M.Bonanni Project 370Z V3.0 | Clean Slate

M.Bonanni · 07-05-2011, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPOHN

M.Bonanni reloaded. Nice job. I plan to seriously track next year. I do have one day booked this year. Can't beat on her just yet (4K miles) Just holding out. I'll eventually need some great coilovers.

Psh, my first track weekend my Z had 900 miles on it.

SPOHN · 07-05-2011, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.Bonanni

Psh, my first track weekend my Z had 900 miles on it.

I here ya.

Boost_lee · 07-07-2011, 02:01 AM

love all versions of this car.
Definitely looking forward to results of the oil cooler panels. Did you only create plates for the sides? Or did you do the top and bottom also?

M.Bonanni · 09-09-2011, 11:42 AM

As pointed out, I will run out of track long before I hit the top speed of the car so acceleration and aerodynamics are the focus here. The other focus, not spending much money since this is a one-time event. The eventual focus for my car is still the road course so things that would be good for the standing mile, like skinny front tires, drag radials, etc. are out of the question since I will likely only be using them once. The goal here is to spend as little money as possible and by that, I mean the only thing I am spending on is sheetmetal and spray paint from Home Depot...and a new set of tires, which I need anyway and those tires are being purchased with the road course in mind, not a standing mile.

So the advantages my car already has over an off-the-showroom stock 370Z are as follows...

- 21 lbs. of weight savings from the Odyssey Battery
- Better acceleration from smaller OD, lighter wheels/tires
- Better grip off the line with 10mm wider, stickier rear tires.
- Adjustable compression/rebound to aide in a better launch.
- Lower ride height = less air going under the car = less drag.

Again since it's a one-time event I don't really want to spend any money on it. I have spent a total of $80 at Home Depot so far. Here's all I have planned to help improve my speed...

- Sheetmetal side skirt extensions to reduce drag by blocking air from entering under the car.
- Sheetmetal front air dam does the same thing at the front of the car.
- Sheetmetal front/rear wheel spats block the spinning tires from the air flow and forces air around them reducing turbulance/drag.
- Fold in side view mirrors to reduce frontal area and reduce drag.
- Tape & seal all seams on exterior to create a smooth surface and reduce drag.
- Brake duct block off plates (if I have the time and energy I may do a series of plates that block off part of the grille opening again, to create a smoother surface area and reduce drag.
- Remove passenger seat saves weight to improve acceleration.
- Remove spare tire/tools saves weight to improve acceleration.
- Run with as little fuel as I can to save weight and improve acceleration.
- Run max tire pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
- Adjust suspension to move weight to the rear under acceleration for better launch/traction in the low gears.

I also may try one or two runs with the stock rear muffler section removed. I know this doesn't add much, if any power but it will shed some weight. I have a feeling that the gaping hole left where the muffler used to be will negatively effect the aerodynamics to the point where I will actually be faster with it installed. Only one way to find out though.

By my calculations, the car should weigh in at around 3,350 lbs. with me in it come race day. Power wise, as of now, the car will be 100% stock right down to the paper air filters. I can't really think of anything else to do to the car that is easily reversable and free but if any of you have more ideas, let me know!

travisjb · 07-05-2011, 08:42 PM

This is exciting news, Mike! You know my car is a NASA TTA car so I'll be watching this thread and if okay with you chiming in with my own thoughts on occassion... good that your emphasis will be on tuning/tweaking vs bolt-ons...

There are a few posts in my build journal where I talk about the trade-offs of what fits into the TTA class... might be worth re-reading those as you plan out your points trade-offs

christian370z · 07-06-2011, 12:22 AM

I love the way you laid out the progression as a step by step guide, very cool Mike! Even after being heat cycled, how do the RS-3s hold up in street use? Are they a big improvement over the RE050s?

Jerggy13 · 07-06-2011, 04:48 AM

Nice thread and very well thought out mods. I wish my wife would let me do the same on her car.

I guess it is easier to ask for forgiveness than ask permission......RIGHT???

Keep it up and good luck on the track day. Keep us updated.

