Nissan 370Z Forum  

Autocross questions

First of all I fully agree that the best way to get better at autocross is to become a better driver first then mod my car. However, I have the

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip


Like Tree3Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-25-2012, 05:43 PM   #1 (permalink)
Base Member
 
KevinB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Louisiana
Age: 52
Posts: 75
Drives: 09 370z blk m6
Rep Power: 13
KevinB is on a distinguished road
Default Autocross questions

First of all I fully agree that the best way to get better at autocross is to become a better driver first then mod my car. However, I have the attention span of a gnat and I cant help but tinker with everything so .... The general consensus seems to be sway bars, better brake pads, stainless brake lines, and of course good tires are the basic mods. I wanted to find out (in regards to autocross specifically) what other mods I might need to consider. For instance, the runs are so short I am not sure an oil cooler would be needed. What other ideas or age advice do yall have? Thanks!
__________________
09 6MT MB: Int/Ext LEDs, Stillen G3 + FI test pipes + FI cat back + Stillen sways + Clutch Helper Spring
KevinB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2012, 05:53 PM   #2 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
ChrisSlicks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: North East
Posts: 6,203
Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6
Rep Power: 653
ChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond repute
Default

If you are concerned about classing then there aren't a lot of mods you can make and still be in stock class. The main ones are, front swaybar (not rear), tires (any approved DOT tire including grooved slicks), dampers (but not springs). But like you said the best mod of all is the driver!

Oil cooler is not permitted (nor necessary) in stock class, it would bump you to street prepared.
__________________
Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms
ChrisSlicks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2012, 08:22 PM   #3 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
AutoX Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 314
Drives: 370Z Base, Sport
Rep Power: 15
AutoX Z will become famous soon enough
Default

OEM brakes (pads, rotors, lines) work great for autox IMO. An oil cooler is not necessary, if the temps start getting too high crank the heat on defrost and open the hood between runs.
__________________
2013 SCCA Solo National Champion
VVV For Sale VVV
http://www.the370z.com/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=6048&dateline=1251670  864
AutoX Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2012, 11:37 AM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
takjak2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Sterling, VA
Posts: 1,922
Drives: Legit Racecar 370Z
Rep Power: 142
takjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond reputetakjak2 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks View Post
front swaybar (not rear)
Were the 2012 changes approved? Allows one swaybar change either front or back.
__________________
Mods | Stuff | Things | Seat Time | Nismo
facebook.com/TeamSparrowSpeed
takjak2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2012, 01:15 PM   #5 (permalink)
Track Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas tx
Posts: 665
Drives: 370z
Rep Power: 279
corbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond reputecorbin09 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

You may want to look into an oil cooler just because and forgo pads, lines ect. I know my car between runs was getting up in the 230-240 range. I feel the car does loose some power when it gets above 180-220 range. I have kw v3's, camber arms, intake, exhaust, upgraded brakes, the only thing I didnt do was an oil cooler thinking for auto-x I wouldnt need it. I was incorrect.
corbin09 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2012, 01:41 PM   #6 (permalink)
Base Member
 
KevinB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Louisiana
Age: 52
Posts: 75
Drives: 09 370z blk m6
Rep Power: 13
KevinB is on a distinguished road
Default

How do you like the kw v3's? I am very interested in those down the road. Which sways do you have?
__________________
09 6MT MB: Int/Ext LEDs, Stillen G3 + FI test pipes + FI cat back + Stillen sways + Clutch Helper Spring
KevinB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2012, 02:31 PM   #7 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
ChrisSlicks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: North East
Posts: 6,203
Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6
Rep Power: 653
ChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by takjak2 View Post
Were the 2012 changes approved? Allows one swaybar change either front or back.
I didn't see it in the current rule proposal listing, I will ask.
__________________
Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms
ChrisSlicks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2012, 02:34 PM   #8 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
ChrisSlicks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: North East
Posts: 6,203
Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6
Rep Power: 653
ChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by corbin09 View Post
You may want to look into an oil cooler just because and forgo pads, lines ect. I know my car between runs was getting up in the 230-240 range. I feel the car does loose some power when it gets above 180-220 range. I have kw v3's, camber arms, intake, exhaust, upgraded brakes, the only thing I didnt do was an oil cooler thinking for auto-x I wouldnt need it. I was incorrect.
The power loss is from heat soak, not oil temperature. There is nothing wrong with oil temps in the 230-240 range. To vent some of the heat you can turn on the A/C with heat, and pop the hood. The stock air intake is plastic at least which helps to resist the heat.
__________________
Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms
ChrisSlicks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2012, 03:00 PM   #9 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
ChrisSlicks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: North East
Posts: 6,203
Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6
Rep Power: 653
ChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks View Post
I didn't see it in the current rule proposal listing, I will ask.
Looks like it made it into the final draft. Approved by the BOD at the Oct meeting and noted in the December newsletter.
http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/...ck-dec-bod.pdf

(Page 6) ITEM 10)
Change 13.7: 13.7 ANTI-ROLL (SWAY) BARS
A. Substitution, addition, or removal of a single anti-roll bar and supporting hardware (brackets, end links, bushings, etc.) is permitted.
B. Substitution, addition, or removal of an anti-roll bar may serve no other purpose than that of an anti-roll bar.
C. The use of any bushing material is permitted. A bushing may be implemented as a bearing.
D. No modification to the body, frame, or other components to accommodate anti-roll bar addition or substitution is allowed except for the drilling of holes for mounting bolts. Non-standard lateral members which connect between the brackets for the bar are not permitted.

