370Z vs RX-8 ...let us hear it from owners of both cars
08-12-2009, 07:55 AM
#126
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I test drove a 370Z last weekend. Besides the guys at the dealerships being douchebags since I test drove and didn't buy, I have to say I DID like the Z.
I honestly think the styling is much improved. The 350 looked like a prego elephant, the 370 looks much shorter, squater, and better. It still feels heavy compared to my 8, tho.
The power is much more linear compared to my turbocharged 8....my 8 is deff fast but it wouldn't crush it or anything as my 8 sits now. The brakes are fantastic. Of course in a test drive I didn't push it too hard so I didn't notice any squishyness.
Handling is much better than the 350....but I still believe the 8 is better. There is much less body roll than I anticipated. Lots of grip. The interior is nice, again nicer than the 350. The little computer on the left of the gauge cluster is cool- gives instant MPG, average MPG, trip computer including distance on remaining fuel, then your usuals like trip odometers, ambient air temp, etc. My main complaint about it is the button to scroll through the menu is on the top left of the gauge stack, meaning to do it while driving is a risky proposition.
The pedals are placed very nicely. And the syncro-rev match thing is cool but mostly an oddity. I still found myself wanting to rev match and ended up taching the VQ out a few times when the computer and I revved at the same time. Once I got the hang of it, it was cool.
It's still amazing to see how the aftermarket has responded to the 370 as opposed to the 8. The 8 was really left behind but already there are as many turbo kits out there for the 370 (a car on the market less than 9 months) than there are for the 8. And the new VQ37 is proving to be one stout motor- stock block G37's are laying down 500-rwhp on prototype twin turbo kits on pump gas with room to grow.....
I'm still holding onto my 8, however. The 370 maybe for me in the future but not now.
I honestly think the styling is much improved. The 350 looked like a prego elephant, the 370 looks much shorter, squater, and better. It still feels heavy compared to my 8, tho.
The power is much more linear compared to my turbocharged 8....my 8 is deff fast but it wouldn't crush it or anything as my 8 sits now. The brakes are fantastic. Of course in a test drive I didn't push it too hard so I didn't notice any squishyness.
Handling is much better than the 350....but I still believe the 8 is better. There is much less body roll than I anticipated. Lots of grip. The interior is nice, again nicer than the 350. The little computer on the left of the gauge cluster is cool- gives instant MPG, average MPG, trip computer including distance on remaining fuel, then your usuals like trip odometers, ambient air temp, etc. My main complaint about it is the button to scroll through the menu is on the top left of the gauge stack, meaning to do it while driving is a risky proposition.
The pedals are placed very nicely. And the syncro-rev match thing is cool but mostly an oddity. I still found myself wanting to rev match and ended up taching the VQ out a few times when the computer and I revved at the same time. Once I got the hang of it, it was cool.
It's still amazing to see how the aftermarket has responded to the 370 as opposed to the 8. The 8 was really left behind but already there are as many turbo kits out there for the 370 (a car on the market less than 9 months) than there are for the 8. And the new VQ37 is proving to be one stout motor- stock block G37's are laying down 500-rwhp on prototype twin turbo kits on pump gas with room to grow.....
I'm still holding onto my 8, however. The 370 maybe for me in the future but not now.
)http://www.zcarblog.com/2009/05/11/p...berk-hfcs.html
08-12-2009, 10:16 AM
#127
Momentum Keeps Me Going
I am sorry, but 370z in one lap can generate a faster lap time than your RX-8 in one hour. No offense, you can sit out there and run for hours, but it makes no difference if your car is running seconds slower than the car in front of you. It's like the Miata guys bragging about how their cars can do 30 minutes session with no problem. With street cars, they are not setup to do endurance races.
The snap oversteer issue is mostly gone in the 996+ chassis, it's no different than driving any mid or rear engine car. Most accidents are caused by bad drivers, especially in the new ones. Driving a 300HP car is different than driving a 200HP car.
I am sorry, but did you trash other car's reliability when Mazda had to up their warranty to 8 years on the rotary engine? Also how many people actually made it to 150K miles on the original engine? I know my RX-7 did, hopefully my RX-8 will too.
