 110.2
5th 139.7
6th 176.5

Also, check here for a very detailed spreadsheet of it.

Spreadsheet Thread

 

zillinois, I hope you are planning on joining Jack & moi at Blackhawk Farms!



I see 113 going into turn 1 with OEM gearing, and crappy tires. Jack has Hoosiers with OEM gearing & he is already shifting into 5th on the front straight. Can't wait to hear what effect the new gear does to your lap time.

And it better be slower!


Now, about those lap timers...........

 

Enthuz, which Blackhawk event are you guys attending?

I think this mod is going to be the freak on the track. Its a no brainer to pick up .2-.3 tenths on each of the two main straights at Blackhawk, plus maybe a .1 tenth or so on each of the bigger corners.

Turn 2 at WOT is going to be a new experience.

 

PCA on 9/15.

Don't tell me you have been braking for turn 2..... But yes, you will be pulling out of 1 lot stronger now.

You also MIGHT run out of RPM's near the exit of 3......

Curious to here if the extra shifts are a benefit.

 

I would be willing to bet.....this mod will do wonders at Blackhawk Farms and any other road course for that matter.

 

Nice review! My car has been sitting in my driveway for several weeks now saying "Feed me new ring & pinion gears!" I suppose this faster powercurve might cure the mild understeer I incurred from going to 275 in the rear? Throttle steering... wheee!!!!

 

You guys are tempting me. lol. I would do this but I am little worried about the clicking noise. Is it bad or even noticable. Or would moving to a different type of LSD oil make it not noticable.

 

Hot review for a hot product.

 

Thanks. Yeah, I'm running 295's in the rear and at the track I've wished that I could throttle oversteer. I don't think that is going to be a problem now.