2014 370z Weekend Warrior Journey

alanyluan

Hi everyone!

I joined the forum not too long ago but have only just recently been diving into a lot of the older threads as I begin a journey to transform what used to be my daily driver to a weekend fun car/occasional track toy. I didn't think I'd want to make the Z a track designated car, but that was until I did my first track day at the Ridge Motorsports Park (if you know, you know!) and it was insanely fun.

I definitely owe some thanks to those of you on the forums who have documented similar modifications/DIYs. I figured the least I could do is post some photos of my own adventures. Anyways, I had some free time the last several weeks to go through some pretty straightforward modifications to get it ready for several track days this summer. Phase 1 mods for this year includes KWv3, SPL arms, Hankook rs-4 (275 square), Enkei Nt03, Z1 34 row oil cooler, EBC pads, Stillen brake ducts, fresh fluids all around. Phase 2 couldn't come sooner!

Here's the one decent "before" picture:


A couple pics over the last couple weeks:










Before and After:

alanyluan

I've scheduled an alignment later this week. But given the good weather we've been having up here in the NW, couldn't help but get a couple miles to at least bed the brakes!

alanyluan

More pics in my album if anyone is interested.

Overall, pretty hyped on everything so far. I'm glad I was able to drive/track the car in essentially stock form. Driving it now, it feels like a completely different animal.

The one gripe I have would definitely be the Z1 oil cooler. Not sure if anyone else ran into this issue but the sandwich plate adapter wasn't very intuitive. The surface area geometry seemed too tight to securely fit a 1 inch socket and given the poor contact, I was getting a little too close to rounding the securing bolt. Seemed kinda sketch given this is definitely something you want to make sure is torqued appropriately. Also, the sandwich plate securing bolt isn't threaded deep enough to account for the length of the OEM oil filter connecting bolt and consequently results in a loose fitting sandwich plate. I was able to torque the bolt down to the 25 ft-lbs but I'm pretty sure that's occuring because I'm running out of threads... not because the sandwich plate is contacting the engine. I contacted Z1 to see if I was going crazy but they responded that this was a known (and supposedly rare) issue with the 2014 models. They suggested I take a grinder to the OEM oil filter connecting bolt and remove enough material to get good contact... A little hesitant to do that after paying $600+ on the kit. Anyways, the sandwich plate is secure but slightly rotates with some force applied. I've test driven it and checked for leaks and so far no visible leaks. Perhaps some "sweat" but not sure if just residue from the oil change. Not feeling entirely confident...

JLarson

I'd be pretty pissed about that, and I'd also be uncomfortable with a rotating sandwich plate! Good album so far! Keep it coming.

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2014 370z Touring Sport Magma Red MT // BP Single Turbo 6467 // 63mm TB's // Z1 Ported Upper Mani // RJM Pedal // Zspeed Stage 3 Clutch // 526 WHP, 451 WTQ
2006 350z (Sold) // 1990 300zx (Sold) // 1985 300zx 2+2 (Sold)

BettyZ

I have the same issue with mine. It occasionally sweats oil but I've had it on for 30k miles with no significant oil loss - aka no oil smears on my ZSpeed underpaneling.

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'14 MB Nismo | Boost Lab 6870 1.32 AR 553 HP / 471 ft.-lbs.
Betty Mods

Rusty

I've had the Z1 oil cooler on since about 2012. Not had a drop from the sandwich plate.

__________________

浪人 - 殺し屋
"The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only"
http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

alanyluan

Ok, thanks for the reassurance. I'll keep driving and see how it plays out. Hopefully it's up to the task for track use. A buddy of mine (S2000) had a sandwich plate go loose during a track day and spew oil all over the engine bay. He luckily got away without any damage and really secured that sucker down with loctite and safety wire. Perhaps I'm just paranoid.

bunk

Its not just with the 2014 models. I have a 2010 and I have the same issue. Just like you said, a socket on the adapter is a very tight fit. Hard/impossible to get a good seat. Whenever I replace the oil filter, I have to tighten the adapter down as best as I can. But in the 2 years Ive had the cooler, I had one leak that was just a slow drip. I like to check my oil level when I refuel.