The other poster is right, how many people actually go to the track? Since you are in NH, I am curious as to what you run at Lime Rock as I don't think your car can run the same times as my 350z even if I have to cool the tires and brakes down after 5 laps.....
Yes I have taken both the RX-8, 370z and 350z to the track.....You don't have to like something, but at least respect it.
The snap oversteer issue is mostly gone in the 996+ chassis, it's no different than driving any mid or rear engine car. Most accidents are caused by bad drivers, especially in the new ones. Driving a 300HP car is different than driving a 200HP car.
I am sorry, but did you trash other car's reliability when Mazda had to up their warranty to 8 years on the rotary engine? Also how many people actually made it to 150K miles on the original engine? I know my RX-7 did, hopefully my RX-8 will too.
The other poster is right, how many people actually go to the track? Since you are in NH, I am curious as to what you run at Lime Rock as I don't think your car can run the same times as my 350z even if I have to cool the tires and brakes down after 5 laps.....
Yes I have taken both the RX-8, 370z and 350z to the track.....You don't have to like something, but at least respect it.
For a Ford Taurus, or a Volvo, that's acceptable, they aren't billed as anything other than street cars... but for a car billed as a high powered sports car, the inference is that it can do things beyond street cars, it can do genuine sports cars activities, like run at full tilt wo/overheating, like stop repeatedly without problems. If that isn't the case - I'd suggest that that the Nissan's sports car claim for the Z rings a bit hollow.
That's my opinion on that, and I'm sticking with it until Nissan steps up and make the Z the car they portray it as (not to bring up the little trick they pulled at introduction handing over modded up test cars to the press complete with oil and dif coolers, for example - and not selling the self-same car to consumers - now there's some truth in marketing for you, say what?
-----
As for the lap time challenge to me and your issue with "the Miata guys doing 30 minute sessions with no problem" - good track cars don't have problems lasting 30 minutes and more - and their are plenty of "street cars" that can do that "track car" double duty year after year and work well (like the RX-8 and those pesky slow little Miatas for example).
From your tone, it does sound like you'd be happier on a drag strip, not a race track. I mean, what's a 1/4 mile drag run last with a Z, like 13 seconds? Should be no problem for the 370Z.... and you'd certainly beat any RX-8 by seconds there as well as on the track so life would be good, you'd win the day. And really - you possibly (lol) beating me on the track, has no meaning to me good or bad. Lots of cars can go faster than mine. But last I heard, lap times were not the goal of track days anyway, rather having fun and building skill to be a safe driver and handle any driving situation was.
As for your reliability comment, of couse most manufacturers have them, the difference is how they respond to them. I don't give Mazda (or anyone) kudos for having them, but for them stepping up to the plate and post sales, upping their warranty like they did - now that's something to crow about!
BTW how are 350Z and 370Z owners doing with Nissan on the issues with those cars?
Last edited by Spin9k; 08-12-2009 at 10:18 AM.
08-12-2009, 03:59 PM
#128
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I agree that nissan is terrible when it comes to customer service. It is one of the reasons why I am driving a rx8 now and not a z car. Still, I believe the z is still a more reliable car overall, there are a lot of funky little things that go wrong on the rx8.
As far as track issues, the overheating issue can be taken care of by simply changing the shifting and braking point. Even at 90%, the z cars are still faster than the rx8. Its fine if you like to lug around for 30 minutes since lap times don't concern you, but the fact is that most stock street cars are not going to hit their peak times after around 5 hotlaps. Even the corvette can't run more than 6-8 minutes without slowing down as everything gets hot. Its like going to do pickup karting. you will see some guys who like to run in traffic and try to stay out all the time. you will also have guys who like to stay back and run clean laps with no traffic. They would run hot for several laps and than back it down for their next cycle. there is nothing wrong with either method, its all about how you want to do it. As long as cars aren't blowing up on track, its not a huge issue.
Btw, how are people overheating the 14 inch rotors and brakes?
