jmark

iTrader: (1)

Anyone know if the 350Z is being run in T2? Dwnshift heard anything on this or the GT program?

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

But I have to say it doesn't look good from the specs published in SportsCar. The 350Z, even stripped and with all the track package items added, doesn't match up very well with the dominant F-bodies in the class. Sure, it'll race with the S2000s and whoever brings out a Boxter, but why spend big $$$ when you can buy a competitive Camaro or Firebird for half as much.

My Nissan sources tell me that the GT project is continuing to be developed in Japan. Problem is, Nissan is big into profit centers right now and racing is exactly opposite that.

jmark

iTrader: (1)

Thanks dkmura. The F bodies are very tough to beat. What series do you run? I'd love to see a factory Z GT effort take on the Porsche GT3R's. Would be very $$$$$.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

For the past 15 years I've raced Nationals in SSC, SSB and GT5. I learned early on that big tires, big engines and big HP= BIG bills! Even little cars can run up big bills from time-to-time.

As for the Z33GT or whatever they call it, I'll be as excited as anyone to see it run. But let's be realistic, Porsche rules the FIA, ALMS and other GT series for good reason(s). Unless there are some big $$$ sponsors on the Z, I don't think the factory will foot the bill.

BTW- As much as I enjoy running my 350Z track model, I don't see enough factory support to get any of us Nissan racers excited about running it in T2. Having said that, I do think that someone will eventually step up to run T2 in the car. They'd better have a TON of money and a lot of enthusiasm to carry out the development.

Maximam

jmark

iTrader: (1)

dkmura,

I think the Z will be very much like the S2000 in T2. At certain tracks like VIR or Lime Rock it might be the car to run. At HP tracks it will struggle to keep up. I am good friends with Neal Sapp who ran the S2000 in T2 and he was very strong at handling tracks. It will be interesting to see how Dwnshift and his Z does in the very competitive GSII Grand Am Cup. He is very high on his chances. They will be up against everything from F bodies to Mustang Cobras to M3's and 911's. I had heard that Nissan would be selling bodies in white for the racers starting next year. So hopefully Nissan will support the car.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

From what I've seen, the larger contact patch and MUCH greater torque of the LT-1s are gonna leave everybody in 350Zs. Neal Sapp is a good shoe, but even at a so-called 'handling track' like Mid-Ohio he's fighting for fourth or fifth. I surely wish Downshift the best, but the GS II class looks tough indeed. I bet most of his opposition is running 500 HP at the flywheel!

Hadn't heard anything about bodies in white being available beginning next year. My sources at Nissan Motorsports indicate that is not a done deal by any means. Do you have a reliable source?

Glad you brought this subject up for discussion- even if it's only you 'n me!

dwnshift

iTrader: (1)

I am very excited about our GS2 project. I know we have a battle on our hands but ......... I believe we are up for the fight. IT might take a little sorting out but,......things are getting exciting at our shop.........

The count down has begun..........

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

That's the kind of attitude I love to see! the 350Z is the dark horse underdog, but it does have loads of potential. I'll be watching with interest!

jmark

iTrader: (1)

I second that! Good luck Dwnshift!

jmark

iTrader: (1)

I received an email today stating that TC Kline & Hal Brown are building two 350Z's for T2 to debut this year. TC builds very nice cars.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Second that! If TC Kline is involved, his company has the type of resources needed to develop the 350Z. I will be following this development closely.

jmark

iTrader: (1)

I'd love to see TC put Neal Sapp in a Z and go for a T2 championship. I have seen the talent Neal has first hand. Neal is still trying to find a full time ride this year in WC. TC puts together well turned out cars. The two have hooked up before in WC and the T2 S2000. dkmura what weight is a T2 350Z allowed by SCCA?

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Fastrack specs have the Z listed at 3,188 lbs. Also interesting to note that the 350Z is also classed in GT2 at 2280 lbs. (2394 w/IRS).

jmark

iTrader: (1)

I thought 3188 was stock weight. Can't you lighten the car for T2?

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

3,188 is stock weight as listed by Nissan for the base 350Z. The fastrack listing mentions that all the track equipment (Brembos, LSD, Rays, etc) can be also be added to a T2 car.

I believe that T2 must remain close to stock in that gutting the interior is not allowed. However, after after pulling the dash, airbags and putting in a rollcage/safety equipment, getting the car to REALLY weigh around 3,188 will still be a job unto itself!

Still, if TC has a customer willing to do it (ie. $$$), I'm sure the Z will be a contender.

jmark

iTrader: (1)

Update from Hal:

jmark,
tc debuted the car @ Willow Springs this past weekend and earned the first national win for the Nissan 350Z. Of course he was the only T2 car there but was well below the existing track record. Nissan has done their homework. The car is good right out of the box. The only mods on the car at Willow were safety items. Still has the AC and so on and so forth. Tried both 17" &18" wheels. Koni is currently building dampers for the car and a few items from Nismo are on the way. tc will be in the car again @ Firebird in a couple of weeks and I hope to drive the car for the first time @ Road Atlanta at the end of March. I'll keep you posted.
------------------
Goodyear #1

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Jmark-

Thanks for the news on the 350Z's debut in T2. I'm going to be out in SoCal next month and would love to check out TC's car. Any chance you know where his shop is and whether they'd let me visit in March?

Thanks-

David

jmark

iTrader: (1)

I thought TC's shop was in Ohio. I might be mistaken. I am going to try to see the car run at RA at the end of March. Sounds like there is more to come from the car too based on Hal's email.

jmark

iTrader: (1)

David,

I got an email from a guy who works with TC. He says the car is currently out west (CA??). Try emailing him.

P. Stackhouse [tcklineracing@netscape.net]