The rotor thing plagued me for about a year before I got mine sorted out. Went through all kinds of iterations on brake setup changes and kept having problems. There's no one answer to keep it from recurring regularly, but I can offer a mixed bag of various things that help:

1) Obviously, quality rotors. If the rotors genuinely have bad runout from the factory, there's not much that's gonna stop it from getting worse from pad deposits and heat. Of all the random brands and types I've tried on this car, the ones that held up the best were DBA-brand 1-piece and whatever 2-piece it is that Stillen's including in their APRacing BBK (not sure whose rotors they are really). You can check runout at initial install with a dial gauge mounted firmly relative to the spindle. Sometimes if the runout is minor, it can be corrected by remounting the rotor at a different hole offset to let the small rotor/hub variances level each other out (sort of like what a good tire place does with tires and wheels). There are only 5 positions to try, so just iterate until you get minimum runout on the dial gauge.

2) Pads! Often "rotor" problems are really pad deposit problems. Some pads are better or worse under different driving conditions about leaving patchy deposits on the rotor. Once any uneven deposit layer has built up, it tends to self-reinforce the pattern and make itself worse over time (like the ripples that develop in a dirt/gravel driveway self-reinforce from the suspension bounce of cars driving over them). Some of this isn't so much about a pad being universally "bad", just not suited to conditions (cold street driving vs hot race driving, etc). Using a very race-only pad on your car while you DD it between events can lead to problems. So can tracking street pads (although they generally just burn off anyways...).

3) Pad Bedding! Google about it, read ten different versions of the instructions for bedding different pads. They're all shooting for the same goal, and it's tricky, but if you read enough versions of the process you get a feel for what's really going on. Drive the pads with minimal braking for a while first just to let them seat level and wear into the right shape first (this is often left out of instructions it seems). Don't over-cook things on the break-in, and take extra care with the cool-down period after bedding. Try to time it out so you can get on a highway for half an hour at that point, in no traffic.

4) Stopping/Parking habits: don't ever bring the car to a halt on the brakes and stand on them. Ever. But especially any time the system's hot. That just bakes pad material into one spot on the rotor. Try to bring the car down to a very slow roll, then get off the brakes and let the car roll to a stop for the last few feet, especially parking or if you're going to be stuck at a light. It's hard in traffic, so just don't drive in commuter traffic if you can help it.

5) Driving habits, esp on-track: try to make your braking zones shorter and harder. You may get from 120->80 both ways, but doing it more abruptly (without locking the wheels, of course) generates less heat than dragging out the braking zone over a longer stretch. Less overheating -> more life. Try not to brake hard when the car isn't going straight, that puts odd sideways stress on things too. Trail-braking is fine, but that's different than slamming on the brakes too late when you've already turned in, which there's a hundred other reasons not to do.

6) Front ducts help a ton with not overheating the front rotors on this car.

And I know they're expensive, but the single best thing I've done for my brake situation is switching to Carbon-Lorraine's pads. They're not finicky about break-in procedure (they really don't even have a break-in procedure), and seem to maintain themselves and the rotors really well even under varying conditions (although they're still not ideal for a ton of street driving). They'll clean off deposits from street pads if you want to switch back and forth, too. The only real downside is the cost, but IMHO it costs less than throwing out barely-used rotors on a regular basis and having frustrating track weekends.

I'm using the CL pads now on the Stillen/APRacing BBK and I love this setup (+ Stillen's ducts + RBF600). I also tried the CL pads on the stock calipers (+ Stillens ducts + RBF600) with DBA 4000-series one-piece rotors and that went really well, too.

A bit disappointing but certainly well worth attending, even with warped rotors I still beat my previous best lap time by nearly 3 seconds. My old record became a normal time.

I will return in all liklihood many times next year as the club needs a substitute track for Laguna Seca. This track is about 15 minutes closer to me, yet feels much further away. It is way out in the country while Laguna has a large wealthy city nearby.

Really wish I could go run Laguna but I think my car is way to loud... Had the privilage of riding it on my GSXR1000 a few years ago and it was a blast.. So much different than Willow Springs.. LOVE the corkscrew

Often when returning home after a HPDE, I become a bit sad that the fun is over and I'll have to wait for another event. On the way home I had one of those legal opportunities to stay at the limit while passing everybody driving in the left lane. It was an off ramp that takes you from one freeway to another, all with a 70 MPH limit. It was a long left hander so I could gas it all the way without fuel starvation striking. The little lady sat up stiff in her chair as she does not like these sorts of situations as I do.

When it was over I was pumped and I said "I love these moments"

And she said "I know you do."

Two more stories later. Back to work.

I am only at 85db with Stillen CBE and Gen 3 intakes. 90db is all you need to beat.

