Hi, Just about to buy myself a 300zx TT manual and ideally i want to Drift/Track it ( aswell as have it on the road ). Now iv done a few searches and i know they can have problems with oil starvation and also cooling issues. Now the question is what can be done about it?? Would a baffled sump be enough? Also i plan to ditch as much from the engine bay as possible, As it stands i will be ditching AIV, EGR, A/C, HICAS. Is there anything else that can be ditched?

 

I do plan on still having this taxed and tested.

 

Cheers in advance

PRVR can come out: http://www.pexcom.com.au/z32cms/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.274

 

as can the carbon canister: http://s95014253.onlinehome.us/63104/6901.html?*session*id*key*=*session*id*val*

if youre pulling the plenum to delete the EGR then get rid off the coolant hoses to the TB's underneath: http://s95014253.onlinehome.us/63104/16304.html

what makes you want to use the zed as a drift car, theres plently of other cars that would be better for this. there are afew guys on here that do use them for that, but stuff like the steering rack needs to be modified to get enough angle for opposite lock, the lock is pretty poor on these cars, also teh car itself its relitivly heavy. maybe you would be better off with a 200sx or simular. not trying to put you off as obviously i think the zeds great, but its not the most natural drifter.

I have removed from engine bay-

 

AIV

EGR

PRVR

Carbon Canistor

TB coolant pipes

Aircon - (Pump, Bracket, Condensor, Radiator, Fan and Pipework)

Hicas (Solenoid, piping, rack)

Cruise control

Stock Boost solenoids and piping

Boost sensor

Hydraulic clutch bleed piping

Clutch Vacumn tanks and piping

Battery relocated to boot

PTU relocated

 

It all helps create a cleaner, spacious and simpler engine bay to work on, as well as a decent bit of weight reduction and improved airflow.

 

Oil starvation solutions

 

- Larger baffled sump - Specialtyz.com

- Oil Accumulator - eg. Accusump

- Extra return feeds from heads to sump

- Dry sump - Custom, expensive

 

Cooling

 

Not really a big issue when in good working order but a Larger radiator, oil cooler, correctly positioned bonnet vents and the above engine bay changes improves cooling and bay temps.

Edited May 15, 201114 yr by Yowser

what makes you want to use the zed as a drift car, theres plently of other cars that would be better for this. there are afew guys on here that do use them for that, but stuff like the steering rack needs to be modified to get enough angle for opposite lock, the lock is pretty poor on these cars, also teh car itself its relitivly heavy. maybe you would be better off with a 200sx or simular. not trying to put you off as obviously i think the zeds great, but its not the most natural drifter.

 

I reckon the zed is quite a good drift car in the wet, but as the reasons stated above, I'm not convinced it makes it a good car to drift in the dry. And yes, there is about half a turn of the steering wheel to little when you start throwing it very sideways. There's nothing worse than hitting the lock stop and you can still feel the car letting go :helpsmilie:

 

That said - if thats what you want then go for it - but as z32bolt says, there are probably cheaper more suitable alternatives about. 1500 kgs is about 300 kgs too many in my opinion.

 

I would suggest you make a fast road setup (i.e: can handle bumps, speed humps and potholes AND be comfortable to sit in) and you'd still be able to enjoy the odd powerslide or trackday. If you drive it really hard, you better have deep pockets - trust me on this..

Tbh it would be more of a track car than drift ( although i will do a bit of drifting). My local track is Knockhill. Just from looking at the car i can see there is plenty of weight to drop of it ( plus i have been known to get a bit crazy with the grinder ).

 

And to be fair the car is silly cheap to start with, plus it's good to be different. Up at KH there are tons of corsa's ( C20LET ), Evo's and Scoobies etc. Think i will wait till i have the car here, then start getting the car the way i want.

Weight can easily be knocked off. Im at 1350kg in the slicktop with full interior - With it stripped out your in the 1200's.

 

Steering lock can be easily fixed, a lot of drift cars run rack spacers anyway.

 

The main reason these are not drifted really is due to cost to repair/modify and ease to work on. Drift cars get pranged a lot and go bang a lot.

 

Well that and reputation. You'll often see the Z regarded in outside circles as old and overweight by those that dont know the car - but they will then get in their Skyline/m3,/911/Supra...etc - all of which weigh the same as the Z.

 

Personally, while it can be drifted and its easy to get the back out and held around the local roundabout I think it makes a better track car. The Z has an excellent race history, and handles quite well, unlike many of the popular drift cars. With plenty of Improvement potential if you like to play with cars and have the pennies.

Edited May 15, 201114 yr by Yowser

If your interested in the Z potential, have a google for

 

SPL 300zx

Powertrix 300zx

UAS 300zx

 

Incredible track build Z's all of which regularly show up much more expensive race prepared cars on track.

 

Within the UK Bobgenie, Jaffa, Silverbullet and j1mmytt have impressive Track biased Z's too.

 

Mine is far to behind in progress, but its getting there.

and dont let dave drive it :-)

Im lucky enough to work in the motor trade and as such have a few friends who each are superb at various things ( engine work, suspension set-up, bodywork ). Plus i work in parts so can track the bits i need down fairly easily and usually cheap enough, though this will be my first venture into the jap world been mainly VAG till now.

I think a Track Z would look awesome and be different.

They are not the easiest car to work with, but the result can be spectacular.

 

I guess one way to look at it is that you will get much more look if you are drifting a Z32 as oppose to a S13

 

there are a few, maybe about 10 that I'm aware of that are pretty track dedicated, or at least prepared with track use in mind.

 

There are always going to be camps that say this, or that car is better. I'd say my NSX is a far better balanced track car... but is it more fun on the track than my Zed? Not sure I can say that. There are characteristics of the Zed the blow the nsx out of the water... and vis-a-versa.

 

At the end of the day people have dreams based on personal taste, style and history. go with it, whatever it is :)

 

having said that, although higher power, I don't think the Zed is the cheapest way to go.

Edited May 15, 201114 yr by Boomin33