RCZ · 07-06-2011, 10:14 AM

V3.0 haha. This car has such an identity crisis.
I like the idea of a racer on the cheap, forces you to be more creative and keeps the ideas more accessible to us weekend warriors. I'll also be keeping an eye on this.

Mike, Have you considered running a Mocal Laminar Water oil cooler? I am just itching to switch to one, but there just isnt much to go on as far as data for these cars. The guys at AM Performance are using a similar water oil cooler from C&R Racing and they said it keeps them at 180-200 deg on the track. Both are very cool units and they don't block the radiator / are much easier to protect from debris and smaller, but relatively expensive ($420 for mocal, $650 for C&R). They do however allow the oil to heat up much quicker on startup, then it remains rock steady. Any input on this from the racers? Travis? I'm wondering if the stock radiator is enough to keep both the coolant and oil cool.

M.Bonanni · 07-06-2011, 06:15 PM

Thanks everyone!

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisjb

This is exciting news, Mike! You know my car is a NASA TTA car so I'll be watching this thread and if okay with you chiming in with my own thoughts on occassion... good that your emphasis will be on tuning/tweaking vs bolt-ons...

There are a few posts in my build journal where I talk about the trade-offs of what fits into the TTA class... might be worth re-reading those as you plan out your points trade-offs

Yeah I plan on getting caught up on your thread to see how in the hell your car fits into that class and still you can run Hoosiers. I am having a hard time planning my build while keeping within the points bracket for TT-A on street tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

V3.0 haha. This car has such an identity crisis.
I like the idea of a racer on the cheap, forces you to be more creative and keeps the ideas more accessible to us weekend warriors. I'll also be keeping an eye on this.

Mike, Have you considered running a Mocal Laminar Water oil cooler? I am just itching to switch to one, but there just isnt much to go on as far as data for these cars. The guys at AM Performance are using a similar water oil cooler from C&R Racing and they said it keeps them at 180-200 deg on the track. Both are very cool units and they don't block the radiator / are much easier to protect from debris and smaller, but relatively expensive ($420 for mocal, $650 for C&R). They do however allow the oil to heat up much quicker on startup, then it remains rock steady. Any input on this from the racers? Travis? I'm wondering if the stock radiator is enough to keep both the coolant and oil cool.

We tried a laminova cooler on the Berk 135i and it was a complete failure. I am sure they work great if you have the proper cooling system to back it up but that just adds to the cost of the whole package.

travisjb · 07-06-2011, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.Bonanni

Thanks everyone!

Yeah I plan on getting caught up on your thread to see how in the hell your car fits into that class and still you can run Hoosiers. I am having a hard time planning my build while keeping within the points bracket for TT-A on street tires.

really important point... i had the car re-classed based upon power to weight as TTA (no stars)... it allowed me to run the car at a much reduced weight... i was not using hoosiers though... that kicked me into TTS... was running 275 square NT01 setup in TTA trim... ask Greg for the same power/weight reclass that I had... I can email it to you also

M.Bonanni · 07-06-2011, 06:21 PM

Back to the project and I have some bad news. Unfortunately I will not be able to go out and test the car at Buttonwillow this weekend after all.

The RS-3 tires that are on there right now have 1 track day left in them at best. I was counting on another set of RS-3s but that fell through. Since these are my only set of wheels/tires for the car, and its still my daily driver, I can't risk cording these tires until I have replacements ready to put on.

ChrisSlicks · 07-06-2011, 07:06 PM

That's too bad Mike. The Miata folks have been complaining about the RS-3 for months, they are on national back order and no one can get them.

M.Bonanni · 07-06-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

That's too bad Mike. The Miata folks have been complaining about the RS-3 for months, they are on national back order and no one can get them.

Yeah I am really bummed. Mine were not coming from Hankook, mine were coming second hand (barely used) but they decided to keep them instead. As for the Miata guys, they're probably just out of their sizes. Last I checked they still have a bunch of the sizes I need, I just can't afford a new set right now.

Travis - Clear your PM box, I have questions to ask you.