On a bike Laguna would be wild. I see where the bikes once had a berm to contend with that has since been beaten down by traffic.

I may have to take some readings, I wonder how hard it is to track down a decible meter and how much they cost.. I guess I could always avoid going WOT by the sound tower. I know my car is a lot quieter than those running F.I exhausts NA..

Many have their pipes angled away from the tower just for this reason.

Digital Sound Level Meter
Model: Digital 2055 | Catalog #: 33-099
$49.99
Digital Sound Level Meter : Sound meters | RadioShack.com

:tiphat: I'd love to invite you.

:tup: of course! ANY track time is good time. ;)

:tiphat: I love those moments too! ohhhh-love that put you back in your seat and ZEE YA!!! :p

I saw a 370 at 37 seconds. Looking good.

My mini is in teh green mohawk helmet...she is riding with another member of the club. She has the need for speed gene too!
:driving: :happydance:

Last night I visited my mom for dinner and left in the dark. I made the perfect turn at full ability.

Later when I got through the traffic, a 911 awaited me, I thought. He and the van peeled off leaving me alone on my daily twisty drive. I failed to turn off VDC but was rewarded by never having it go off, until the uphill hairpin.

I told myself "Nobody seemed to be on the road", and as I thought this, I saw a car up ahead. An FRS no less. He signaled that he was turning left and got in the 90 degree left turn lane. So I went around him then made a 45 degree left (in the correct lane). The FRS decided he would change his mind and go my way. He missed me by at least a foot so I won't complain.

Some idiot bike rider was out wearing dark clothing. I saw him and put a tire in the other lane and went around.

It never rained all day as it had threatened. All in all a great drive.

Being both a motorcycle and bicycle rider, I really dislike other riders who dont wear visible clothing at night. Just asking for trouble.

Good. I have no desire to hit anything or anybody, so if I can see you, I will not.

wow nice stories haha

Last Sunday I went to Sears Point for my final track day of the season.

It was 35 degrees when I arrived and the ICY sign came on. As I am on summer tires I was on my toes. By the time I got on the track it had warmed to 49 degrees and that was fine. It was a bit moist so a few steering input corrections were made on the first few laps. The curbs were too wet. Open passing.

I had adjusted my suspension via the coil overs and may have removed too much rebound by cranking down the setting two clicks. I could not keep the nose of my car on the hairpins inside line, the front would wash out every time. It was so weird as I am used to the rear end sliding, not the front.

My best lap time ever was not captured on film. My camera gave me a green screen of nothing. It was timed but boo on the camera.

Numerous tows this day but the Z troopered through without incident.

I had a blast and am saddened that it will be months till the next one.

370Z CFRA Sears Point 11/24/13 Third run - YouTube

Today it was 44 degrees in the garage and colder out. I was following a Prius which was moving at the limit initially. At 38 degrees I checked my tires by accelerating on a straight and sure enough they spun. You'd think it would slow me down but the Prius took care of all my bad intentions and kept me well under the limit.

It is crystal clear and dry. Later it will be 50* and I'll most likely take a jaunt.

Love your thread man!

Can I see pictures of the Z?!
:D

:tiphat: my Z has been under cover for a month ....


:iagree: and will participate more once Harry is out of the garage. :woot:

Here's to Harry, Hooray

We'll see you again.

Spun my tires the same way today at 38 degrees. Later same place coming home but now it is wet and raining at 50 degrees and the tires didn't slip. Gotta love those Michelins.

:tiphat: lol!


:tup: love love love my Michelins!

fun stuff, Sonoma is a workout, cant wait to go back next year

I agree. When will you be there? I'll send you an invite when I'm going.

Sure, I will need one to get into Trackmaster. They wouldn't let me go in September because I was new at Sonoma, ended up going to Buttonwillow.

I normally don't like open passing, but you definitely need it at Sonoma. That track is so hard to pass, barely any straights.

Oh yeah, you need better tires for it next year. Michelin needs to go!

Yesterday was the warmest day in weeks, 58* degrees. This is the first time since the cold snap that I've had confidence in my tires.

It is nice to know the car handles as well as ever and the drive home was made fun. I had a mile or so without any other cars then a few minute hold up where the road bifurcated and the lead car let me past.

All went well, running all 6 gears and stared back down. I hit third gear as I rounded a curve and looked way ahead to see a law enforcement vehicle there. Having just downshifted I was slowing anyway. As I went by he waved at me. I'll consider it a warning and take a ticket next time.

The next mile was all alone and the Z continued to put a smile on my face.

As I left work coming by was a red 458 Ferrari. I suddenly became excited that I might be able to catch up and drive with him. Three cars separated us. I was talking to myself ex. "get out of the way", "let's make the light" , Nooo". After a two blocks or so I ended up behind the Italia. I wished for my camera.

