Nissan 370Z - My 'Attainable Dream Car'
Discussion
The 370Z performed brilliantly on its big trip; 700 mile road trip over Friday/Saturday/Sunday, all-day trackday on the Monday. We didn't do the exact NC500 route as we've done it twice before already and, to be honest, John O'Groats is a toilet and the roads immediately surrounding it are boring! So we skipped that small section out and added some other quieter roads in, which worked perfectly.
Was a great trip all in all, weather was lovely, roads weren't too busy and the car was excellent. Comfortable and refined enough for the cruisey bits, fast enough to get past any amount of traffic/campervans, and keeping up with a Type-R and a Caterham on the twisty bits was challenging but possible!
The track day went great; I have to say I'm a much bigger fan of all-day track days rather than a two-hour evening session. So much more time to go at your own pace, take breaks, go and watch for a bit, rather than feeling pressured to get the laps in because the clock is ticking. Also far better value, £200 for seven hours track time against £125 for two hours.
Still went for it though!
I've also had to re-do the black front lip, with paint this time. The vinyl stuck initially but started to peel at the corners after a few weeks, then once rain got into the peeled sections that was it. I think there were just too many intricate curves and angles for vinyl. Wasn't a big job to spray it and I've gotten a better (and permanent) result.
Plans for getting more bits and pieces done on the car have slowed somewhat; I'm currently renovating a house so have no free time and even less free cash, but before the end of the year I'm hoping to do;
- spacers all round, probably 12-15mm or so
- respray brake calipers red (agonised over this but eventually decided I am going to do it!)
- possibly get the rear wheels refurbed
- the yellowing in my headlights is starting to creep back so will need to look at machine-sanding
Was a great trip all in all, weather was lovely, roads weren't too busy and the car was excellent. Comfortable and refined enough for the cruisey bits, fast enough to get past any amount of traffic/campervans, and keeping up with a Type-R and a Caterham on the twisty bits was challenging but possible!
The track day went great; I have to say I'm a much bigger fan of all-day track days rather than a two-hour evening session. So much more time to go at your own pace, take breaks, go and watch for a bit, rather than feeling pressured to get the laps in because the clock is ticking. Also far better value, £200 for seven hours track time against £125 for two hours.
Still went for it though!
I've also had to re-do the black front lip, with paint this time. The vinyl stuck initially but started to peel at the corners after a few weeks, then once rain got into the peeled sections that was it. I think there were just too many intricate curves and angles for vinyl. Wasn't a big job to spray it and I've gotten a better (and permanent) result.
Plans for getting more bits and pieces done on the car have slowed somewhat; I'm currently renovating a house so have no free time and even less free cash, but before the end of the year I'm hoping to do;
- spacers all round, probably 12-15mm or so
- respray brake calipers red (agonised over this but eventually decided I am going to do it!)
- possibly get the rear wheels refurbed
- the yellowing in my headlights is starting to creep back so will need to look at machine-sanding
Bit of an odd issue I’ve had to sort! Out of nowhere a loud (and annoying) rattling noise appeared, coming from the right rear wheel area. It was immediately clear that whatever was causing the noise was related to the wheel turning, as it was only there when in motion, and got louder the higher the speed. Was making a hell of a racket once the car was going 30mph+, so I had to get whatever it was sorted.
Jacked the car up, handbrake off and in neutral, gave the wheel a spin and it sounded like it was coming from inside the hub. Wheel off, caliper off, disc off and the cause was obvious;
Somehow the retaining pin for the left side of the handbrake shoe had worked free and come off, and the pin, washer and spring were all loose inside the hub. Fortunately all the pieces were still there, so it was a quick fix and easy to put back together.
When I heard the noise coming from the hub I was worried it would be something more serious, potentially driveshaft or bearing related, so I’m relieved it was such a simple thing and nothing is damaged!
Jacked the car up, handbrake off and in neutral, gave the wheel a spin and it sounded like it was coming from inside the hub. Wheel off, caliper off, disc off and the cause was obvious;
Somehow the retaining pin for the left side of the handbrake shoe had worked free and come off, and the pin, washer and spring were all loose inside the hub. Fortunately all the pieces were still there, so it was a quick fix and easy to put back together.
