CF736's 2017 Nissan 370z Journal
 

I'm creating this journal to share my journey of making my 370z into a weekend track car. I don't plan on doing this over night and want to do my best to research my upgrades prior to purchase. I can already see that this forum is a wealth of knowledge and information and hope I can get some feedback from you veteran 370z owners as I progress.

I purchased my 2017 370z base model coupe on 10-13-17. I specifically bought the base model because I knew I wouldn't be satisfied with the "performance" parts that come on the other models (other than Nismo of course) and since the engines are identical in the base, Sport, and Touring models, I didn't feel it was worth the money to buy anything other than the base model.

I went with the 6 speed manual trans in Deep Blue Pearl color. I was able to negotiate a rear spoiler during my purchase but it needed to be ordered and was not available at the time I purchased the car. The dealership provided me with the Due Bill for it and called within about 10 days. My sales rep set up an appointment for me and all I had to do was drop the Z off for the morning. I'm waiting for some time to take the Z out to a nice area to get some better pics, at which time I will upload the shots with the spoiler.

I will follow up with the mods I have done in separate threads to keep everything in order.

Performance Mods:

(12/13/17)
ZSpeed Aluminum Engine Splash Shield

(12/28/17)
Akebono Sport Calipers
Centric Slotted Rotors
Hawk HP Plus brake pads
Z1 Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Stillen Front Brake Cooling Kit
Motul RBF 660 Brake Fluid

Replacing the Engine Start button
 

My first mod was to replace the Engine Start/Stop button with the GTR part. I know, I know.. everyone does this and it's kind of irrelevant but hey... I figured a GTR part should add at least 10 horsepower right???

Replacing the incandescent bulbs with 6k LEDs
 

My second mod was to replace the standard incandescent bulbs in the map lights and license plate lights with 6k LED, along with replacing the map light lenses with the clear plastic instead of the white plastic. Again, I realize these are only cosmetic but I really like the blue hues from the 6k LEDs and they are just so much brighter. Plus... they draw less current which should give me another 1 or 2 hp???? (Joking of course)

Side Marker Lights and Subdued Flags
 

Todays 370z mod was to replace the "blank" side markers on the fenders with the actual LED illuminated turn signal versions. Here's my big question.... The base model 370z comes with the blanks (badge only, no LED). The blanks have an actual receptacle for the wiring harness plug and the harness is plugged in. The receptacle even has a black and a blue wire that go into the inside of the assembly but aren't connected to anything. Now my question is... why does the blank badge assembly cost $189 each (roughly) but the version that has the LED (which I consider to be an upgrade) only cost $30????? Am I missing something here??? I did really appreciate how Nissan used the same wiring harness though and actually made the plugs so easily accessible to me when I removed the blanks.

As far as the flags go... they are pretty small black and silver vinyl stickers. I know its a Japanese car, and I am proud to own it, but the flags are just something I put on all of my vehicles.

iPad Mini - Dash Command
 

My next big project was to make better use of that little cubby hole in the center of my dash board. That thing seemed about useless to me the way it was. I realize it is where the GPS would be but dang.. it was so small and at a funky angle and stuff... Just didn't seem like good use of space. So.. I removed the door and installed the plastic protective cover from an otterbox defender series iPad mini case. It was very simple to install. I just used a 1/4" drill bit to drill through the case cover and through the cubby insert. I then used fender liner push pins to secure the case cover. Now I can just pop the iPad mini in and out of the mounted case cover. It is very secure and while it may not be a "custom" install, I prefer the convenience of being able to just pop my iPad in and out of it at will. I'm using a wifi OBD2 dongle to send the engine computer data to the iPad and run DashCommand with a customized Dash.

If only I could see the oil pressure... I can't believe a company would produce a sports car and not put an oil pressure gauge. Oil Temperature.. ya.. that's nice... but I'd prefer an oil pressure gauge over an oil temperature gauge any day of the week.

