Racing tips

[cremmenga]

I have recently started to practice for racing my 240z. I stumbled on some really great websites that show and tell you so tips on how to race, steer, brake, etc.. I have read them all and can't wait to get off work to go try a few. hope these sites help!!

http://www.turnfast.com/

http://www.tcsracing.org/Tips.htm

[zguitar71]

What type of racing are you getting into?

[cremmenga]

for now just you know working on corning, mainly parking lot type with cones. I will see where it goes from there. I prob. won't do much more than that till i have my v8 swap done.

[texasz]

...mainly parking lot type with cones...

That is called autocross and is a lot of fun...many of the members here autox their Z.

[Chino 240Z]

Not so sure the v8 is going to help the handling, cornnering, tire wear and braking... at least without lots of upgrades in these areas. But it may impress you on the 1/4mile, or long straights of a road coarse? Auto-crossing will still be fun and give you a hand full to your suprize with a stock Z too!

[jmortensen]

Not this again. A standard V8 with aluminum heads and manifold is only 40 lbs heavier than a L6, and has a lower cg and lower PMOI if installed in the JTR position. Should not be a hindrance to handling AT ALL. Makes weight distribution about 48/52, so should be easier on front tires and better in braking and a whole lot faster at the end of the straight.

[jmortensen]

Should also say that the problem with V8 swaps isn't the V8, it's mostly the guys who install them. I'd say 95% are just interested in drag racing and don't do ANYTHING to the suspension at all.

[Chino 240Z]

That is what I was going to say. Ya the V8 done right is hot! no doubt, but a typical guy doing a transplant won't go the extra cost or time setting it in right for performance track driving. Many swaps ever get that 48/52 or know what do do with the extra HP in the small car? Would be nice to have a second car.

[jmortensen]

The 48/52 is a function of the engine chosen and the mounts used. Doesn't require any battery relocation or anything. As long as the JTR kit is used and the engine has aluminum heads and manifold, you're there.

I think we're in agreement on the handling thing though. I took a guy for a ride in my L6 with triples and all that, it a pretty fun little ride, 4 wheel drifting over the crest of a hill, apexing everything just right, etc. When we get back he says "You ought to go for a ride with Jason. He put a V8 in his Z and he just steps on the gas and it goes completely sideways!!!" Different strokes...

[Chino 240Z]

for differrent folks!

[zguitar71]

Welcome to the fun world of autocrossing. Here is my $.02 Before spending the money on the V-8 make sure you get some good autocross tires that fit into the class you will be racing and give it a go, the tires will do more for you than any engine modifications. Go to www.scca.com (under solo, and look for the pdf rule book) and look at the classes and see what types of mods can be done in each class. With a V-8 you will either be in Street mod or E Modified. I would stay away from the E mod class they are partal tube frame race cars that weigh 1700 LBS and have no interior ect.. Street Mod is for street legal cars with full interiors but heavily modified from stock (like a V-8, suspension, flares ect..) and run DOT approved tires like the Kumo V710 or Hoosier A3S05. The V-8 will not make the car faster around the track as compared to your driving ability the tires and suspension, they will be the determining factors and in that order. The first thing to do, really, is just take the car as it is and go out and have some fun. Z cars can be potent autocrossers in the hands of a good driver. It is good to see that you are into racing the car because there are less and less Z's out there competing, lots of people are running Corvettes and Minis and Suburu's and other newer cars. It is great to see the look on people's faces (especially Corvette drivers) when they are beat by a 35 year old Japanese car with Datsun written on the side. Of course doing it with an inline 6 really gets them.

[cremmenga]

I know driving is 80% car is 20% but I love the v8 sbc's I have a 350 with about 500hp so it should be a riot!!