ZFlyer

I know the question has been answered many times that the Z can't beat the M3 or FBodies stock for stock, but what will it take for the Z to beat them? Is forced induction going to be the only sound way?

-Bryan

Maximam

Cams, ported heads, intake, exhaust (cams not available to my knowledge).

Turbo/Supercharger

Gears and DRs in the 1/4 mile.

S8ER95Z

Instead of making the statement F-body.. you should know that the 93~97 years have the LT1 motor.. rated at 275/285Hp. They typically run 13.8~14.2 and should be a drivers race for the 350Z. So with that said...you already can beat some F-bodys..including 3rd gens, 2nd gens and 1st gens. Not all. The LS1 years (98~02) are the ones that would certainly walk away from you with little effort unless the driver is a tool.

JamRWS6

DOn't forget the 2nd gen 73-74 SD455 Trans Ams. Mid 13s on 70s rubber.

2000 SS

I would guess that some simple bolt ons (induction, exhaust) and then a stickier tire such as a Nitto or BFG drag radial would help push the 350Z into the late 13's, mid 13's for someone that really knows how to drive. That and a nitrous kit should make it pull on a stock or mildly modified LS1, even with a good driver. I'm not sure how much spray the Z can handle, but I can't see how a 75 shot can be dangerous, assuming you have a complete kit with a window switch. I think we'll see the first Z in the 12's spraying way before any reliable turbo kit is produced.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the juice on my own car.

ZFlyer

Sorry,

I meant to say LS1 FBody.

-Bryan

350Z33

Mad stickers Yo!

ELESWON

I agree. Some good bolt ons and tires, plus a shot of spray (75-100) and you would be showing most LS1s tail lights. I lost to a TL-S Acura (pulled me about 5 feet from 40-130, but a loss is a loss) with a 125 shot and bolt ons a while back, and i think the 350's are a touch quicker stock for stock. So the lesser shot of N2O should do the trick. And i dont see why a 75 shot would hurt anything, properly set up that is (2000 SS detailed that). Ive seen 1.6 & 1.8L Honda motors run 60-85 shots on stock motor for years. Speaking of which, i had a close race with one of those last year, GSR swap in a hatch and a 75 shot.

One thing i should mention here....there are two very diffrent types of street races you come across....roll-ons and stop light races. The 350Z really isnt lacking much at all in off the line races as compared to the cars in question. Most of these type races end by 80 mph, if not a bit earlier. In fact, most actual runs with E46's and Fbodies (stock i should say) alike that ive seen at the track, the 1/8 mi diffrence between those and the 350 is only a couple/few tenths. Thats close in the 1/8. But now roll ons are another story completly. You guys (350Z owners) have ~5-7 mph trap speed to make up on us. Thats more than you might think if you havent spent much time at the track. Thats approximately the diffrence between an LS1 Fbody and a Z06, for comparison sake. Thats more than simple bolt-ons will usually give you. Thats where a shot of squeeze would really come in handy . Hope this was helpful in answering your question. Peace.

ZFlyer

Yeah, that helps a lot. I had a 99' SS and the Z seems easier to launch, but the midrange just does not compare. A friend of mine has an M3 and wants to race but I know better than that. I just wanted to get some midrange before we run into each other at a stoplight.

-Bryan

elektrik_juggernaut

It's too soon to tell what mods are gonna have the most gains......i'm betting that a modified ECM is gonna open up a whole new range for the Z

ELESWON

Indeed, im very interested myself in seeing what these things will be capable of with mods. I havent actively looked around to see whats out yet, but i imagine not much. Its a very new platform and motor, so theres no telling what might happen. I might be sticking my foot in my mouth a year from now with bolt on/tuning/drag radial 350s busting low 13's-high 12's. Who knows, just have to wait and see. The progress of cars sometimes takes a while, and it keeps getting better with time....ie LS1's when they came out forced induction was the only way to see better than 11.90's or so, now we have stock head/cam/bolt-on/slicks cars running in the high 10's. The 5.0 motor has gone through a similar distillation over time (albeit a much longer span). Its all a matter of time....be patient and the aftermarket gods will smile on you.

Nealoc187

A TL-S is very lucky to break into the 14s and traps about 93-94mph stock. The Z has about a 6 mph trap speed advantage. That's about the same as the differential between the 350Z and an LS1.

ELESWON

Hmm. I was thinkin more like mid-upper 14s at about 96-97 mph. Ive seen that quoted in more than one place (what i get for trusting internet bs). Granted, ive never driven one so i couldnt be sure. But it doesnt really matter. Bottom line, N20+350Z= . Peace.