A way down the road somebody signaled left and waited for an opening in traffic which stopped the two of us. Meanwhile the car just ahead moseyed along. Once the car completed the left the Ferrari waited another five plus seconds revved the engine and took off quickly but not crazy. I followed until we caught the car ahead which turned off leaving us alone on a 180 degree sweeping left which the moment you exit becomes a 55 MPH zone. I was applying gas towards exit and was WOT at exit. So was the 458. It was so cool. I didn't gain or fall back on this tiny straight uphill. We caught up to a car ahead driving 25-30 MPH so the Ferrari would slow down and run through his F1 gear box drive at a snails pace then speed up and catch the slowpoke.

At a pull out, the Ferrari pulled off the road and I did too he made a bit more room too. I got out, or tried with the auto locking doors, then approached the car. He rolled down his window and I extended my hand and we shook. I thanked him for playing with me. He was a bit younger than I, with his lady beside him who was friendly too. He told me they were out for an evening jaunt at sunset or similar word, and would I like to tag along. Without hesitation, said yes and rushed back to my car. He even allowed me to get my seat belt back on and then we were off.

When the road bifurcated he went left. The road less traveled. I have not driven this direction in several years. I prefer coming up this way as opposed to down as we now went, because the chances of driving without encountering tourist traffic is minimal.

Here is the part of the story where we Z folks can not compete. Every car pulled over for the Ferrari where normally you in your stupid Datsun will just have to wait. Even BMW's. It was amazing.

One thing that impressed me was that the Z did so well accelerating with him from 25. What impressed me about the 458 was the entry speed of a turn he could negotiate without trail braking. I was at the limit and he was not.

Eventually we met a militant type that would not budge so the Ferrari would hang back for a minute and then shift down into first gear, which gave me a warning, and then chase the Element down again and again. I kept thinking he would ignore the double yellow and pass but to his credit, he did not.

I could not stand the thought of unknown miles behind this rainbow flagged Honda, so I waved, flashed lights, honked and signaled to turn right up a head. Sadly he did not. Goodbye South Dakota* plate Italia1. I chose the better road. For the next 15 minutes I ran all out without a single car or bike. in the way. I got home and felt like I might be (car) sick for a couple minutes. I truly tossed myself around.

For all of you who put your Z's into hibernation, I feel for you. Remember this is the first time in my life when an unknown Ferrari chose to drive with me so this is extremely rare. :tup:

* He probably lives here in California but saved thousands of dollars registering there.

:excited: wow! What a story!! You have the best encounters.:tup:

This was the culmination of a life time. Thanks.

I told a friend I had a 45 minute drive home. He said how awful. I asked under what circumstances would it not be? He couldn't imagine, then the lights came on as soon as I said Ferrari. He's known me since childhood. My buddy was more impressed that I had an unobstructed drive back from Stinson Beach.

Where is the part with the threesome with his wife?

Didn't happen. Guy just wanted to watch. :icon17:

Two days ago I'd been creeping behind a truck that went left and allowed me to hit the hair pin turn alone. I turned off VDC and took the uphill turn the car flashed traction control and I had no power. I looked down to verify that VDC was off, what happened? Oh I'm in third gear and an idiot.

The next day I was already alone at the same turn, and with VDC off, in second gear, launched beautifully I had a bit of tire smell, and was alone until a quarter of a mile from the house. I came up behind law enforcement, and putted the last bit.

I had the first encounter with ice in the Z last night. Note: this refers to the central Texas version of ice :icon17:

:eek: oh gosh Jar! You had me nervous just reading this. Too many pics of our cars losing the battle w ice. Happy you came out on top:tup:

:tup: i hate it when I miss a gear!

Icy roads + cars -> disaster in TX. Just don't do it if you don't have to. If you don't screw up, someone else will screw up and hit you.

I just don't get it.

Well, I do - clueless drivers and all. But anyone with half a brain should be following the same order of operations on a day when questionable traction exists:

1) Start Car
2) Drive Car to closest street when plenty of stopping room
3) Press brakes progressively harder until the tires lock up, to determine approximate braking force required to "have a bad time"
4) ????
5) Profit

I think the actual sequence around here is:

1) Start Car
2) Finish that beer you left in the console last night
3) Drive to random street full of cars
4) Slam brakes randomly, spin out into oncoming traffic
5) ???
6) End up a redneck millionaire after suing the other guy for your fake neck injury, somehow.

I'm happy you are fine and know how to deal with ice. I do not.

RE: I let off the accelerator as the car drifted slightly left and traction was regained in about a second.
Do you come off the gas a little bit or all the way off?