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Subject New track car - long read.
     
Posted by Scotts94z32 on October 23, 2008 at 12:34 PM
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Message Cliffnotes: Bought a Z33 to learn how to drive - scroll down to pics.

Longer version:

Some of you will throw stones at me (and for a variety of reasons), but I've decided to stop "aggressive" tracking of my beloved Z32TT. I will still take it to Z-based track events (like ZCon, ClubZ track days, etc.), but I am shifting my focus in trying to hone my driving skillz on a dedicated track car.

The intent of my Z32TT build was to make it a track car, but in the process I made cosmetic changes to accompany an unbelievable power plant that I simply can't utilize. The Z is scary fast, and created the most incredible rush when I drove Laguna Seca last year.

To be a true track car, it would need two main things: First, it requires driver who is not afraid to push the car to the limits, whether that's 2-wheels off or 4, which is not something I really want to do with this car at this point. Secondly, I would need to have the utmost confidence in our oiling system, which I simply do not have. I have spun two rod bearings on OEM motors at organized sanctions (one was autox, one was open track), and I don't think I can handle the downtime, expense, and overall mood swing if my built engine failed on me. The only problem with this? No more track car. . .

I had the ability over the past 3 years to drive my wife's Z33 Roadster at a few track days, and really enjoyed the NA's power-delivery, handling, and overall ability to drive all day, regardless of the ambient temperature, without issue. I drove a 110F day at Thunderhill last year. While all the turbo cars were in the pits with heat-management issues, we were lapping to our hearts’ desire. Here we are getting a little “talking to” at Buttonwillow during a Thanksgiving weekend event:

Many of you know my wife, Ashley, and she is an awesome woman, but I can not make her DD my dedicated track car. A local friend that has attended a bunch of track events, and used to chase me pretty well around Thunderhill in the TT, presented us with an opportunity to purchase his ready-to-track Z-car - and we scooped it up.

Simply put, my plan is to learn how to drive while approaching the limit, and this is a car I’d be “ok” with putting 4-wheels off. It has a few dings and bruises, so a few more won’t hurt anything. I hope to do a Time Attack or two next year, but have immediate plans to track the car two or three times before the end of the year. It already did very well at our local autox last Sunday, so I’m excited to get it out onto the track and drive it hard.

The new Z will be in the shop next week getting some maintenance done, re-tuned, and track-ready for its first event at Thunderhill on November 8th. From there we will drive either or both Buttonwillow and Laguna Seca before the year ends while we keep dialing it in. The Z makes a respectable 260rwhp with a broad and linear power band. All I’ve done so far is put out a couple of for sale ads for goodies that I don’t need (Volk wheels, aftermarket front end, CF hood, extra track wheels, etc.) and will add some safety equipment and harnesses after the maintenance is completed.

Here ya go:

Z you at the track! :)

SS

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