As far as track issues, the overheating issue can be taken care of by simply changing the shifting and braking point. Even at 90%, the z cars are still faster than the rx8. Its fine if you like to lug around for 30 minutes since lap times don't concern you, but the fact is that most stock street cars are not going to hit their peak times after around 5 hotlaps. Even the corvette can't run more than 6-8 minutes without slowing down as everything gets hot. Its like going to do pickup karting. you will see some guys who like to run in traffic and try to stay out all the time. you will also have guys who like to stay back and run clean laps with no traffic. They would run hot for several laps and than back it down for their next cycle. there is nothing wrong with either method, its all about how you want to do it. As long as cars aren't blowing up on track, its not a huge issue.
Btw, how are people overheating the 14 inch rotors and brakes?
08-12-2009, 07:52 PM
#129
Momentum Keeps Me Going
People in those cars you mention have to 'let off' to keep them from overheating? wow...that's news to me.... sounds like ashitty way to have to baby your car just soas to keep it going on track IYAM.
I never said I wasn''t concerned about lap times, I'm just not concerned about others lap times. Mine, I'm very interested in, and always try to find ways to beat them, through improving my driving skill.
Here's some info on the brakes. I don't think it's purely overheating, something weird is going on with the ABS, the ECU, and who knows what else... if they did, a BBK would fix it, but even track junkies don't seem to what's going on http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspen...oning-abs.html
08-12-2009, 08:10 PM
#130
3.2 Liter Inline Sex
That would suck to ever have to "let off" during a session...30 minutes of full tilt tracking down here in the Texas heat and my last lap is typically the best lap. 
That's sad that any car billed as a "sports car" would be that anemic doing what is supposed to be designed to do.
If tracking your car is an endeavor you really like to pursue and enjoy at 100%...I would ditch it and get something that can take the beating.
That's sad that any car billed as a "sports car" would be that anemic doing what is supposed to be designed to do.
If tracking your car is an endeavor you really like to pursue and enjoy at 100%...I would ditch it and get something that can take the beating.
Last edited by Kevo; 08-12-2009 at 08:26 PM.
08-12-2009, 08:48 PM
#131
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Do you have a lap timer installed in your car? I guarantee you are not going to increase your lap times consistently as the tires and brakes get hot (assuming you run it at a good pace). Unless you are running R comps, your tires will overheat if you drive your car at a good pace. Tires heat up faster on heavier cars, that's just the rules of physics. Regardless, they will eventually run past their operating temperature.
Yes, it's not unusual for drivers competing for times in stock street cars to back off slightly to give the car/tires/brakes a break. Go drive one with the timer if you don't believe me. I have driven all those cars on track with lap timers, so not sure how I don't get it. Lap times back up everything I said.
The ABS problem they are talking about is ice mode, it happens quite often on fast cars with stiff suspension. The Corvettes are known to do that over rough surface, you just have to compensate as a driver to get used to it. It's an extremely annoying occurrence, especially at autox. It gets better if you have super grippy tires. My 350 wasnt that bad, the C6 was definitely 10x worse. It's a common problem with guys who are heavy on brakes too.
Also I am not sure what you have, but the RX-8 has a dummy oil pressure and water temp gauge, you are not going to see what your operating temperatures are on track unless you have installed.
Yes, it's not unusual for drivers competing for times in stock street cars to back off slightly to give the car/tires/brakes a break. Go drive one with the timer if you don't believe me. I have driven all those cars on track with lap timers, so not sure how I don't get it. Lap times back up everything I said.
The ABS problem they are talking about is ice mode, it happens quite often on fast cars with stiff suspension. The Corvettes are known to do that over rough surface, you just have to compensate as a driver to get used to it. It's an extremely annoying occurrence, especially at autox. It gets better if you have super grippy tires. My 350 wasnt that bad, the C6 was definitely 10x worse. It's a common problem with guys who are heavy on brakes too.
Also I am not sure what you have, but the RX-8 has a dummy oil pressure and water temp gauge, you are not going to see what your operating temperatures are on track unless you have installed.
