Is a 370z my best current choice for a $30k track day car?

Musashi · 04-06-2009, 09:41 AM

A Mustang as a track car you must be joking. If you're serious about the track and want something under 30k buy a used lotus.

ChrisSlicks · 04-06-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musashi

A Mustang as a track car you must be joking. If you're serious about the track and want something under 30k buy a used lotus. And before you asshats make all your lame comment know what the hell you're talking about.

I'm in a Ford racing club where there are obviously a lot of Mustangs, mostly Cobra's from 98-04. Some of them are seriously sorted track cars, but they spent a lot of money making them that way. A basic GT model isn't even going to be close.

The Lotus Elise/Exige is probably one of the best handling cars out there, just a little lacking in power. There are some FI kits that can solve this problem however.

edeeZee · 05-19-2009, 12:52 AM

1st gen RX-7 with a street port, 13B is a better setup than 12A.

Nissan 240 with sr20det.

These are cheap, and you can make mistakes i.e. if you smash them, they're not going to cost you $30K to replace.

StackTrack · 05-19-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musashi

A Mustang as a track car you must be joking. If you're serious about the track and want something under 30k buy a used lotus. And before you asshats make all your lame comment know what the hell you're talking about.

Dude, chill man ... he was just listing some cars ... and the new GT's are nothing like the fox bodies, they are quite capable. Maybe not the best choice, but not as bad of a choice as they used to be.

But calling someone an asshat for listing the car as a potential track car for under $30k? That's a little harsh don't you think?

Stoner · 05-19-2009, 09:56 AM

You can get a twin turbo 350z with 19,000mi for $32,900 on ebay right now...
Close to 600hp, 19psi, pump gas

Nate · 05-19-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoner

You can get a twin turbo 350z with 19,000mi for $32,900 on ebay right now...
Close to 600hp, 19psi, pump gas

Sounds like a recipe for disaster on a track car.

+1 for a cheap 350Z with some key brake and suspension mods.

Musashi · 05-19-2009, 11:10 AM

Mustang has no place on the track. Unless it's a drag strip. The Lotus is a great car as long as its supercharged. The power to weight ratio if fantastic. I've spent around 5k already on my Z and it's still not there yet.

The HACK · 05-19-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RATEDM

Thanks...The S2000 was intially on my list, but I eliminated it for lack of a fixed roof. Not interested in an AWD vehicle like an EVO or a Subie (weight, complexity, and a bit less fun imo).... Also, don't want another Bimmer or Porsche as I'd like something that is relatively cheap for aftermarket upgrades as a function of higher production volume (prices for parts for my Z4MC were 2x-5x the same parts I've seen on 350z's).

Other than cost-to-speed ratio, what do you consider to be the downsides of the 370z as a track toy (that would cause you to advocate an S2000 or Evo over it) in my case? Weight? Power-to-weight ratio? Other?

thanks again...

Did you know that the 2009 Subaru WRX weighs less than your MZ4 Coupe (the Wagon trim weighs 3187lbs) and can achieve 0-60 in the same time? Do not knock the Subie or the Mitsu before you try it.

Go drive the EVO X and the WRX. The WRX in Wagon trim can be a nice track rat, you can fit 4 wheels, tools, a weekend's worth of cloth in duffel bag, a track jack, and 4 jack-stands. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive takes some getting used to if you're used to RWD, but there are some inherent advantages.

I currently own an MZ4 Coupe, I used to own a 350Z, and now I also have an '09 Subaru WRX wagon I used for daily drive. For less than $25,000 you can not beat the performance numbers, and even the mighty MZ4 Coupe will struggle to keep up with it in certain conditions and turns. It lacks the refinement of the MZ4 Coupe, it's loud, the turdbo lag is a little unnerving at times (I've never owned a turdbo car before), and there's a lot of body roll because the center of gravity is much higher compared to the E86, but for the simple fact that I can put my daughter in the back-seat? No comparison.

The 370Z may be the best of the bunch under $30K, but if you need a car that you can drive around with a bit more versatility, don't look past the Subie and the EVO X.

AK370Z · 05-19-2009, 01:03 PM

My personal favorite would be S2000 with optional hardtop. I just love the S2k gearbox.

The HACK · 05-19-2009, 01:09 PM

Just a couple of points I'd like to add, since I had a 350Z as a track rat, and now have the MZ4 Coupe and the WRX...

