Autocross transition from a 350Z to a 370Z

Tubro · 08-15-2011, 03:39 PM

Anybody here autocross a 350Z and then transition to a 370Z? If so, how are they different and how are they alike?

I've found some modest local success (Rocky Mountain/Colorado region SCCA) in the street tire class with my 2003 Performance model 350Z. This will be my first complete season. Once I tuned out the understeer with a square 245 Dunlop Durezzas setup, I've found the Z to be a real neutral, honest, predictable car to drive fast.

I plan to move up to a 370 (and run in C Stock) by next season. I am accustomed and attuned to the way the 350 handles. Will the 370 be much different?

cossie1600 · 08-15-2011, 04:05 PM

They drive very similar except the 350 tends to get into drifts easier. The turn in for the 370 is quicker, also the car is smaller and feels more nimble in stock form. The steering is also more precise on the 370. The gears on the 370 is also taller. If you jump from a stock 350 to a stock 370, you will feel how much "stronger" the low end is (not saying that's what it is, but feels like it).

If you can drive your 350 fast, you will be able to do the same in the 370. If you are slow in the 350, you will still be slow in the 370....

Tubro · 08-15-2011, 07:00 PM

So what you're saying is the 370 is just like the 350...except BETTER in every way?

SPOHN · 08-15-2011, 07:04 PM

It just has a better edge. But I love my 370 three times fold over my old 350.

cossie1600 · 08-15-2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tubro

So what you're saying is the 370 is just like the 350...except BETTER in every way?

yup, except 350 feels quicker off the corner. It's cheaper to run too due to the small tires

Tubro · 08-16-2011, 08:44 AM

Follow up question: How is the transition from street tires to R-comps? Does your driving style remain the same just with more traction (faster through sweepers/slaloms, later braking) or is it more nuanced than that?

cossie1600 · 08-16-2011, 09:15 AM

You have to be smoother on street tires with your steering input, else you will get the annoying plow. The R comps just have a lot more grip than the street tires, the key is to learn to trust them and lean on them as much as you can. Other than carrying more speed everywhere, I think I drive pretty much the same way.

Setups are different, but I can't comment on that since I have nothing to set.

Also with the 370, I hope you have a second driver to carry R comps as you can't carry 4 and tools without ruining your interior or remove the passenger seat.

Tubro · 08-17-2011, 12:34 AM

Is that a subtle hint that I should get on board with your trailer hitch? I've been following that thread pretty closely. I would actually, I just need a 370Z first.

cossie1600 · 08-17-2011, 08:24 AM

There are just not enough interest, so I am not going to bother. I do think I might be getting a different car, so I might put mine up on sale

Tubro · 08-17-2011, 05:23 PM

Why a new car? You campaigning the Z? It letting you down?

08-15-2011, 03:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tubro Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 67 Drives: 2012 Z34 base+sport Rep Power: 13	Autocross transition from a 350Z to a 370Z Anybody here autocross a 350Z and then transition to a 370Z? If so, how are they different and how are they alike? I've found some modest local success (Rocky Mountain/Colorado region SCCA) in the street tire class with my 2003 Performance model 350Z. This will be my first complete season. Once I tuned out the understeer with a square 245 Dunlop Durezzas setup, I've found the Z to be a real neutral, honest, predictable car to drive fast. I plan to move up to a 370 (and run in C Stock) by next season. I am accustomed and attuned to the way the 350 handles. Will the 370 be much different?

08-15-2011, 07:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
SPOHN A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Covington, GA Age: 45 Posts: 14,844 Drives: Waiting on next Z Rep Power: 221	It just has a better edge. But I love my 370 three times fold over my old 350. __________________

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08-15-2011, 04:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 29	They drive very similar except the 350 tends to get into drifts easier. The turn in for the 370 is quicker, also the car is smaller and feels more nimble in stock form. The steering is also more precise on the 370. The gears on the 370 is also taller. If you jump from a stock 350 to a stock 370, you will feel how much "stronger" the low end is (not saying that's what it is, but feels like it). If you can drive your 350 fast, you will be able to do the same in the 370. If you are slow in the 350, you will still be slow in the 370....

08-15-2011, 07:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tubro Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 67 Drives: 2012 Z34 base+sport Rep Power: 13	So what you're saying is the 370 is just like the 350...except BETTER in every way?

08-16-2011, 08:44 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tubro Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 67 Drives: 2012 Z34 base+sport Rep Power: 13	Follow up question: How is the transition from street tires to R-comps? Does your driving style remain the same just with more traction (faster through sweepers/slaloms, later braking) or is it more nuanced than that?

08-16-2011, 09:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 29	You have to be smoother on street tires with your steering input, else you will get the annoying plow. The R comps just have a lot more grip than the street tires, the key is to learn to trust them and lean on them as much as you can. Other than carrying more speed everywhere, I think I drive pretty much the same way. Setups are different, but I can't comment on that since I have nothing to set. Also with the 370, I hope you have a second driver to carry R comps as you can't carry 4 and tools without ruining your interior or remove the passenger seat.

08-17-2011, 12:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
Tubro Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 67 Drives: 2012 Z34 base+sport Rep Power: 13	Is that a subtle hint that I should get on board with your trailer hitch? I've been following that thread pretty closely. I would actually, I just need a 370Z first.

08-17-2011, 08:24 AM	#9 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 29	There are just not enough interest, so I am not going to bother. I do think I might be getting a different car, so I might put mine up on sale

08-17-2011, 05:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
Tubro Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 67 Drives: 2012 Z34 base+sport Rep Power: 13	Why a new car? You campaigning the Z? It letting you down?