So, with the iPad Mini, not only do I get DashCommand, I of course get all the other benefits of having a iPad/iPod device; mp3 player, video player, etc. The iPad mini I had was an older one that had pretty much lost its usefulness. It doesn't have cellular so I can't use if for navigation or live streaming of audio from Pandora or the like. This was really just a proof of concept as far as the mounting and functionality. I'm very happy with the results though so I may upgrade to a new iPad with cellular to get more functionality out of it.

I'm thinking about milling some type of panel that can snap into the defender case cover when I don't want to run the iPad there. I have a cnc and am thinking about using some type of 1/4" acrylic or something and possibly CNC'ing a Z logo into or something... haven't decided yet. I almost always run the iPad up there unless I'm just going out to run a quick errand or something.

Engine Splash Shield
 

So after doing some research, I decided to upgrade the engine splash shield prior to deciding on what splitter or lip I am going to get. I ordered the ZSpeed 370z V2 aluminum splash shield. I'll post again when it comes in and I get it installed.

Nice color on the Z!

Thank you!:tup:

“Weekend track car.” Should change your title to “Parking lot hero.”

Sad to say i bought a older model base with the same mindset. Youre going to see the crutch that is an open diff, and the dinky brakes as soon as you drive it with some authority. Neither of which are cheap to deal with for the most part.

However I am curious to see how you play this out! Ive had my 09 for a little under 6 months now and have it progressed relatively far from being a POS from the prev owner.

Remember, every build has to start somewhere. Your on your way, aim high and have fun!!!! :tup:

:iagree:

not sure what you mean with that comment. I'm not rich but work hard for a living and am just trying to enjoy what I have and what I can afford. I don't see anything wrong with trying to get a car ready for track driving even if it is on a budget. I'm not trying to race the 24 hours of Daytona or anything. Maybe I just don't understand your post.

I want to get out to one of the advanced driving schools with the car as stock as it is so I can really understand how the upgrades I will eventually be doing affect the car's power and handling. I think it will be fun to see how the car progresses, knowing what it was like in the beginning.

From the feedback I have been getting so far and the reading I have been doing I think my first real performance upgrade will be wheels and tires. I know a LSD will be in the future for sure along with brakes and brake lines.

Good luck on your build. I had an 05 Corvette that I had bought used and I know your pain when it comes to trying to get a used car back up to a higher standard. I ended up trading the vette in for the new Z instead of continuing to chase other peoples abuse and misuse issues. The 05 vette parts were hard to find and expensive when i could find them.

Your Z looks good and parts are plentiful and reasonably priced. I'm looking forward to following your thread and seeing your progress.

Believe it or not just a basic autocross or track day is all you need, just make friends with people out there and you will learn a lot.

Thanks! The car had a matte blank paintjob and the headlights were SUPER YELLOW. Now its got a gloss and clear lights after a full weekend of buffing and fun.

Wheels + Tires definitly make a huge difference. I got a sponsored deal on mine and from the base 225/245, 275/285 made the car handle waaay better. Get the sport calipers off rock auto for like $500. People hate that theyre reman'd but they work all the same. Just no shanzzy colour. Some agressive pads and either high carbon blanks or 2 peice rotors. IMO stay away from RBF600 if you get brakes and get Castrol SRF. Much better fluid, pricey, but worlds better.

LSD is on my list, but 2k is a lot to spend on a budget, so we will both suffer there :mad:

Although only thing i can say, which is a personal belief. Go back and do the tiny decor mods later. The 100$ or so youve spent on the gtr button and lights is half the price of some adjustable SPL arms. Im a firm believer of a pretty track car, but make it ride right before making it pretty :P

@StevenSlice

cosmetic mods.... yes I can sure understand what you are saying about putting money to better use. None of my cosmetic mods were more than $40 to $90 at a time and the most expensive was the side marker lights.

It was just little stuff while I researched how to proceed. I’m seeing now though that the lip and/or splitter that I was thinking about is probably the lowest on the list of where I should start. After the feedback I have been getting up here so far I think I’m going to look at wheels and tires.

Yeah, Aero comes after you get the car proper. Aero on **** suspension and no tires doesnt really do you any good.

Tracks in socal are all midspeed so a wing / splitter is something i need, but having proper grip overall is mui importante.