You will NEVER get the same joy out of any of the cars you are looking at as a track car, outside of maybe the S2000, as you ever will with the MZ4 Coupe. I'm not kidding. The only work I've done to the MZ4 Coupe was swap out the OEM BMW brake pads for Cobalt XR3s, and it is faster out of the box, than my 350Z ever was even with R-comps. And the 350Z had a full list of work done on it, ranging from coil-overs, intake, headers, exhaust...etc. The only car I've ever driven, out of the box, that was better to drive than the MZ4 Coupe was the Lotus Exige S. But with a car like that, I wouldn't even bother driving it on the street. The only place where it'll ever be happy is on the track.

If you're going to get a 370Z or any of the Japanese cars under $30K, you must consider upgrading the brakes first before you take it on track. I burned through an entire set of brake pads on the 350Z in 4 20 minute sessions all the way past the backing plate, and back then I was still on the OEM street tires AND only a "B" student in the BMW CCA ranks (which is to say, not even all that fast). I fully anticipate the same for the WRX, I will not be taking it to the track unless I can get a set of brake upgrade from my buddy at RacingBrake. The only car mentioned so far that has a worthy set of brakes is the RX-8. That thing has high-end European like brakes, with only a set of race ready brake pads being the ONLY thing you'll need to have a great time at the track.

NIZMOZ · 05-19-2009, 01:12 PM

You can actually get a 350Z for 10k now if you look really hard. Then fix it up with suspension, track mods, etc and it will be a great track car. Look at SPL's.

shabarivas · 05-19-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The HACK

Did you know that the 2009 Subaru WRX weighs less than your MZ4 Coupe (the Wagon trim weighs 3187lbs) and can achieve 0-60 in the same time? Do not knock the Subie or the Mitsu before you try it.

Go drive the EVO X and the WRX. The WRX in Wagon trim can be a nice track rat, you can fit 4 wheels, tools, a weekend's worth of cloth in duffel bag, a track jack, and 4 jack-stands. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive takes some getting used to if you're used to RWD, but there are some inherent advantages.

I currently own an MZ4 Coupe, I used to own a 350Z, and now I also have an '09 Subaru WRX wagon I used for daily drive. For less than $25,000 you can not beat the performance numbers, and even the mighty MZ4 Coupe will struggle to keep up with it in certain conditions and turns. It lacks the refinement of the MZ4 Coupe, it's loud, the turdbo lag is a little unnerving at times (I've never owned a turdbo car before), and there's a lot of body roll because the center of gravity is much higher compared to the E86, but for the simple fact that I can put my daughter in the back-seat? No comparison.

The 370Z may be the best of the bunch under $30K, but if you need a car that you can drive around with a bit more versatility, don't look past the Subie and the EVO X.

Ha ha .. no thats not what the op meant - he said that the AWD was not as fun - and he is right. I used to have an EVO X before the Z and let me tell you... even when I would take my G35 out instead of the evo - I would have a much more fulfilling driving experience. The evo just makes the work the driver has to do to pull of a nice looking turn - just too easy... the car does most of the driving for you.. think of it this way... the Z is to revmatching the same way the evo is to slowing / turning and all else other than shifting lol...

NIZMOZ · 05-19-2009, 01:16 PM

^^ AWD is boring on the track. RWD is where it's at.

shabarivas · 05-19-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The HACK

Just a couple of points I'd like to add, since I had a 350Z as a track rat, and now have the MZ4 Coupe and the WRX...

You will NEVER get the same joy out of any of the cars you are looking at as a track car, outside of maybe the S2000, as you ever will with the MZ4 Coupe. I'm not kidding. The only work I've done to the MZ4 Coupe was swap out the OEM BMW brake pads for Cobalt XR3s, and it is faster out of the box, than my 350Z ever was even with R-comps. And the 350Z had a full list of work done on it, ranging from coil-overs, intake, headers, exhaust...etc. The only car I've ever driven, out of the box, that was better to drive than the MZ4 Coupe was the Lotus Exige S. But with a car like that, I wouldn't even bother driving it on the street. The only place where it'll ever be happy is on the track.

If you're going to get a 370Z or any of the Japanese cars under $30K, you must consider upgrading the brakes first before you take it on track. I burned through an entire set of brake pads on the 350Z in 4 20 minute sessions all the way past the backing plate, and back then I was still on the OEM street tires AND only a "B" student in the BMW CCA ranks (which is to say, not even all that fast). I fully anticipate the same for the WRX, I will not be taking it to the track unless I can get a set of brake upgrade from my buddy at RacingBrake. The only car mentioned so far that has a worthy set of brakes is the RX-8. That thing has high-end European like brakes, with only a set of race ready brake pads being the ONLY thing you'll need to have a great time at the track.

Ha ha +1 for racingbrake - I ran their rotors on my G35 - really well made

And yes... brake upgrade + oil cooler + sway bar + better tires = woah there 370 now your talking

zman1910 · 05-19-2009, 01:31 PM

If your looking to get something new.....there are still brand new 350Z's sitting around. You could score one in the really low 20's. Not to mention mods galore and no waiting unlike the 370Z.

As many have said above, my ultimate pick would be an S2000 as a track car. 370z wouldn't be bad as long as you have installed an oil cooler. It's still the best bang for the buck new car track setup w/o AWD.

05-19-2009, 01:03 PM	#24 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	My personal favorite would be S2000 with optional hardtop. I just love the S2k gearbox. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

05-19-2009, 01:12 PM	#26 (permalink)
NIZMOZ Track Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 634 Drives: 07 NISMO 350Z SA M6 Rep Power: 491	You can actually get a 350Z for 10k now if you look really hard. Then fix it up with suspension, track mods, etc and it will be a great track car. Look at SPL's. __________________ SOLD: 2007 NISMO 350Z #0044 Silver Alloy New DD: 2010 Titan Pro4X CC

05-19-2009, 01:16 PM	#28 (permalink)
NIZMOZ Track Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 634 Drives: 07 NISMO 350Z SA M6 Rep Power: 491	^^ AWD is boring on the track. RWD is where it's at. __________________ SOLD: 2007 NISMO 350Z #0044 Silver Alloy New DD: 2010 Titan Pro4X CC

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04-06-2009, 09:41 AM	#16 (permalink)
Musashi Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 357 Drives: 09 370Z 6speed Rep Power: 606	A Mustang as a track car you must be joking. If you're serious about the track and want something under 30k buy a used lotus.

05-19-2009, 12:52 AM	#18 (permalink)
edeeZee Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: s. cali, los angeles Posts: 627 Drives: 09 370z plat 6 speed Rep Power: 266	1st gen RX-7 with a street port, 13B is a better setup than 12A. Nissan 240 with sr20det. These are cheap, and you can make mistakes i.e. if you smash them, they're not going to cost you $30K to replace.

05-19-2009, 09:56 AM	#20 (permalink)
Stoner Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: M-Town Posts: 5 Drives: Mini Van Rep Power: 16	You can get a twin turbo 350z with 19,000mi for $32,900 on ebay right now... Close to 600hp, 19psi, pump gas

05-19-2009, 11:10 AM	#22 (permalink)
Musashi Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 357 Drives: 09 370Z 6speed Rep Power: 606	Mustang has no place on the track. Unless it's a drag strip. The Lotus is a great car as long as its supercharged. The power to weight ratio if fantastic. I've spent around 5k already on my Z and it's still not there yet.

05-19-2009, 01:09 PM	#25 (permalink)
The HACK Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: California Posts: 40 Drives: '06 BMW MZ4 Coupe Rep Power: 16	Just a couple of points I'd like to add, since I had a 350Z as a track rat, and now have the MZ4 Coupe and the WRX... You will NEVER get the same joy out of any of the cars you are looking at as a track car, outside of maybe the S2000, as you ever will with the MZ4 Coupe. I'm not kidding. The only work I've done to the MZ4 Coupe was swap out the OEM BMW brake pads for Cobalt XR3s, and it is faster out of the box, than my 350Z ever was even with R-comps. And the 350Z had a full list of work done on it, ranging from coil-overs, intake, headers, exhaust...etc. The only car I've ever driven, out of the box, that was better to drive than the MZ4 Coupe was the Lotus Exige S. But with a car like that, I wouldn't even bother driving it on the street. The only place where it'll ever be happy is on the track. If you're going to get a 370Z or any of the Japanese cars under $30K, you must consider upgrading the brakes first before you take it on track. I burned through an entire set of brake pads on the 350Z in 4 20 minute sessions all the way past the backing plate, and back then I was still on the OEM street tires AND only a "B" student in the BMW CCA ranks (which is to say, not even all that fast). I fully anticipate the same for the WRX, I will not be taking it to the track unless I can get a set of brake upgrade from my buddy at RacingBrake. The only car mentioned so far that has a worthy set of brakes is the RX-8. That thing has high-end European like brakes, with only a set of race ready brake pads being the ONLY thing you'll need to have a great time at the track.

05-19-2009, 01:31 PM	#30 (permalink)
zman1910 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: FL Posts: 361 Drives: 2011 Audi S4 Rep Power: 428	If your looking to get something new.....there are still brand new 350Z's sitting around. You could score one in the really low 20's. Not to mention mods galore and no waiting unlike the 370Z. As many have said above, my ultimate pick would be an S2000 as a track car. 370z wouldn't be bad as long as you have installed an oil cooler. It's still the best bang for the buck new car track setup w/o AWD.