RCZ · 07-06-2011, 07:25 PM

Thanks, that saves me a whole lot of pain and time.

kevin.z · 07-07-2011, 02:45 AM

I love the track focus and performance dedication of this car.

What do you think about switching to Enkei Rpf-1s rims in 17-inch with 275 tire square set up? They are incredibly light and I am guessing 17' should fit stock brakes. I heard reducing rotational mass makes a huge difference in turns of driving feel. Correct me if I am wrong, but the forgestars are not exactly lightweight rims?
Also, on the subject of reduce weight, what do you think about single catback exhaust? that should cut some weight as well.

07-07-2011, 02:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
Boost_lee A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SATX Posts: 2,813 Drives: 09 370Z TT 6MT Rep Power: 31	love all versions of this car. Definitely looking forward to results of the oil cooler panels. Did you only create plates for the sides? Or did you do the top and bottom also? __________________ My TT Z

09-09-2011, 11:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
M.Bonanni The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 2,575 Drives: Fast Rep Power: 1322	As pointed out, I will run out of track long before I hit the top speed of the car so acceleration and aerodynamics are the focus here. The other focus, not spending much money since this is a one-time event. The eventual focus for my car is still the road course so things that would be good for the standing mile, like skinny front tires, drag radials, etc. are out of the question since I will likely only be using them once. The goal here is to spend as little money as possible and by that, I mean the only thing I am spending on is sheetmetal and spray paint from Home Depot...and a new set of tires, which I need anyway and those tires are being purchased with the road course in mind, not a standing mile. So the advantages my car already has over an off-the-showroom stock 370Z are as follows... - 21 lbs. of weight savings from the Odyssey Battery - Better acceleration from smaller OD, lighter wheels/tires - Better grip off the line with 10mm wider, stickier rear tires. - Adjustable compression/rebound to aide in a better launch. - Lower ride height = less air going under the car = less drag. Again since it's a one-time event I don't really want to spend any money on it. I have spent a total of $80 at Home Depot so far. Here's all I have planned to help improve my speed... - Sheetmetal side skirt extensions to reduce drag by blocking air from entering under the car. - Sheetmetal front air dam does the same thing at the front of the car. - Sheetmetal front/rear wheel spats block the spinning tires from the air flow and forces air around them reducing turbulance/drag. - Fold in side view mirrors to reduce frontal area and reduce drag. - Tape & seal all seams on exterior to create a smooth surface and reduce drag. - Brake duct block off plates (if I have the time and energy I may do a series of plates that block off part of the grille opening again, to create a smoother surface area and reduce drag. - Remove passenger seat saves weight to improve acceleration. - Remove spare tire/tools saves weight to improve acceleration. - Run with as little fuel as I can to save weight and improve acceleration. - Run max tire pressure to reduce rolling resistance. - Adjust suspension to move weight to the rear under acceleration for better launch/traction in the low gears. I also may try one or two runs with the stock rear muffler section removed. I know this doesn't add much, if any power but it will shed some weight. I have a feeling that the gaping hole left where the muffler used to be will negatively effect the aerodynamics to the point where I will actually be faster with it installed. Only one way to find out though. By my calculations, the car should weigh in at around 3,350 lbs. with me in it come race day. Power wise, as of now, the car will be 100% stock right down to the paper air filters. I can't really think of anything else to do to the car that is easily reversable and free but if any of you have more ideas, let me know! __________________ MikeBonanni.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MikeBonanni Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MBonanni36 Function > Form

07-05-2011, 08:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 190	This is exciting news, Mike! You know my car is a NASA TTA car so I'll be watching this thread and if okay with you chiming in with my own thoughts on occassion... good that your emphasis will be on tuning/tweaking vs bolt-ons... There are a few posts in my build journal where I talk about the trade-offs of what fits into the TTA class... might be worth re-reading those as you plan out your points trade-offs __________________ 2009 370Z #104 For Sale

07-06-2011, 12:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
christian370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 3,900 Drives: 2010 370Z/Saab 900se Rep Power: 433	I love the way you laid out the progression as a step by step guide, very cool Mike! Even after being heat cycled, how do the RS-3s hold up in street use? Are they a big improvement over the RE050s? __________________ -320whp / 259wftlbs- SP Rays -- RE-11s -- SpecialtyZ Tune -- Swift Springs -- Stillen 25R Oil Cooler -- Stillen G3 Intakes -- Berk HFCs -- F.I. 12" CBE -- Stillen Sway Bars -- Es14 Spring -- INGS+1 lip -- CF Spoiler -- GTR Start Button -- VLED Parking Lights -- PWJDM V2 shift knob

07-06-2011, 06:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
M.Bonanni The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 2,575 Drives: Fast Rep Power: 1322	Back to the project and I have some bad news. Unfortunately I will not be able to go out and test the car at Buttonwillow this weekend after all. The RS-3 tires that are on there right now have 1 track day left in them at best. I was counting on another set of RS-3s but that fell through. Since these are my only set of wheels/tires for the car, and its still my daily driver, I can't risk cording these tires until I have replacements ready to put on. __________________ MikeBonanni.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MikeBonanni Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MBonanni36 Function > Form

07-06-2011, 04:48 AM	#7 (permalink)
Jerggy13 Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 517 Drives: with 6 TB's Rep Power: 377	Nice thread and very well thought out mods. I wish my wife would let me do the same on her car. I guess it is easier to ask for forgiveness than ask permission......RIGHT??? Keep it up and good luck on the track day. Keep us updated.

07-06-2011, 10:14 AM	#8 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1120	V3.0 haha. This car has such an identity crisis. I like the idea of a racer on the cheap, forces you to be more creative and keeps the ideas more accessible to us weekend warriors. I'll also be keeping an eye on this. Mike, Have you considered running a Mocal Laminar Water oil cooler? I am just itching to switch to one, but there just isnt much to go on as far as data for these cars. The guys at AM Performance are using a similar water oil cooler from C&R Racing and they said it keeps them at 180-200 deg on the track. Both are very cool units and they don't block the radiator / are much easier to protect from debris and smaller, but relatively expensive ($420 for mocal, $650 for C&R). They do however allow the oil to heat up much quicker on startup, then it remains rock steady. Any input on this from the racers? Travis? I'm wondering if the stock radiator is enough to keep both the coolant and oil cool.

07-06-2011, 07:06 PM	#12 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 655	That's too bad Mike. The Miata folks have been complaining about the RS-3 for months, they are on national back order and no one can get them. __________________ Hotchkis ARB \| Stillen CAI \| Art Pipes \| Berk CBE \| Stillen AP Racing Brakes \| AE Performance Oil Cooler \| BC Racing ER Coilovers \| Doran Control Arms

07-06-2011, 07:25 PM	#14 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1120	Thanks, that saves me a whole lot of pain and time.

07-07-2011, 02:45 AM	#15 (permalink)
kevin.z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: vancouver(shipping:WA Posts: 359 Drives: 09 370z M6 PGtouring Rep Power: 17	I love the track focus and performance dedication of this car. What do you think about switching to Enkei Rpf-1s rims in 17-inch with 275 tire square set up? They are incredibly light and I am guessing 17' should fit stock brakes. I heard reducing rotational mass makes a huge difference in turns of driving feel. Correct me if I am wrong, but the forgestars are not exactly lightweight rims? Also, on the subject of reduce weight, what do you think about single catback exhaust? that should cut some weight as well.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Project-Definition 370Z	definitionxmk	Member's 370Z Gallery	227	08-10-2014 12:30 PM
ilive2win's 370z project	ilive2win	Member's 370Z Gallery	495	04-08-2013 02:34 PM
COBB Tuning Sponsors Bonanni Motorsports!	COBB Tuning	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	14	03-18-2010 10:31 AM
DDM Project 370Z	M.Bonanni	Member's 370Z Gallery	617	01-07-2010 06:50 PM
Base 370Z owners ONLY: How clean is your door side panels?	AK370Z	Exterior & Interior	21	07-06-2009 08:56 PM