The Official 370Z Autocross Thread

[gomer_110]

Originally Posted by Mancub

13.2
-A,E: I can get paddles for my convenience.
-G:Roll bars can be bolted or welded in, cages must be bolted
-I: I can add a rear trailer hitch.

No reason to get a roll bar or cage just for autox.
Trailer hitch is completely legal. A lot of people have little utility trailers to get there autox wheels/tires to the event.

Originally Posted by Mancub

13.2
13.4
- I can use rims +/- 1 inch from stock. Spacers are OK, but iffy.

IIRC spacers are illegal in stock class. Last I knew there were very specific rules regarding what limited deviations from stock wheel offsets could be. Allowing spacers would fly in the face of that rule.

Originally Posted by Mancub

13.6
- I can get new pads, and should probably upgrade to the oem sport brakes.

My understanding is going to oem sport brakes would be illegal unless you swap everything that makes a sport model a sport model. It's an all or nothing type proposal.

As far as pads go I'd recommend Ferodo DS2500 pads.

[gomer_110]

Be careful. Autox can be a very addictive and expensive hobby.

[cjwsrt6]

Yes, just kee the stock 19's and run the re-71. I run rs3's right now on stock wheels and kee top pax almost every event, koni yellows and eibach front bar with hawk pads waiting to get put on

[gomer_110]

Originally Posted by Mancub

Won't the change in width from Base to Sport wheels knock me out of BS?

Originally Posted by cjwsrt6

Yes, just kee the stock 19's and run the re-71.

You cannot use the the sport model wheels and stay in B-Street without putting every sport model feature on your car.

2016 SCCA Solo Rulebook
13. Option package conversions may be performed between specific vehicles of a particular make and model, but only between configurations from within a particular model year. Such conversions must be totally complete and the resultant car must meet all requirements of this Section.

2016 SCCA Solo Rulebook
13.4.A It is the same width as standard and as installed it does not have an offset more than ±7.00 mm (±0.275”) from a standard wheel for the car. The resultant change in track dimensions is allowed.

[cjwsrt6]

Ok, I didn't see that he had a base car

[Mancub]

My highest priorities right now are taking care of grip and body roll. Researching now if 245/275 tires might fit my base rims. Koni yellows are going through the home approval process, but I had to concede the CF paddle shifters.

[zpower86]

Here's video from our first points autox event of the year. I think the 370Z can still be competitive even though it's moved up into B Street last year. It might depend on the course. We have several drivers who run corvettes and S2000s in BS in my region, several of whom are nationally competitive. I guess we'll see as the year progresses.

1st in BS, 3rd PAX of 131.

https://youtu.be/m3Krt2dmweg

[danegrey]

Congrats on the placing, wish i could drive like that ....

[12Autox]

Hi, I have been lurking for quite a while. I have a 2015 Nismo. I am running it at the El Toro Pro Solo this weekend. Up against the fastest Z06 guys in the country in A Street. I didn't see any other 370's on the roster. Anyone showing up?

[gomer_110]

Originally Posted by 12Autox

Hi, I have been lurking for quite a while. I have a 2015 Nismo. I am running it at the El Toro Pro Solo this weekend. Up against the fastest Z06 guys in the country in A Street. I didn't see any other 370's on the roster. Anyone showing up?

Strano, Pozzi, and Peters; yeah, you're screwed. It's still a damn good time though.

[Mancub]

I'll watch any video you post but just the thought of going against those Z06 guys... ::shudder::

I can't even beat the S2000s in my class right now. Got front sway, re-11s at 245/275, and plans for konis in the future but I figure I should torture my stock 225/245 tires as much as possible.

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[Spooler]

Originally Posted by Mancub

I'll watch any video you post but just the thought of going against those Z06 guys... ::shudder::

I can't even beat the S2000s in my class right now. Got front sway, re-11s at 245/275, and plans for konis in the future but I figure I should torture my stock 225/245 tires as much as possible.

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There is another event in June at Hutchinson Island. Are you going to be there? I am thinking about going.

[Mancub]

Originally Posted by Spooler

There is another event in June at Hutchinson Island. Are you going to be there? I am thinking about going.

Yep, I'll be there, but due to life getting in the way of installs my car is still 100% stock. Still a blast.

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[kbc749]

Hey guys/girls

My first ever AutoX competition will be this Sunday in Nebraska. I am signed up for the starting line school as part of a sponsorship from the SCCA to the motorsports team, part of this school is entrance into the AutoX event on Sunday.

I have read about 25 of the pages from this post, some in the front side, some in the back.

does anybody have a solid list of tips for a first timer that are Z specific? like a summary of the things you've learned, dos and don'ts etc.

Thanks!

KBC749

[zpower86]

Originally Posted by kbc749

does anybody have a solid list of tips for a first timer that are Z specific? like a summary of the things you've learned, dos and don'ts etc.

KBC749

Z specific tips. I assume you will be running in B Street. I would advise running a higher tire pressure in the front so the tires don't roll over or skip. I run 38-39 PSI in the front, and 32-33 in the rear when hot. So you might start the day with 37f/32r, then monitor the pressure after each run to stay around 38/33. Don't floor it abruptly when exiting a fast corner...most of the time you'll want to roll on the throttle. A better way to say this might be, don't give it 100% throttle unless you're driving in a straight line. I usually start with about 35% full tank of gas (per my OBD-II reader). At the starting line, I'll rev the engine to about 3000 rpm, lift, then as the revs drop to 2500 rpm, then I drop the clutch and roll on the throttle simultaneously. Try to shift from 1st to 2nd gear close to redline (giving you the fastest acceleration), unless that requires shifting IN a turn -- these cars are tough enough to get smooth in a straight line, let alone in a curve.So it's better to shift early and keep the car settled as you enter the first corner.

General autocross tips. Walk the course 3 times at least (requires arriving early). As you're walking it, think about where you'll be looking when you're at that spot during your run. This will help you recognize where you are when you're at speed. Smooth is fast, yes maybe, but that doesn't mean you can't turn the wheel fast (for example, in a tight/offset slalom). Try to get rides with fast drivers in similar cars.