Is a 370z my best current choice for a $30k track day car?

[RATEDM]

I sold my BMW Z4MCoupe 6 months ago and have been suffering from track-day withdrawals ever since.

So, now I'm looking for a new track-day toy.

After reading the recent car magazine reviews and the specs, the 370z looks as though it would be virtually equivalent (weight, power, size) to my old Z4MC but, much less expensive to buy and for aftermarket stuff like coilovers, brake parts, and other goodies (which is the appeal to me).

I was surprised to see all the problems with the oil cooling issue that some of you have experienced - hopefully a proper oil cooler fixes that (I'll be watching to see your results on this).

Anyway - for those of you that have experienced other cars and the 370z on track, how do you think I'd find a 370z after running a Z4MC in advanced groups with BMW & Porsche clubs?
Basically, my primary focus is track days - not daily driver - and I'd want something that felt close to, or better than, my last car in terms of power, handling and braking... Will a 370z fit the bill or should I go for one of my other current choices (used Z06, used Exige) and why?

[M.Bonanni]

Well as much as I love the 370Z, if you are purely going for a track car you can build up a used S2000 or Evo or something that will be faster for the same money or cheaper.

[RATEDM]

Originally Posted by DDMotorsports

Well as much as I love the 370Z, if you are purely going for a track car you can build up a used S2000 or Evo or something that will be faster for the same money or cheaper.

Thanks...The S2000 was intially on my list, but I eliminated it for lack of a fixed roof. Not interested in an AWD vehicle like an EVO or a Subie (weight, complexity, and a bit less fun imo).... Also, don't want another Bimmer or Porsche as I'd like something that is relatively cheap for aftermarket upgrades as a function of higher production volume (prices for parts for my Z4MC were 2x-5x the same parts I've seen on 350z's).

Other than cost-to-speed ratio, what do you consider to be the downsides of the 370z as a track toy (that would cause you to advocate an S2000 or Evo over it) in my case? Weight? Power-to-weight ratio? Other?

thanks again...

[M.Bonanni]

Originally Posted by RATEDM

Thanks...The S2000 was intially on my list, but I eliminated it for lack of a fixed roof. Not interested in an AWD vehicle like an EVO or a Subie (weight, complexity, and a bit less fun imo).... Also, don't want another Bimmer or Porsche as I'd like something that is relatively cheap for aftermarket upgrades as a function of higher production volume (prices for parts for my Z4MC were 2x-5x the same parts I've seen on 350z's).

Other than cost-to-speed ratio, what do you consider to be the downsides of the 370z as a track toy (that would cause you to advocate an S2000 or Evo over it) in my case? Weight? Power-to-weight ratio? Other?

thanks again...

I think the 370Z is a very capable, fun to drive, and fast track car for the price for sure. My comment was purely based on cost-to-speed ratio. The oil cooling issue is the only downside to having a 370Z track car that I have seen so far, but hopefully that will be an easy fix with just an oil cooler. We will find out soon enough.

Point is, for a $30k budget you can build a lot of cars to be faster around a race track than buying a new 370Z. It's personal preference though of course. You could build a really fast 240SX with a $30k budget, or buy a stock 370Z. It all depends on what you are looking for out of the car.

[Namir]

Track day toy, how about a caterham?
I think they are in the 30-40k range depending on configuration.
I don't see the point in spending 30k on a new car if you want to sling it around a track.
I'd get a used 350Z over a new one, and strip it out put a roll cage in it.
Used vettes are also pretty cheap and LS1 mods are readily available.
Lotus is always at home on the track so an Exige would be a nice little weapon.

[alan93rsa]

A friend with a fully sorted 3.2 911 is selling it with a fresh zero hour 3.6 engine for about your number. The car is caged, lightened, close ratio transmission, seats, data and other items I can't remember. The car was built by Wright Motorsports in Batavia, Ohio. One of their cars placed third at the Daytona 24 in GT. Good shop.

I mention this option as it is always cheaper to by a car already built it you want a track car. It would cost at least $50k to duplicate this car.

[RATEDM]

Originally Posted by Namir

...
I'd get a used 350Z over a new one, and strip it out put a roll cage in it.
Used vettes are also pretty cheap and LS1 mods are readily available.
Lotus is always at home on the track so an Exige would be a nice little weapon.

Yep - this is where my head is at lately...

[BurntGauge]

Originally Posted by Namir

Track day toy, how about a caterham?

I think he wanted a fixed roof.

[RCZ]

I think the answer to your question is yes.

[BurntGauge]

Yeah for $30k and under...

You have only these to choose from (only new cars):

Pontiac/Saturn Solstice/Sky GXP/Redline
Mazda Miata
Mazda RX8
Ford Mustang GT
Mitsubishi Ralliart Evo
Subaru WRX

[StackTrack]

I'd do it! I tend to want to drive my track car on the street too ... and if I was in a position to purchase a new street car that I could also take to the track and have tons of fun in, the 370Z would be it.

Also, with some of the new insurance programs, it makes the thought of doing so a little more palatable.

That said ... I also am now a true convert to roll-over protection and harnesses (even in a fixed-roof car) and as capable as the 370Z is, you'd very quickly get to a point where your speeds/risk level will be greater than the capacity/function of the standard belts. (And no ... I do not recommend any street harnesses simply to hold you in place.)

So in that regard, I'd have to say, spend $15,000 on a 350Z, and another $10k on safety mods (roll bar, harnesses, seats, etc.), and the remaining $5k on track events!

[travisjb]

here's an example of a prepared 350z that a friend of mine bought in az

Race Ads | For Sale: NISSAN 350Z RACE CAR

$17,500 will get you a ready to go used 350z track car, with roll cage and all

of course, i'll be faster in my 370

[MidnightDave]

Similar situation: I'm a part time track junkie, too, this will be my daily driver 'cause the wifey took my IS350 when I took her '06 MINI Cooper S and modded it for the track.

I sat in the Z today with my old school mushroom style Mario Andretti Bell helmet, (I'm 6'2") and had just enough clearance. I'm definitely over the MINI, and getting a Z, just not sure whether I should go 350 more track oriented or 370Z more street oriented.

I'm leaning toward the 7 for the sizzle, even though either deliver the steak...you guys are so lucky! I can't wait to join your ranks...

[travisjb]

dave, i'm 6ft even and was a little concerned about headroom, but not an issue... i pulled out the headliner and it freed up another couple inches ! you can get a great deal on a used 350 track car, so that's prob the best advice... but if you have some play money, go for the 370 !

[C6Z06dude]

Originally Posted by BurntGauge

Yeah for $30k and under...

You have only these to choose from (only new cars):

Pontiac/Saturn Solstice/Sky GXP/Redline
Mazda Miata
Mazda RX8
Ford Mustang GT
Mitsubishi Ralliart Evo
Subaru WRX

Where is the Mazdaspeed 3? where is the Cobalt SS?