You don't understand, I don't 'lug around' any track, I use the full 8K RPMs and the 1st 4 gears of the 8 to their fullest at all times, and wish for more power. But only 5 hotlaps? No way! I do most all of every session as hotlaps (adv group), start to finish, as my 8 gives me no reason to 'let off', let alone overheat, and the brakes never go away, and if I ever do let up, it's because I might have 'red fog' from the heat.
People in those cars you mention have to 'let off' to keep them from overheating? wow...that's news to me.... sounds like ashitty way to have to baby your car just soas to keep it going on track IYAM.
I never said I wasn''t concerned about lap times, I'm just not concerned about others lap times. Mine, I'm very interested in, and always try to find ways to beat them, through improving my driving skill.
Here's some info on the brakes. I don't think it's purely overheating, something weird is going on with the ABS, the ECU, and who knows what else... if they did, a BBK would fix it, but even track junkies don't seem to what's going on http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspen...oning-abs.html
People in those cars you mention have to 'let off' to keep them from overheating? wow...that's news to me.... sounds like ashitty way to have to baby your car just soas to keep it going on track IYAM.
I never said I wasn''t concerned about lap times, I'm just not concerned about others lap times. Mine, I'm very interested in, and always try to find ways to beat them, through improving my driving skill.
Here's some info on the brakes. I don't think it's purely overheating, something weird is going on with the ABS, the ECU, and who knows what else... if they did, a BBK would fix it, but even track junkies don't seem to what's going on http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspen...oning-abs.html
08-12-2009, 08:55 PM
#132
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That would suck to ever have to "let off" during a session...30 minutes of full tilt tracking down here in the Texas heat and my last lap is typically the best lap.
That's sad that any car billed as a "sports car" would be that anemic doing what is supposed to be designed to do.
If tracking your car is an endeavor you really like to pursue and enjoy at 100%...I would ditch it and get something that can take the beating.
That's sad that any car billed as a "sports car" would be that anemic doing what is supposed to be designed to do.
If tracking your car is an endeavor you really like to pursue and enjoy at 100%...I would ditch it and get something that can take the beating.
08-12-2009, 09:12 PM
#133
3.2 Liter Inline Sex
Not sure if you are addressing me as well or not, but yes I have cockpit and dash video of every session I run to prove that my lap times stay consistenly topped out and typically improve as my session progresses. As it should...I just drove the line 40 times in a row and had 40 times to make it better and get it right!
Most of the guys I know don't let off because of declining performance concerns...if something breaks then yeah they are forced to back off and park it in the pits, but most of them are packing serious enough hadrware to push it for the entire session. The potentially weakest link should be the driver...not the equipment.
As for the guys who are coming out on 100% stock equipment that needs to be babied and can't hang for the duration? They need to get another hobby...maybe something like knitting...no over-heating problems there afaik.
Sorry I jumped in the middle of this...I will exit quietly now.
Most of the guys I know don't let off because of declining performance concerns...if something breaks then yeah they are forced to back off and park it in the pits, but most of them are packing serious enough hadrware to push it for the entire session. The potentially weakest link should be the driver...not the equipment.
As for the guys who are coming out on 100% stock equipment that needs to be babied and can't hang for the duration? They need to get another hobby...maybe something like knitting...no over-heating problems there afaik.
Sorry I jumped in the middle of this...I will exit quietly now.
Last edited by Kevo; 08-12-2009 at 09:15 PM.
08-12-2009, 09:25 PM
#134
Momentum Keeps Me Going
Yes data recorder installed, gauges installed w/ECU readouts, brake cooling ducts check, CAI check, and no the R-comps never get anywhere near their 'too hot' temps of >220 deg F, more like 170-180 perhaps. Such is the beauty of an ~3000lb car.
