Whats up, pretty close to buying a 370z
 

Hey there,

I currently have an IS350 with coilovers, front and rear swaybars, RE-11 potenzas, intake, headers, exhaust, lips, and a bunch of mods. My favorite hobby has become going to trackdays once a month.

Im still deciding between a 08 lexus ISF and an used 09 370Z (red or platinum) :tup: however Ive had the IS350 for three years and going to the ISf I think i would feel as if i had the same car. There is no comparison between the ISF and IS350 in performance but looks are similar regardless of all details, interior is also close.

So im leaning towards the 370Z (red or platinum) :tup: and probably have more fun at the track than with the ISF.

Im looking for a stick shift with sports package.

Any inputs?

pics of the IS350? Sounds pretty cool.

I presume you are already aware of the Z's shortcomings when it comes to track use: need an oil cooler if not getting a '12, VLSD, need for brake ducting, fuel starve. And of course the typical pads/fluid and whatnot. If you are not, check around the forum for notes. I think the fuel starve is the only one that still does not have a fix, although Phunk has one in the works.

If you're willing to fix those issues, the Z is not a bad trackday option.

OK, yea ive searched some.. however let me see if im right..

1- the brake thing i dont mind, ill figure it out.
2- there is an oil cooler that its realtively easy to install made by a decent company?
3- VLSD, whats wrong with it for track days?
4- Can u fix the fuel starve with some kind of Apexi SFAC or soemthing like that?


here are some pics of the IS...

I have differente set ups of wheels, street rims, and some Volks phantom edition for the track with the RE 11's

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...erivas/5-9.jpg
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...rivas/2-18.jpg
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...rivas/2-19.jpg
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f.../pCAPK6732.jpg
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/DSC03088.jpg

cooler is an easy fix. I would make sure to put in an oil pressure gauge too though, since you run the risk of major trouble if you have a line issue

VLSD is going to overheat just a couple laps in, effectively rendering it an open diff. Beyond that, the diff is prone to actually overheating to the point of damage...theoretically a warranty repair, but potentially tough if you are tracking. try and see how cool the local dealer is.

fuel starve is a tank issue not a tune issue.

are there any aftermarket LSD's for the car? in case I kill it?

the fuel starve has nothing to do with the fuel pump or some sort?

hey thanks for all the quick answers seriously

Tons of good diffs available. OSG and quaife come to mind.

The starve happens because of how the tank is setup. There's a pretty long thread discussing it if you search

Welcome. That IS is real nice. As for the Z there is nothing wrong with the LSD in the car, it will do just fine around the track but I would change the fluid to something good like RedLine or something. There have been some issues with the brakes since the standard brakes come with crappy low dust pads (even the sport package brakes). You dont need brake ducting only a good set of pads and maybe better higher boiling point brake fluid (better rotors would help as well) There does seem to be a fuel problem when your lower on gas, I have never had it but I have also never traked the car only a few runs on the Dragon. But I do know a few people in my area who have tracked there car and none of them ever complained about fuel issues or VSLD issues, but they are running better brake pads, rotors, etc. And yes you will need to run an Oil Cooler if you plan on doing some serious track days. Just a couple of problems that I think are pretty small for such a good car.

Juice14, really nice, clean Lexus. As Red Zed has been stating there are those few issues if you plan on tracking the car. Id say the brakes and oil cooler being the most prominate. They are must fix issues before hitting the track. Keep us informed about what happens with this possible purchase:tup:

No fuel issues on track means you aren't driving hard.


VLSD just becomes an open diff after a lap. Just like yours is (permanently, based on temps seen) after a dragon run

But is the fuel issue at every fuel level??? All I'm saying is the few guys I know who run there Z's around the track have no issue with the fuel or VLSD. What do you mean by your last statement there? My Diff is permanently open now after running a real hot temp after the dragon?

I think ill be fine then, If the Diff blows up then ill change it, some things you just have to deal with. Ill be fine with the brakes, and the oil cooler ill install as soon as i get the car.

Cool. Going in with that knowledge/mindset, you should enjoy the car.

Come on Red you did not answear my post.

Your silicone is cooked, to put it simply.

Sorry, I have to click a button to see the posts from nva types

On R comps, you'll get fuel starve at 9/10ths in the right (or wrong as the case my be) turns.

On street tires, usually around 7/10ths. Wife HAS to keep the tank topped off for every single HPDE session, very annoying, BUT there is a solution coming down the pipe from an aftermarket vendor.


EDIT: regarding the VLSD, the viscous fluid breaks down with usage and esp heat, it thins out, and therfore is less and less able to lock the wheels together essentiall revuerting back to an open diff. If you are serious about tracking, you'll swap out to a carbonetics, quaife (my choice) or OSG.