When I heard the noise coming from the hub I was worried it would be something more serious, potentially driveshaft or bearing related, so I’m relieved it was such a simple thing and nothing is damaged!
Finally got around to refurbing and respraying my brake calipers red. I also changed the Nissan lettering to black as I think it works better than white with red. Couldn’t find a Nissan decal small enough for the rear caliper, so had to go with the ‘Z’ logo but I actually think it works perfectly.
Was a long process but it’s one of those jobs where the prep work is by far the longest part. Worth taking the time and getting the sanding down, masking etc done correctly though.
Two jacks makes such a big difference for a job like this, saved so much time
After the decal and clear coat has been applied, really happy with the finish
Rear caliper
Really pleased with how it’s turned out and I think the car needed a pop of colour. Metallic grey paint, silver wheels, dark grey calipers, black leather….there was literally no colour anywhere.
One of my favourite looks is when there’s a small but bright pop of colour somewhere on predominantly colourless cars.
Once fully dry, the heat generated from a few big stops is enough to cure it and form the paint’s chemical resistance to heat. Paint and decals are good to 400 Celsius apparently so should survive a track day, which was my main concern.
Was a long process but it’s one of those jobs where the prep work is by far the longest part. Worth taking the time and getting the sanding down, masking etc done correctly though.
Two jacks makes such a big difference for a job like this, saved so much time
After the decal and clear coat has been applied, really happy with the finish
Rear caliper
Really pleased with how it’s turned out and I think the car needed a pop of colour. Metallic grey paint, silver wheels, dark grey calipers, black leather….there was literally no colour anywhere.
One of my favourite looks is when there’s a small but bright pop of colour somewhere on predominantly colourless cars.
Once fully dry, the heat generated from a few big stops is enough to cure it and form the paint’s chemical resistance to heat. Paint and decals are good to 400 Celsius apparently so should survive a track day, which was my main concern.
Edited by thatguy11 on Tuesday 28th December 14:24
Edited by thatguy11 on Friday 18th March 11:23
Got another track day booked for the end of March. Not at Knockhill though, at this place…
I’ve been a massive F1 fan for 20 years so this is definitely going to feel like a something of a pilgrimage, and I expect driving on this tarmac is going to feel a more than bit special.
It’s a pretty intimidating track though, and although I’ve driven literally thousands of laps of Spa across various games and sims (Assetto Corsa Competizione is my go-to), I’d never claim to actually know the place. Just got to take the day slow to start and build up like any other circuit.
I’ve also taken the decision to fit an oil cooler. 370Zs tend to run hot under hard use and need an oil cooler for track use. Face lifted versions have a pretty basic one as standard but even those pretty much always get swapped out for a proper one for track use.
Literally every forum’s chat is the same - daily/spirited driving you’re probably fine but for track use you absolutely need an oil cooler. I did keep a very close eye on the oil temp gauge at Knockhill and it does climb after not a huge amount of laps; I always make sure not to push hard for long and do plenty of cooldown laps. Not chancing it at Spa though, there’s a LOT of full throttle time around the lap, and an oil cooler will be essential.
I’ve ordered a Setrab Pro Series 6. It’s thermostatic and only diverts the oil through the cooler once it reaches 80C, which is ideal as it stops the oil being excessively cooled under normal driving in cold conditions.
I’ve been a massive F1 fan for 20 years so this is definitely going to feel like a something of a pilgrimage, and I expect driving on this tarmac is going to feel a more than bit special.
It’s a pretty intimidating track though, and although I’ve driven literally thousands of laps of Spa across various games and sims (Assetto Corsa Competizione is my go-to), I’d never claim to actually know the place. Just got to take the day slow to start and build up like any other circuit.
I’ve also taken the decision to fit an oil cooler. 370Zs tend to run hot under hard use and need an oil cooler for track use. Face lifted versions have a pretty basic one as standard but even those pretty much always get swapped out for a proper one for track use.
Literally every forum’s chat is the same - daily/spirited driving you’re probably fine but for track use you absolutely need an oil cooler. I did keep a very close eye on the oil temp gauge at Knockhill and it does climb after not a huge amount of laps; I always make sure not to push hard for long and do plenty of cooldown laps. Not chancing it at Spa though, there’s a LOT of full throttle time around the lap, and an oil cooler will be essential.
