Guys & Girls,

 

Myself and a couple of friends are looking at buying a 300ZX for track day use only and I would like your opinions on a couple of things as I am a ZX novice.

 

We are looking at doing between 6 and 10 days a year.

 

1)Manual or Auto - would prefer a manual but how good is the auto box?

 

2)Reliability - Being a Nissan I expect them to be pretty good, but seeing as they are so complicated I would worry about something very expnsive happening.

 

3) Twinturbo or NA - again would prefer a twin, but how good are the non turbo imports?

 

4) Wheels - Tyre prices for 18's are scandalous, is the handling so much better than on 16's that the cost is worth it?

 

And finally if we do decide to take the plunge what should we look out for?

 

Thanks to you all in advance

 

1)Manual or Auto - would prefer a manual but how good is the auto box?

 

I own both.

The AUTO is pretty decent, but the MANUAL is much more fun...and about being in control

 

2)Reliability - Being a Nissan I expect them to be pretty good, but seeing as they are so complicated I would worry about something very expnsive happening.

 

Well, the Z are very reliable cars...provided.

 

-The are well maintained

-You never ever think about bringing them to a bunch of ignorant, arrogant, expensive wankers known as "Nissan Dealers / Mechanics"

 

3) Twinturbo or NA - again would prefer a twin, but how good are the non turbo imports?

 

The TT is of course more fun....but the NA is not bad....bit I'd go for a TT

 

4) Wheels - Tyre prices for 18's are scandalous, is the handling so much better than on 16's that the cost is worth it?

 

IMHO, 18in are a WASTE of money, go for a 17.

The BEST tracaking improvement you can do for a Z is

 

8mm disk spacers on the front end.

255/40 ZR 17 all around (so you can rotate the tires)

 

And finally if we do decide to take the plunge what should we look out for?

Damm, so many things to check out...

The next time (probably next week) I'll inspect a Z for a friend to buy...I'll write down what I lopok for.

 

Zee you

 

Henri

 

90 2+2 TT Auto

92 2+2 TT Manual

92 2+2 TT Dodge Stealth

 

why dont you go for something nice and light instead as a 1500 kg car is hardly going to make a great track car

but thats up to you, i own a manual tt and i think its the dogs ganoonies.

upkeep can be expensive as youll need brake conversion and suspension to really make it handle nicley , tires are expensive but slicks are not bad in 16 inch trim

 

Have a look on http://www.uniqueautosports.com/ they are preparing a 300ZX for racing, you may be able to get some ideas from them. They also had pics of the below Zed's...

 

Oh, if you need a spare driver you just have to ask! :)

Laterz

Trev.

 

10 days a year on the track leaves you with 355 other days when you can go out on the roads and terrorise impreza/cossy owners ;-)

Paul

 

Thanks a lot for the replies all

 

Just in reply to a couple of your comments

 

300Z - I wouldn't plan on leaving it weighing that much for long, as it would only be used for the track (I couldn't afford to insure one for the road anyway, only 24) we would be looking at stripping out all unnecessary weight (air con, electrics, interior etc) to get it down a bit. I've looked into the whole caterham/westfield thing and they aren't really what we are looking for. (Superlight R500 would be big fun though)

 

Paulg - unfortunately the other 355 days would make it far too expensive and compromise it as a track car.