Like Kevo says, the more you practice, the better you get, given your ride can take the heat. For example, recent track day was alternating 1/2hr sessions - 1/2 hr on track - 1/2 hr off track - giving 4 hrs track time per day. No problems, no sweat. And oh yea, that's why Kevo advises (roughly) - don't take a street car w/issues to the track unless you want to spend lots of time in the pits doing your knitting
Like Kevo says, the more you practice, the better you get, given your ride can take the heat. For example, recent track day was alternating 1/2hr sessions - 1/2 hr on track - 1/2 hr off track - giving 4 hrs track time per day. No problems, no sweat. And oh yea, that's why Kevo advises (roughly) - don't take a street car w/issues to the track unless you want to spend lots of time in the pits doing your knitting
08-12-2009, 09:27 PM
#135
^ dont exit you have seriously good points ... i dont track anymore and i definitely wouldnt track the 8 coz its my dd and i use it for EVERYTHING ... i have a new camaro too and it handles superbly but i wouldnt track it either ... so your point is totally valid coz check out the 370 forums and there are threads stating how they rape corvettes and beat the **** outa more expensive caymans ... NO track the cayman against the 370 stock vs stock and see who bows out first ...
08-12-2009, 09:53 PM
#136
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Report from an "EX" Rx8s owner
Got the Z for less than 48 hours so far. With 480km done with it, I can state that:
- No oil is missing (which wasn't the case on my 2 Rx8's);
- Heating: haven’t seem above 110c (no I haven't rev the car above 5k but temp was around 30c with a lot of traffic)
- Fuel: I still have more than 1/5 of tank left on the initial tank (yes believe me...).
Other comments:
- Great looks commented by a lot of folks;
- Cornering isn't as good as the 8 (but my Z hasn't been modified yet)
Going to track the car (without additional radiator) in 3 weeks. I'll keep you posted on the outcom.
- No oil is missing (which wasn't the case on my 2 Rx8's);
- Heating: haven’t seem above 110c (no I haven't rev the car above 5k but temp was around 30c with a lot of traffic)
- Fuel: I still have more than 1/5 of tank left on the initial tank (yes believe me...).
Other comments:
- Great looks commented by a lot of folks;
- Cornering isn't as good as the 8 (but my Z hasn't been modified yet)
Going to track the car (without additional radiator) in 3 weeks. I'll keep you posted on the outcom.
08-12-2009, 09:57 PM
#137
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Post them, I would love see consistent lap times over a 30 minute session (excluding traffic). If the times are improving throughout the session, it's mostly an adjustment to the driver rather than the car.
Funny thing is most guys who don't need to run 30 minutes can probably lay faster times than your car
Funny thing is most guys who don't need to run 30 minutes can probably lay faster times than your car
Not sure if you are addressing me as well or not, but yes I have cockpit and dash video of every session I run to prove that my lap times stay consistenly topped out and typically improve as my session progresses. As it should...I just drove the line 40 times in a row and had 40 times to make it better and get it right!
Most of the guys I know don't let off because of declining performance concerns...if something breaks then yeah they are forced to back off and park it in the pits, but most of them are packing serious enough hadrware to push it for the entire session. The potentially weakest link should be the driver...not the equipment.
As for the guys who are coming out on 100% stock equipment that needs to be babied and can't hang for the duration? They need to get another hobby...maybe something like knitting...no over-heating problems there afaik.
Sorry I jumped in the middle of this...I will exit quietly now.
Most of the guys I know don't let off because of declining performance concerns...if something breaks then yeah they are forced to back off and park it in the pits, but most of them are packing serious enough hadrware to push it for the entire session. The potentially weakest link should be the driver...not the equipment.
As for the guys who are coming out on 100% stock equipment that needs to be babied and can't hang for the duration? They need to get another hobby...maybe something like knitting...no over-heating problems there afaik.
Sorry I jumped in the middle of this...I will exit quietly now.
08-12-2009, 10:02 PM
#138
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Yes data recorder installed, gauges installed w/ECU readouts, brake cooling ducts check, CAI check, and no the R-comps never get anywhere near their 'too hot' temps of >220 deg F, more like 170-180 perhaps. Such is the beauty of an ~3000lb car.