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-Drop in K&N Filter -Invidia Gemini CBE -Z1 Oil Cooler -Swift Springs - EcuTek -Forgestar F14 -SPL Camber Links -Akebono BBK Upgrade -Z1 Premium SS Lines -SPL Diff Bushings -SPL FUCAs - BellRaceworks Diff Brace

BettyZ

I ended up using a wrench instead of a socket. Worked far better.

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__________________
'14 MB Nismo | Boost Lab 6870 1.32 AR 553 HP / 471 ft.-lbs.
Betty Mods

alanyluan

First track day of the year in the books. Overall, a TON of fun pushing this car so hard on track and learning the limits of the car. Also, I'm really glad I was able to hit the track (The Ridge) last year in completely stock form to see just how different the car feels/compares after these recent modifications. Both my girlfriend and I drove and split 7 20 minute sessions in the beginner group. Given my limited experience, we handled ourselves pretty well with the rest of the pack. Our main goals were consistency, finding the line, and generally just learn the car.

As far as how the car held up, I went into this track day fully aware that the brakes were going to be the most obvious limitation. My first two sessions, I'd almost say I was too paranoid of my brakes that I wasn't nearly aggressive enough in the brake zones and thus not driving the car nearly as hard as it could be driven. By the third session, I essentially threw caution to the wind and finally got the confidence to be hard on the brakes and started seeing a TON more progression with braking later and shortening lap times. Started having LOTS of fun and getting consistent times (and honestly surprised the brakes were holding up). I continued to make sure to use each cool down lap appropriately, parking the car with no brakes, popping the hood/brake+clutch fluid cover. We made it through 6 sessions pushing the brakes hard and it wasn't until about session 5 that we were getting some bad vibration when braking, but no noticeable fade. Session 7 for our group got merged with Group B so less time for the car to cool (20 min break vs. 40 min). Immediately into turn 1 going around 110+mph and slamming on the brakes I noticed substantial brake fade. I took the remainder of the lap at 50-60%. Luckily it was the last session of the day and most drivers had gone home already, so plenty of room between each car. At Turn 13, with no cars around and a corner with loads of run-off, I applied the brakes and the pedal went completely to the floor and went off course (in the safest manner I could). Despite how safe it was, I still will never forget that moment.

So with all of that, definitely going to be upgrading the brakes sooner than I had anticipated. I know I could probably just get away with upgrading the pads, but at this point, I feel better just going straight to the Akebonos as I've been eyeing them for a while anyways. I was really hoping these two pot calipers would at least last for 3-4 track days this summer but I just don't want to attend another track day if I have any sort of doubt that my brakes are not up to the task. Next, I'd love to get a go-pro and start collecting more data/info on my driving habits to continue improving and being consistent (telemetry would be awesome but need to do some more research). Lots of fun had and despite the confidence crushing brake fade in the last session, the day went extremely well all things considered. Let the rabbit hole continue as I contemplate selling a kidney for proper big brake kit.. or a 991.2 GT3.

gbrettin

Great way to start your thread! I like seeing all the DIY people put in work. Subbed to see more updates.

alanyluan

Thanks! Been learning a lot! It'll be a slow process but the list is long! I'll be sure to post when I can!

Rusty

Another one starting to go down the rabbit hole. Once you go pass the event horizon. There is no 12 step program to help you. Your wallet will be empty, and your credit card will be a smokin' pile of plastic.

Attached Images

rabbit-hole.jpg (19.4 KB, 6 views)

__________________

浪人 - 殺し屋
"The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only"
http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

Rusty

Truth.

Attached Images

Because Racecar.jpg (74.2 KB, 8 views)

__________________

浪人 - 殺し屋
"The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only"
http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

God-Speed

Keep it going!!