ZSpeed Engine Splash Shield
 

Today I replaced the stock plastic Engine Splash Shield with the ZSpeed aluminum splash shield. The ZSpeed shield fit perfectly and shipped with more than enough mounting hardware. I think the best feature is the removable panel that will allow for easier oil changes.

My next upgrade is definitely going to be the Akebono Sport Brake upgrade. From what I have been seeing so far the stock base model 18" wheels will still fit with the larger front calipers. I'm still wanting to confirm this so I know if I will need to replace the wheels at the same time or if I can do the brakes first and keep the original wheels for now.

Nice! Mines sitting in my garage. SoCal fires making installing it impossible due to all the ash and smoke.

I should have my akebonos installed by the beginning of the year, if anything hold off and ill tell you if they fit or not. Unless someone can chime in beforehand. I think theyll fit the rears, fronts i think youd need some spacers like crazy or 19s idk

New Pic
 

Had some time to get some new photos of the Z today....

Sport Brake Upgrade Day
 

Today was the day for the Sport Brake Upgrade. Here is my parts list for today’s event:

Sport Brake Calipers
Centric Slotted Rotors
Hawk HP Plus Brake Pads
Z1 Stainless Steels Brake Lines
Stillen Front Brake Cooling Kit
Motul RBF 660 Brake Fluid

So, the upgrade was pretty straight forward I guess. It was the first time I have done this upgrade on a Z. I’ve done brakes jobs on other vehicles before so I had a little experience.

I installed the new Stillen Front Brake Cooling mounts on the spindles since I had the front assemblies tore down anyway. I did not run the ducting yet for the cooling kit though. That will be a project for another weekend.

I was very concerned about the stock front wheels fitting over those Sport Calipers but thankfully they fit.

I feel I can track the car now for my current skill level (beginner). I am excited and nervous about my first track day.

I didn’t upload any photos as I’m sure everyone has seen enough sport Brake upgrades already.

Moving right along!

Whens your first track day?

You're not too far so i may considering tagging along, assuming I can find a day to throw a huge install party for my Z before that.

Also, great choice on a Pad/Rotor setup for a entry level fun time setup:tup:

Going to my first Performance Driving School, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Feb 10, 2018. Well, it really isn't my first performance driving school but it will be my first in a civilian car :o)

I have been to like six high performance street driving training days over the past 11 years but none of them are on road (race) courses.

Awsome.

Youre doing the performance driving clinic.

Make sure you have a decent helmet, and i highly reccomend getting some gloves. Doesnt have to be anything fancy as long as they grip the wheel well and are comfortable. They make a big difference imo.

Dont do stupid crap and have fun :tup:

Thanks Steve. I have a good helmet, a couple pair of gloves, a couple pair of shoes, and a Sparco racing suit. I’m not taking my race suit for the clinic but I may take the shoes and the helmet of course.

I have a few oval track races under my belt and a lot of simulator time.

Performance Driving Clinic at Buttonwilliow
 

Today is my first Performance Driving Clinic at Buttonwillow Raceway with the Z! I’m anxious and nervous all at the same time.

Buttonwillow Raceway Performance Driving Clinic - RECAP
 

My first Performance Driving Clinic was a lot of fun. I learned that my car is much more capable than I am. The instructors were very helpful. Oil temps were pushing 230 - 240 degrees even though the air temp outside was only in the low 70's. The instructors were a lot more aggressive than I of course and the higher temps were after a few laps with the instructor driving. Overall, I'm amazed at how well the stock 370z handles on the track. It always felt in control. The HAWK Performance HP Plus brake pads never faded either. The sessions were about 25 minutes long each time. I totally recommend this track for any new drivers that want to try a Performance Driving Clinic. They served lunch as part of the registration fees and it was actually really good.

Nice little review! Glad that you were able to get a lot out of the course!

Good to hear you took it out and had a blast!

I finally get to test mine this upcoming saturday, First track day with Z, and with all the supporting mods im expecting to do rather well. If you can front it, i totally reccomend signing up for Nissan Challenge in Autoclub speedway.

The guys ive met so far are pretty cool, and knowledgeable to thered be a lot to learn.