I’ve ordered a Setrab Pro Series 6. It’s thermostatic and only diverts the oil through the cooler once it reaches 80C, which is ideal as it stops the oil being excessively cooled under normal driving in cold conditions.
LesMcQueen said:
What a great car and thread OP. Just read it all. Lovely car you have! Would you say the 370Z is more of a GT than a sports car? Sadly never driven 1.
I would suggest it sits somewhere between the two - a sports GT?! It is a little larger (and heavier) than a compact lightweight sports car like an MX5 or Elise but the extra size comes with added space for 'stuff' so a little more practical. Add in a V6 rather than a I4, which with its associated drivetrain adds to the weight.
It is probably closer in ethos to a Jaguar F-type or 911 Carrera though still smaller than either. So, I would say yes and no... It is capable as a tourer with space for luggage, but compact enough to be a sports car albeit its weight pushes it closer the aforementioned Jag/911.
LesMcQueen said:
What a great car and thread OP. Just read it all. Lovely car you have! Would you say the 370Z is more of a GT than a sports car? Sadly never driven 1.
It's pretty good blend of the two; it's comfortable, well specced and has a big fuel tank, so great for long trips. I've done several and not once felt like it wasn't the right car. Road noise is a bit too much but it's not annoying. But then it's more than capable of being pushed hard. It's not particularly happy at the absolute limit and the gearbox really doesn't like being rushed, it's definitely more of an "eight tenths" car, but it's really enjoyable when giving it a workout. It's not that heavy for what it is (1450kg) and the chassis is great, stiff enough and very well damped.
I will say it's definitely geared like a GT; electronically limited to 155mph, de-limited they'll do 170 but they're geared for 195! Not really a problem on the road but you notice it on track. It's nudging 120mph at the end of the pit straight at Knockhill and it'll do that in fourth!
Edited by thatguy11 on Thursday 3rd March 13:19
thatguy11 said:
It's not particularly happy at the absolute limit and the gearbox really doesn't like being rushed, it's definitely more of an "eight tenths" car, but it's really enjoyable when giving it a workout. It's not that heavy for what it is (1450kg) and the chassis is great, stiff enough and very well damped.
I echo this as well, and I especially love how well damped mine is too(obviously the coupe will be even better). The ride in the M4 is far too stiff for my liking in comparison, and the 370 soaks the road up far better for me. The M4 is just set up too stiff on the road for me, but I'd imagine it would suit the track far more though. I've never driven on a track because I'm too nervous about binning it, because I know what I'm like on the road occasionally and I think that I would just get too carried away on a track. My talent wouldn't match my ambition if you know what I mean.
Great write up and a stunning car !
I have never really been 'into' Japanese cars, but I have always liked the 350/370Zs.
My car history has involved a couple of Alfa 156s and 2 BMW E36s, and a classic Lotus Elan, some of which were used on track days at Croft in North Yorkshire.
I would quite like a 370Z but running costs would deter me...although the ZEDs are 'proper cars' ie big engine up front and RWD..!
And it may be a bit of a crush to get my golf gear in the back I reckon though !
Just curious about the road tax, how much is it currently?
I like the job you did on the calipers, very professional.
How are those discs holding up ?
I shall have to renew mine on the C30 Volvo this year, and , like you, I hate rusty 'top hats' on discs.
All in all, your modifications have been subtle but enhancing, particularly the black vinyl roof which looks great !
I have never really been 'into' Japanese cars, but I have always liked the 350/370Zs.
My car history has involved a couple of Alfa 156s and 2 BMW E36s, and a classic Lotus Elan, some of which were used on track days at Croft in North Yorkshire.
I would quite like a 370Z but running costs would deter me...although the ZEDs are 'proper cars' ie big engine up front and RWD..!
And it may be a bit of a crush to get my golf gear in the back I reckon though !
Just curious about the road tax, how much is it currently?
I like the job you did on the calipers, very professional.
How are those discs holding up ?
I shall have to renew mine on the C30 Volvo this year, and , like you, I hate rusty 'top hats' on discs.
All in all, your modifications have been subtle but enhancing, particularly the black vinyl roof which looks great !
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff