My New Z Nismo's first track day!

[D2M]

There is a auxiliary fuel pump kit that sits in the driver side of the tank and feeds the passenger side main pump for the 370Z, not sure if it is compatible with the new Z. Hopefully Z1 will come up with an easy to install kit.

 

[up4speed]

There is a auxiliary fuel pump kit that sits in the driver side of the tank and feeds the passenger side main pump for the 370Z, not sure if it is compatible with the new Z. Hopefully Z1 will come up with an easy to install kit.

I think Z1 has a pump kit. But I don't like how it's constantly on, plus it supposedly makes your fuel gauge do wacky things. At this point, I think that the easiest fix is to just keep it topped off.

 

[METROdigital]

I topped up just before the track, and I was surprised to use a half tank!

 

[up4speed]

I topped up just before the track, and I was surprised to use a half tank!

I always use a 1/2 tank by lunch time, ughh

 

[up4speed]

I just checked the brakes today because I'm going to Thompson Raceway on April 5th (my 3rd track day with this car). Apparently, the brakes were very worn. I only had 2 track days and 3,500 miles on them. The new pad is 10mm thick, and I had 4mm left on the pad. Since I've been using approx. 3mm per track day, I didn't want to risk it and damage my rotors. Plus, I wouldn't feel comfortable slowing from high speeds towards a turn, lol. At least these brakes work fairly well and are cheap!
I'm still going to look for aftermarket alternatives, bur as of now, it seems like the only other choice is Carbotech, but they are expensive, so it may not be worth it because they are so easy to change.
It's a little annoying that they wear so fast, and even more annoying is that I can't check any of the brakes without removing the wheels (it's the main things that I really don't like about this car).

 

[D2M]

Agreed, its a pita as the bottom of the caliper is closed so you cant see the pads. I use this to check brake wear on everything, works great.

https://www.vevor.com/pipe-inspecti...camera-for-automotive-plumbing-p_010921210736

 

[trackratZ]

I took the car to Limerock recently, and sure enough, as soon as the fuel droped to about half, I experienced power loss at the same place on track. I thought that the first time was a freak thing so I ignored it, then it happened on the very next lap at the same place. I then realized that my fuel was at about 1/2 and I knew exactly what happened. I got off the track and topped off the fuel, and it immediately fixed. I guess when tracking this car, I have to make sure that I always have at least 1/2 tank of gas. As if the car isn't already too heavy!
I wonder if there is a fix for it other than that Z1 pump system? I don't want to do that because it can mess up the fuel gauge and give false readings.

At our event last week at Chuckwalla, my buddy's 350Z is still having the same starvation issues, i.e. Nissan didn't do much to address this 2 generations later. He's heard fuel mats might work, like the Holley Hydramat. Check into that or similar, designed to keep constant fuel in the mat/sponge to prevent sucking air/starvation. Great write up, keep us updated.

Here's his video in front of me, he's running an SC kit putting down 400+ whp. Had to give up last half of the session. I'm in my 315hp Cayman S.

 

[up4speed]

Agreed, its a pita as the bottom of the caliper is closed so you cant see the pads. I use this to check brake wear on everything, works great.

https://www.vevor.com/pipe-inspecti...camera-for-automotive-plumbing-p_010921210736

I have a few inspection cameras, but I didn't think that I could bend it into position between the wheel and caliper, to look into the edge of the caliper. Are you able to see the pads on the Nismo with that camera?
That would be amazing if I can figure out a way to look in without removing the wheels. These pads wear so fast, I have to check them every track day. Maybe I can wait 2 max before checking them.

 

[up4speed]

At our event last week at Chuckwalla, my buddy's 350Z is still having the same starvation issues, i.e. Nissan didn't do much to address this 2 generations later. He's heard fuel mats might work, like the Holley Hydramat. Check into that or similar, designed to keep constant fuel in the mat/sponge to prevent sucking air/starvation. Great write up, keep us updated.

Here's his video in front of me, he's running an SC kit putting down 400+ whp. Had to give up last half of the session. I'm in my 315hp Cayman S.

Nice video! That track looks like fun.
I looked into the Hydramat. It looks like it should work to avoid the issue with starvation. The only problem is that I can't find any install videos on an OEM fuel system, and the installs on the racing cells seem technically easy, but I don't like how they have to alter the fuel pickup tube. I don't think I want anything that essentially alters the car. Hopefully I can find a system that is designed to be plug and play with our cars.
If that hydramat is so effective (or at least it looks that way in the video), why wouldn't Nissan use something similar to fix this known issue?

 

[D2M]

I have a few inspection cameras, but I didn't think that I could bend it into position between the wheel and caliper, to look into the edge of the caliper. Are you able to see the pads on the Nismo with that camera?
That would be amazing if I can figure out a way to look in without removing the wheels. These pads wear so fast, I have to check them every track day. Maybe I can wait 2 max before checking them.

It fits in there perfectly, the camera is tiny, here are some examples. These are pictures of pictures, the actual resolution is a lot better. I'm at 8500 street miles and looks like %50 pad life left.

This is cool as you can put the camera in through the spark plug hole and rotate it up to look at the combustion chamber. This is not the Z btw.

 

[up4speed]

It fits in there perfectly, the camera is tiny, here are some examples. These are pictures of pictures, the actual resolution is a lot better. I'm at 8500 street miles and looks like %50 pad life left.

This is cool as you can put the camera in through the spark plug hole and rotate it up to look at the combustion chamber. This is not the Z btw.

That is so cool that the camera can be rotated up!! I didn't know that they do that nowadays. I have 2 older cameras. One is used for plumbing and it has way too big of a head on it. My other one links to the phone, and has a smaller head, so it may work. I'll let you know if it works. But none of mine have a "steerable head"! If I can't see the pads with my camera, I will buy the same one that you have, that's perfect.

 

[5thZ]

@OP what mods did you have for the track? Suspension, brakes, cooling, etc?

 

[kevinbonds]

OP, what oil are you running and viscosity for the track?

 

[5thZ]

OP, what oil are you running and viscosity for the track?

I ran Motul 8100 Power in the 370z for track but am curious what he's running as well. Thx for your question. edit: sorry, got this forum confused with another one. I thought this would have been a nested reply, neatly hidden away

 

[up4speed]

@OP what mods did you have for the track? Suspension, brakes, cooling, etc?

I only have 2 track days on it so far. I left everything stock to see what it's weaknesses are.
Since the car was new, and I was not used to it, I only pushed it to about 80-85%. I have to say, it really handles very well in stock form. I purchased the Nismo on purpose because I wanted to minimize any required changes and to keep the factory warranty.
I was easily completing the 20-minute sessions with no brake fade and consistently hitting 1.3 - 1.4 G's on the turns.
My only complaint is that the front brake pads were mostly worn at 3,600 miles and 2 track days (they had about 3mm left). I was expecting at least 4 - 5 days out of them (at least they are seriously cheap!). I just changed them and replaced the brake fluid with Motul RBF660 in preparation for my next track day in about a week.
As of now, since I'm not looking to win any races, and only looking for reliable fun, I'm not going to change anything unless I start pushing it harder and something is needed for me to improve my satisfaction with the car. As of now, it feels quick, capable and balanced, so I'm happy!