|
autocross on Last Sunday, got a lot of compliments on the Z, one person liked the interior, another asked when i was ready to get ready of it, he take it...
just was fun, driving was fun, again off a couple of seconds off the pace, but had fun |
Quote:
|
Track Night at Road Atlanta 4/25
WOW Had a lot of fun, it was intense. Had lots of fun. I play Forza 7 and used it to get use to the track layout. It was interesting to play the game again after the night. Good news no spins / near spins car felt great and held to the road. my thoughts on the lap. turn 1, to 2, like a big ark, car held it well. turn 2 - 4 like the Forza 7, on braking points the esses were a blast to take. 5 to 7 were ok, about what I expected. 7 to 10a wow, the car just pulled the entire time, I think I hit 120-125 down that back stretch, then just before or a little after start braking and down shifting. then to the top of 10b and down to the front straight. There is a huge blind drop there. The instructor said to aim for the yellow on the sign above it would put you in the correct line. Thou I did, but scared my self silly each time. The Z was great. Front stretch would hit about 100. hooked I am, glad for the harness and brakes being upgraded water / oil temps were ok. Thou the brakes did feel a bit funny, not sure if it was me or otherwise. Oh I kept Traction control on, just to make sure I was comfortable. Really interesting at speed and having to do many things at once. It was fun.. BAD -- clutch fluid boiled, at the end of the 2nd run, clutch went to the floor and I left it with my foot. Glad it was the last lap. So I have to get some higher temperature clutch fluid, probably the same that I use for the brakes. So that was it, just enjoyed it... will do it again... :happydance: |
Went to the Store and like always park out of the way:
1) to get the steps in 2) hopefully no one parks next to me... A guy in a landscape trunk, made a comment about about having a fit, if someone parked next to me, we laughed about and in the end he stated Nice Car.... Having some comment on the Z always makes me feel good.. :icon17: |
2 Attachment(s)
Trying a new product, called paint-n-peel.
its a new paint protection product https://protectnpeel.com/ I will keep you posted. I wanted some protection on the car in a two areas. 1) the roof, bird droppings, when I go to my GF for a week 2) the side skits which are always seem to be getting chipped. So I painted it on the side skirts, first application does not look bad. It is a little rough, but not that it can be noticed. Attachment 128997 Attachment 128998 Going to leave it on for the next couple of weeks. Mainly I have to go to Mid-Ohio for a driver performance school. Will let you known when I come back and take it off. |
2 Attachment(s)
car home from the shop, was getting some checks for Track Days / School.
I will be at mid-ohio next week for there 3 day Acura Performance School. A couple of reasons for going 1) took an original Skip Barber 3 day course there 35 years ago. 2) I get to use my car in the school. This will be fun to see how it performs with all the mods. A couple of pics I had a 4 point harness on the passenger side and replaced with a 6 pt. Attachment 129245 Getting its finally checks for track day, had them replace the clutch fluid, since at TrackAmerica it overheated Attachment 129246 :happydance: |
Past week has been very interesting with the Z and lots of items to talk and discuss.
But First off, is the one that made me laugh the most. Took my mother to the Casino, and had valet parking. Yea I know, the Z - Valet Parking. Well the person, just drew all over the car, with comments. So he said he would park it up front. hmmm... Well when I come out to get the car, I hear the sound of the exhaust... Sure enough, they parked it up front, no more than 100 ft, where I dropped it off... I just laughed, never thought I that would happen... And nothing but comments from the valet attendants.. The Z still rules... ;) |
Finally a moment or two to catch up on things
May 22nd to May 24th, I attended Mid-Ohio Drivers School. The reason I chose Mid-Ohio, for the aloowed me to drive my car. This was big since I want to find out how my car handled. So I will try to do a day at time Day 1 Class room, on what the course was going to cover. 1) autocross. to a base time, car school car Automatic, School cars are Acrua ILX, with mods to brakes / suspesion / cooper tires. Base Time for end of the day 2) Skid cars, what fun, learning how to control a skid. (School car) 3) braking exercise (own car), was neat, instructor, helped you figure out braking, a bit of trail braking to get the car turn around the corner. 4) Autocross again (own car), this was fun, could have done it a very long time. 5) first adventure on the course, well it was an adventure, it was raining, and the way the Z is setup was no fun in the rain, for it does not have any give Best comment of the day, your car sounds great... Day 1 ended... Day 2 will begin track time |
May 23rd Day 2...