Comment: The origin of Stock sway bar rule was an allowance to improve vehicle dynamics at a time when sway bars
were not commonplace in new cars, and RWD was the most common layout in the automobile industry. FWD and AWD
are common today, and throughout the years there have been comments pointing out that FWD cars would benefit
more from a rear sway bar change. In an effort to broaden the field of competitive vehicles across the entire range
of the Stock classes, the SAC would like to introduce the option of changing or adding the front OR rear sway bar.
The committee believes this promotes the core values of the club by increasing participation with broader choices of
competitive models, improved tire wear and improved handling for specific vehicle drive trains.
__________________
Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms
ChrisSlicks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2012, 10:02 PM   #10 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
AutoX Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 314
Drives: 370Z Base, Sport
Rep Power: 15
AutoX Z will become famous soon enough
Default

Yes you can replace either the front or the rear sway bar but not both. You should still only change the front on the 370.
370Zsteve likes this.
__________________
2013 SCCA Solo National Champion
VVV For Sale VVV
http://www.the370z.com/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=6048&dateline=1251670  864
AutoX Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2012, 08:34 AM   #11 (permalink)
Track Member
 
ResIpsa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 564
Drives: 09 RACING HEN
Rep Power: 337
ResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond repute
Default

If your only going to do one mod for auto-X, I suggest a set of Hoosier A6's.

Although, now you are going to need a separate set of wheels and street tires to get to the event. Unfortunately, your extra set of wheels will not fit in your Z.

So now you need to convince your wife/girlfriend to wake up at 5:30 a.m. and drive your wheels to the event and waste her entire day sitting around in the heat. Ok, that won’t work…

In the alternative, you can fabricate a custom tow hitch through the rear back up camera block off. Then you need to buy a trailer to haul your wheels. That’s a little complicated and expensive…

Just buy the damn sway bar…
370Zsteve and TrimdogZ like this.
__________________
The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/
ResIpsa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2012, 07:58 PM   #12 (permalink)
Base Member
 
KevinB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Louisiana
Age: 52
Posts: 75
Drives: 09 370z blk m6
Rep Power: 13
KevinB is on a distinguished road
Default

__________________
09 6MT MB: Int/Ext LEDs, Stillen G3 + FI test pipes + FI cat back + Stillen sways + Clutch Helper Spring
KevinB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2012, 10:58 PM   #13 (permalink)
Track Member
 
IMWEZL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HNL
Posts: 603
Drives: 370Z/MKVII GTI
Rep Power: 16
IMWEZL is on a distinguished road
Default

Haha Res that's my primary course of action:'convincing her to either autocross our MKV GTI or drive the GTI with a spare set of tires for the Z.

Either way it should be win win for me unless she goes out there and gets frustrated with the heat or running for cones.
IMWEZL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2012, 11:02 PM   #14 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
cossie1600's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: californee way
Posts: 5,380
Drives: 370, Leaf
Rep Power: 29
cossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond reputecossie1600 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

The only way your wife is going to go is if she meets another wife there and they head off to go shopping...
cossie1600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2012, 02:33 PM   #15 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Shamu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 1,059
Drives: 370Z Racecar
Rep Power: 19
Shamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond reputeShamu has a reputation beyond repute
Default

First determine what class you will run. If you run stock Just do front swaybar and get set of Hoosier A6's or new Good Year DOT R AX compounds. Optimize alignment best you can. Listen to the guy who was 4th in Nationals one year.

If you dont care about class then good set of springs and dampers, front swaybar, nice set of 18x9.5 fronts and 18x10.5 rears. You can run 295 A6 up front and 315 in rear on those wheels. No clearence of spacers needed.

Finally get a good LSD like OS Giken.

Leave brakes alone - the stockers are perfect for AX. Contrary to popular belief you dont want track brakes on an autocross car. If you live in cooler area dont think you will need oil cooler however I was really not happy with temps of my car just with spirited street driving. I couldnt stand to see spiking temps so installed a cooler on my car.
__________________
Grant
Shamu is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
AutoCross Tires Rooskey Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip 5 07-10-2011 01:16 AM
First Autocross event! JoeyD Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip 19 10-26-2010 06:28 PM
Questions, questions and more questions for a potential 370z buyer! tag824 Nissan 370Z General Discussions 67 09-18-2010 12:07 AM
where to autocross? Pharmacist Canada 1 05-28-2010 09:42 PM
Autocross Anyone? djsizzy Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip 15 12-14-2009 08:29 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:10 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2