Iv been around here for some time now and have got to know the 300zx and its history fairly well, however, there are some questions that i'v never really seen any literature on to tell me why... i thought it would make an interesting discussion.

 

• why did they make lwb zeds
  
• why did they make swb zeds
  
• why did they make slicktop zeds
  
• why was the na not available in the uk
  
• why was the swb not available in the uk
  
• why were lwb tts not available in the us
  
• were slicktops available in the us? if not, why not
  
• why do uk specs have heated seats and jdm have folding mirrors
  

 

the first 3 are my biggest interest for this discussion. i appreciate the obvious views on these regarding domestic market demands and performance characteristics but it all seems a bit random. is there any testing evidence to support opinions of how the different models compare?

you better ask someone in nissan in japan ))

42!

no idea! however the skicktop was available in the US but only in NA form

'cause!

probably all of the above were done to cover a larger market, some people wanted 4 seat, some 2, some wanted targa's some didnt

 

also maybe the slicky was created in the same way as some special edition cars come out to cover the motorsport rule of having so many of that car on the road

 

just some thoughts of mine

42!

 

Ah, the answer to the universe & everything!! :D

probably all of the above were done to cover a larger market, some people wanted 4 seat, some 2, some wanted targa's some didnt

 

also maybe the slicky was created in the same way as some special edition cars come out to cover the motorsport rule of having so many of that car on the road

 

just some thoughts of mine

 

then why didnt they make a lwb slicktop... most racing teams that used the z32 used the lwb model..

 

dave, what are the main reasons for you choosing the slicktop for track use other than the weight?

Me think u want a slicky Joel??!!??!

 

Al.

Me think u want a slicky Joel??!!??!

 

Al.

 

me think you right... just trying to warrant it to myself...

then why didnt they make a lwb slicktop... most racing teams that used the z32 used the lwb model..

 

dave, what are the main reasons for you choosing the slicktop for track use other than the weight?

 

swb for a start and with it being a tin top there should be less twist in the chassi in the bends etc

 

also he didnt need 4 seats :biggrin:

N/A were not in the uk as its a limited market and they wanted the best model on sale. Same with the supra and the GTO

swb for a start and with it being a tin top there should be less twist in the chassi in the bends etc

 

also he didnt need 4 seats :biggrin:

 

so the shorter wheel base makes it handle better? i can appreciate the stiffer chassis making improvements but will a swb targa handle as well as a lwb targa on an average uk 'trackday track'?

im no pro as i have never driven a shortie. but yeah in theroy it should handle better as it will have a better turn in and be more nible due to the weight. then the slick top will be better again due to the body being more rigid

 

But the lwb is surpose to be more stable in a straight line

 

With the swb its all the little things that add up. But talking in the real world there will be naff all distance. Like a car being 1 sec to 60 quicker there is no differance in the real world

 

IMO ;)

then why didnt they make a lwb slicktop... most racing teams that used the z32 used the lwb model..

 

dave, what are the main reasons for you choosing the slicktop for track use other than the weight?

 

-Lower Weight

-Torsional Rigidity

- Shorter wheel base

 

= a Faster and better handling base to begin with.

 

oh, plus FIA Regulations on Targa roofs not allowed in Competition use.

 

The LWB vs SWB wheelbase makes a noticable difference to the way the car performs.

 

In theory a Shorter wheel base has an advantage on Twistier circuits while a longer wheel base has a High speed cornering stability advantage.

 

In Practice the SWB feels more agile and responsive, making the LWB feel a bit on the lazy side.

 

Slicktop Torsional rigidiy is also noticable. The SWB shell is already more rigid than the LWB becuase moment of a force is increased by distance, and the slicktop just improves on this further. Stiffer chassis = improved suspension handling and ride.

 

The one thing I would say though is that if drifting is your thing then the LWB is your friend, its easier to hold a slide, whereas with the SWB your have to be much quicker on your toes to catch it. :scared:

Edited February 2, 201015 yr by Yowser

-Lower Weight

-Torsional Rigidity

- Shorter wheel base

 

= a Faster and better handling base to begin with.

 

oh, plus FIA Regulations on Targa roofs not allowed in Competition use.

 

The LWB vs SWB wheelbase makes a noticable difference to the way the car performs.

 

In theory a Shorter wheel base has an advantage on Twistier circuits while a longer wheel base has a High speed cornering stability advantage.

 

In Practice the SWB feels more agile and responsive, making the LWB feel a bit on the lazy side.

 

Slicktop Torsional rigidiy is also noticable. The SWB shell is already more rigid than the LWB becuase moment of a force is increased by distance, and the slicktop just improves on this further. Stiffer chassis = improved suspension handling and ride.

 

The one thing I would say though is that if drifting is your thing then the LWB is your friend, its easier to hold a slide, whereas with the SWB your have to be much quicker on your toes to catch it.

 

That what i tried to say but in a fooked up way :lol::lol::lol:

so what your saying is... stop fookin about and buy a slicktop you damn fool?

so the shorter wheel base makes it handle better? i can appreciate the stiffer chassis making improvements but will a swb targa handle as well as a lwb targa on an average uk 'trackday track'?

 

What the shorter wheelbase does is put more of the load forces over the axles, compared to a longer wheelbase. So you get increased traction on acceleration and braking and improved steering.

 

Real world example would be Nissan shortening the wheelbase on the 370z, compared to the 350z.

so what your saying is... stop fookin about and buy a slicktop you damn fool?

 

LOL. but why change yours!? Its a nice example...even if it is red :p

i dont see the point in selling your car for a slicky unless you plan on racing :)

isnt the ultimate racing zed a lwb?

isnt the ultimate racing zed a lwb?

the UAS car ?

 

The UAS car is a LWB, the SPL and the Powertrix race car's are SWB.

the UAS car ?

 

The UAS car is a LWB, the SPL and the Powertrix race car's are SWB.

 

ah yes the uas one lol duno why i called it the ultimate lol i wonder why they went for the lwb and what differences they had,,, hmmmm they should have some head to head action with the lwb's and swb racing cars

overall the lwb and swb would probably be equal with each doing better in certain situations.

skick top = ugly people drive

 

T Top = for the good lookers

 

SWB = for little men

 

LWB = for big men