Track time... Class was how to drive mid-ohio, took us through all the turns in the class room. Explaining about most are late apex, trail braking type of course... One of the exercises would apply at turn 8.. 1) Loaded up the vans and drive the rode with the track with instructions driving. Talked about the lines. Actually it was really amazing on how fast they drove the vans... Track time means alot.. 2) Time to follow the leader, did two sessions of follow the leader, which was neat for then the group rotated as to who was behind the instructor... All the non-school cars were in one group. It include my Z, a 2015 Vette, Focus RS, BMW M3, Alfa Romeo Gila, Poresche 911. 3) Then there was a session of where, we got out of our car and jumped in the instructor car, still following the leader. Interesting to see the track with the instructor talking.. 4) Next session was still a different format of follow the leader, this time the instructor was in my passenger seat. At times, moving the steering wheel just a bit, to help show the lines. What was interesting this is the first time they have done this in 10 years. All because a couple of students talked to the instructors the night before. 5) on our own, so now lapping on our own... very interesting... a bit scary but once you got in the grove, it was fun. Had a couple of sections like this. Fun, the Z felt great. Fastest time was a 1:56:85 (used Harry's Lap Timer) Fastest speed down the back stretch to turn 5, was 129 mph Notes: I have WhiteLine Sway bars front and rear I was running 40 psi front 35 psi rear, instructor told me to run 37 front 35 rear, it made a difference Found out that I brake way too much... into turn 5 and turn 1, call it what every you want to call it, but braked too long and hard.. but that is me. In order to help us, the course was lined with marker cones, to help and speed up the learning process. It was a fun day. Went out with some of the students after class. Everything was normal in the car, after dinner the brake light was on... Hmmm... Now was a bit surprise running Motul 600, Z1 upgrade brakes with Centric Brakes... Well, when bleeding the tires, it felt like an oven, the amount of heat coming off the brakes... Also the master cylinder brake reserve was down to half. Could not find any Motuf 600, that night, so the Z was done for lapping on the next day... Did not want to take a chance, since I drove it there... I think this all reflects, my heavy braking... And learning to trust the car.... Funny thing about all of this, I emailed the shop that works on my car at 10 that night and I got a reply email at 1:30 in the morning on a solution. Which will be the Stillen brake duct kit and a different set of brake pads. day 2, it done, now day 3 tomorrow. |
Day 3
This was an all lapping day, session. Started out with a little class room session, with the new drivers. everyone got into the vans, for another track tour. Then it was off for 20 minute sessions on and 20 minutes sessions off. With a break for lunch.. I got a school car for the day, didn't not want to do anything else to the Z after yesterday. School car was an Acura ILX, stick shift. Now they were not your normal ILX's. They did have better tires / brake / improved suspension. Once I adapted felt ok. It was good enough just to do the lapping. I met an engineer from Nissan, he was pretty quick too, turned a 1:52 in the school car, I was 10 seconds slower then him. I found out he designed brake systems. I talked to him about my breaking problem. He was funny, for he always stated it was HIS OPINION. Making sure it did not reflect Nissan position. On my lap timing app I record 170 laps over 3 days. Not bad at all. Now I just need to get the Z to handle my braking needs. My overall impression of the Mid-Ohio Performance school, is I would do it again. Because they allow you to drive your car. The school was 1900 for 3 days, they provide lunches and lots of track time. Now need to pick a couple of other track days for the year.... |
Great write-up!
|
Quote:
|
Funny thing happen
Well I went on left the apartment for a month and got home to a dead battery. So I have AAA and called out for a jump. The guy fell all over the Z, said he had never heard of a 370 only 350. Loved everything about it, ask if he could start it. Then asked if I wanted to sell it, said no, too much put into it. he offer a ridiculous amount like 59000, but I knew he probably did not have that type of funds. But it put a big smile on my face... Love my Z... |
1 Attachment(s)
Ok, took the time to give the Z a wash and light wax, looks great...
feels good to have a clean/shining car. I finally got time to put the mid-ohio track decal on the back window. So one more track session coming up at the end of the month at NCM Motorsports Attachment 130970 |
Different type of day, started the day by deciding to drive the Cherohala Skyway, so it was a nice drive, a nice windy road, not like the tail of dragon. So I finished that trip and was trying to determine how to come back, so drove a bit and saw a sign for 129,
hmm I thought, will or will it now... and it did, so I drove the Tail of the Dragon to get home... Like living here :happydance: |
The Z is still amazing after all these years
Was out and had 3 people comment on how good the car looks |
A Neighbor came by, while I was getting the car ready for next weekend at NCM, and just commented on the car, the color, how he like it. Was concern about buying one because they are sport cars and they are suppose to get used. Made my day...
:happydance: |
I am at NCM Motorsports this weekend doing my first true HPD. Had a spin nothing big, just trying to get more speed and was a bit late and over the rumble strip and car went around. (will have more later on all of this)
Funny thing is that there are 3 Z's here and we are parked closely together. Its a bit odd, why I say odd, to see 3 Z's together. Lots of Comments Instructor drove the car on the orientation laps -- this is a fun car person at gas station - wow what is this, looks great, and on and on 260Z owner -- nice car, nice mods more detail when its all done NCM Motorsports is a 23 turn technical track. |
its been some time, but like I stated in my last post almost 3 weeks ago.
NCM Motorsports is a very technical course with 23 turns and 3 fairly long straights, thou they do not look like straights. I was running in the green group (new drivers) and an instructor name Todd. Todd was a riot, too work with, he just wasn't a HPD Driver, he does time trials and runs in NASA. His instruction was on using races lines and using all the track. Based on his lines, I found different areas of the track where I good gain a couple of car length on some cars. But that was actually funny, I could gain on some fast cars, only to watch them walk away from me on the straights here's link Todd provided, shows a lap I was with him in his car. Which is a BMW E46. There was a point, where we got black flag, because he runs ethanol 85, and they couldn't figure out the smell. Before we got started. https://inmanhome.smugmug.com/Sports...s-/i-Hpfb2TR/A It was a very good learning experience. I will try to write up a lap description from what I remember, just takes some time. By the end of the first day, I noticed that the brake pedal was getting long. But that and the 2nd day is another post :driving: and I am through hooked on track days now |
Took the Z to the Nissan Dealership for an oil change. It was a bit funny. There was an older gentleman who kept walking around the Z, looking it over. The Tech went to 3 lifts, because he did not want to damage it (its lowered) and then a couple of other techs came over and looked it over.
just made me smile :happydance: |
2 Attachment(s)
Did something total different last weekend, Not at all related to driving the Z, it was really quite opposite to driving style I am use to.
My son and I attended a full day of learning to how to drive rally cars at DIRTFISH in Snoqualmie, WA. Now this was a riot, learning how to throw a car around, and there method is totally different LIFT / TURN / BRAKE not something I use to since, it is BRAKE / TURN / GAS anyhow it was a great day, usually car handling type activities and then just driving. It was a blast, especially on a rainy wet day :happydance: Attachment 131737 Attachment 131738 |
Well took the Z into the dealership, it was the last service under the Nissan Gold Plus planned. Been interesting, I paid 3500 dollars for this 7 years ago, and all the normal service maintenance has been paid. Today the last items done
-- replace spark plugs -- replace brake fluid (i provided) -- replace cabin filter (would replace the air filters, but I have stillen 3) -- replace anti-freeze -- replace clutch fluid -- oil and filter change -- normal service inspection Thought the service period, the hoses have been replaced, anti freeze, transmission oil, wipers, radiator cap, drive belts, so probably why this isn't offer anymore... I know some people have problems with the dealerships, but I seem have to found a good service tech. He made sure that the GTR tech, did the brake bleeding.. Also I talked to him about installing the zspeed "ZSP Stage 2+ SFI Clutch + Flywheel + CMAK V2 CSC Delete" I really expect a No, but they said they would do it. about 7 hours labor. It would be done by GTR Tech. Well at least that gives me an option to think about |
Today is a special day (Oct 17th), its where I sent most of the day at a stealership (and this one was). I was out on an errand and stopped to see if they had any new Z's I thought about buying a 2011, put figure I get a 2012.
I asked if they had a Black Cherry in stock. Well they said they had just gotten one in, it was just unloaded off the truck two days before, it was still wrapped. It was a Black Cherry with sports package, manual. So I got to be the first customer to drive the car (and only one). New immediately that this is the car I wanted. Then for the next several hours, I negotiated a price, truth is I should have walked out of the place. But I wanted the car badly, 1) Black Cherry 2) only had the sports package. So I caved in and bought the Z, now I always look back and wonder why I could simply not walk away from it. But I didn't, glad I have it. For after lots of mods, and driving experience, I still enjoy the Z. As to stealership/dealerships, I must admit the one I have found where I live has been very fair with me. It has been a relationship I have built with them over the 4 years I have been here in Knoxville :driving::happydance: |
Thou the design is 10 years old, I still get looks and comments..
Went to look at a mini cooper and one of the sales person said nice car.. Also pulling out of the grocery lot, spotted a person similar to me eyeing the car and got the nod.... Old, put she is still getting looks..... :bowrofl: |
2 Attachment(s)
Got my winter wheels and tires from GotYourWheels
Will mount them this weekend and show them off... They came already to do... so I am excited. :happydance: Attachment 133031 Fedex makes me shake my head, asked them to tell the driver to notify me when he came. Nope, drop them off at the front door. The front door is on the third floor... Got a nice work out Attachment 133030 |
2 Attachment(s)
|
Well I went to get tires at Tire Discounter (not Z) but for 2005 mini convertible I picked up for DD this winter. It was funny, mention to the salesperson that my fun car was a 370Z, and that got him talking and mentioning his buddy. Well his buddy worked there and put the tires on the mini, and he has a Z too, so we talked a bit about mods... It was just pure fun....
|
always a smile when someone comments on the Z
dropped the Z off at the dealership I work with to have installed the ZSpeed Stage 2+ COMPLETE Street Track Heavy Duty Clutch Kit + Flywheel + CMAK CSC Delete And someone bring in there 240sx, said nice Z.... love my Z |
took the Z for a drive and an individual comment on the car and ask what I did. Also asked if it was fast... always brings a smile to me.... love my Z
|
2 Attachment(s)
did a couple of little mods, in blacking out the silver.. I think it looks better, not sure how far I will take it....
Attachment 135646 And did the doors a bit more, the carbon fiber insert that I bought I got a surprised that is was going to cover and be removable, so I decided to use double sided tape, seems to be working, time will tell Attachment 135647 Just some low level mods, to see how it looks.... |
Last Wednesday, did a SCCA Track Night at Road Atlanta. Has a great time and it looks like I have the car working. Last year I had issues every time I took it out. No issues, car ran great for the three 20 minute session. Best Lap was a 1:57:13, and I am happy with that. Showed improvement through all the sessions....
:happydance: |
Went and Autocross on Saturday, but did not take the Z, I have a 05 Mini Cooper Convertible that I used, automatic about as different as you can get. But I did to learn something, about caring speed and not braking. It was a fun car to learn in and it I wasn't pressing myself. So hopefully when I take the Z I will have learned something, thou the Z and Mini Cooper are two different animals...
|
On Wednesday (6/5) I did a track night at Atlanta Motorsport Park (AMP). Interesting track, not sure how to describe it.
Has some good elevation changes, long sweeping curves. It is not a power/speed circuit. I think more of a circuit that you can find a nice flow to it. The night was strange, in that first session it was raining, talk about learning a new track in the rain and trying to figure it out. So best time was a 2:10. Next session rain had stopped track was wet, was now more familiar with the layout. But still wet and slick, but knowing where the course layout helped a bit. So time down to 2:02. By the third session track was trying and a dry line was appearing. So I decided to let it ripe. It felt good, was hard on it Best time of the night was down to 1:50. So it was fun, but a couple areas need to improve. Actually, it’s a long stretch, from turn 12 to 16. Mainly because going up to turn 12 is a steep climb, then with a sharp right and blind, the from 13 to 15 a long continues curve, which tests how much you believe in grip, to keep the power on. It was also interesting that I did not get black flag, why you might ask, they have a 98db sound control. I always wonder what the DB is on my Z, since I have Z1 headers / Z1 resonated test pipes / FI exhaust with 18" resonated mufflers. It does sound great at speed. Funny, another 370z was there and said he heard me on the track, that is why I am so surprised I did not get black flag |
3 Attachment(s)
OK, last Sunday I went and did an autocross, it was a bit wet part of the time as the pictures show. So I simply run for seat time and fun.
Attachment 137291 this shows the water splash best Attachment 137292 Attachment 137294 the white you see on the car, is paint-n-peel, I use it to protect from stone chips, but in the wet it turns white and then drys clear enjoy |
This is a great owner's log.
Keep on having fun! |
Quote:
|
:Other notes from Last Wednesday (6/5) at AMP
- another Z owner, that's black cherry, rare nice cannot remember the last time someone got the color right :icon17: - talked to the President of essex parts services (he was driving a 2017 GTI, common areas, he and I both owned 84 GTI and both had raced Formula Fords, but never crossed paths) and is looking at the Z as possible track car, based on a conversation with an employee who has a Z - then a person who drives a S2000, came over and looked at the car, because he was thinking about getting a Z as a daily driver... Just an interesting evening. |
Quote:
|
I took the Z to the dealership for an oil change, (quick/easy). I always find it funny how the service techs come over and check out the car. Just makes me smile...
|
well, my Z was built 8 years ago this month and I have owned it since Oct 2011..
Interesting, I think this has become the longest car I have ever own. There are a few cars I wish I would have kept -- 240Z / 260Z / 84 GTI / 1966 Chevy Impala station wagon / 93 Mustang GT but life takes you through different journeys and I am fortunate to be able to keep my Z.. On a funny note, just found my SCCA Competition License from 1988, when I raced FF. :happydance: Time simply moves on |
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:22 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2