Like Kevo says, the more you practice, the better you get, given your ride can take the heat. For example, recent track day was alternating 1/2hr sessions - 1/2 hr on track - 1/2 hr off track - giving 4 hrs track time per day. No problems, no sweat. And oh yea, that's why Kevo advises (roughly) - don't take a street car w/issues to the track unless you want to spend lots of time in the pits doing your knitting
Like Kevo says, the more you practice, the better you get, given your ride can take the heat. For example, recent track day was alternating 1/2hr sessions - 1/2 hr on track - 1/2 hr off track - giving 4 hrs track time per day. No problems, no sweat. And oh yea, that's why Kevo advises (roughly) - don't take a street car w/issues to the track unless you want to spend lots of time in the pits doing your knitting
08-12-2009, 10:49 PM
#139
3.2 Liter Inline Sex
You are exactly right...the driver is improving over the session and the equipment is NOT breaking or failing. You made my point. Thank you.
As much as I hate to admit it...there are alot of guys I drive with that can lay down better times than I can. No shame in that. They are better drivers.
Last edited by Kevo; 08-12-2009 at 10:54 PM.
08-12-2009, 11:00 PM
#140
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If the driver can repeat his laps, there is no need to run 30 minute session every time unless he just likes go out and drive. It's perfectly fine, but it makes no difference when it comes to comparing lap times. Heck, a fast car running at 80% is probably faster than slower cars running at 100% every lap. Take my C6 as an example. The fastest lap I ran was 133 at VIR, the RX-8 I ran was 140 sec. Do the math and see how much time that is over 30 minutes. I can back off a lot to make up that 7 sec.....
I am sorry, but your car is nowhere close to what they run in the real races. Take the BMW M3 as an example, the only thing that is stock from the American LeMan series is the unibody. You can't compare a race car to a stock street car. They are meant to go out there lap after lap, your car is made out of compromises. Some cars will go out sooner than others, but to say a car is junk because it can't repeat its fast pace for 30 straight minutes is nonsense. Chances are that the 370z and the Corvette can short shift every lap and still keep up with the RX-8 for 30 straight minutes running full speed. Does that make you feel better if I say that. Pushing fast laps in a stock street car hard is not an easy thing to do in any car. Everyone can make laps, but not everyone and every car are capable to run fast ones.
It's nothing personal, I am just stating the fac
I am sorry, but your car is nowhere close to what they run in the real races. Take the BMW M3 as an example, the only thing that is stock from the American LeMan series is the unibody. You can't compare a race car to a stock street car. They are meant to go out there lap after lap, your car is made out of compromises. Some cars will go out sooner than others, but to say a car is junk because it can't repeat its fast pace for 30 straight minutes is nonsense. Chances are that the 370z and the Corvette can short shift every lap and still keep up with the RX-8 for 30 straight minutes running full speed. Does that make you feel better if I say that. Pushing fast laps in a stock street car hard is not an easy thing to do in any car. Everyone can make laps, but not everyone and every car are capable to run fast ones.
It's nothing personal, I am just stating the fac
Fine don't believe me. I don't have anything to prove to anybody...not gonna waste my time posting anything. Just plain silly.
You are exactly right...the driver is improving over the session and the equipment is NOT breaking or failing. You made my point. Thank you.
What do these guys do when they are running in a race that lasts for 40 laps or an alotted amount of time? Run two fast laps, call it a day and expect to be allowed on the podium? I am not talking about a 1 rep max or single fastest lap. I am talking road racing not autox...and about driver and vehicle performance over a set amount of time or distance.
As much as I hate to admit it...there are alot of guys I drive with that can lay down better times than I can. No shame in that. They are better drivers.
You are exactly right...the driver is improving over the session and the equipment is NOT breaking or failing. You made my point. Thank you.
What do these guys do when they are running in a race that lasts for 40 laps or an alotted amount of time? Run two fast laps, call it a day and expect to be allowed on the podium? I am not talking about a 1 rep max or single fastest lap. I am talking road racing not autox...and about driver and vehicle performance over a set amount of time or distance.
As much as I hate to admit it...there are alot of guys I drive with that can lay down better times than I can. No shame in that. They are better drivers.
Last edited by tmak26b; 08-12-2009 at 11:05 PM.
08-12-2009, 11:31 PM
#141
3.2 Liter Inline Sex
Nothing personal here either tmak26b. If we are talking about AutoX or who can post the fastest lap regardless of a preset required duration then I can see your points. But I am talking about road racing...these are certainly not the same.
opus_opus - sorry for jacking your thread man.
Last edited by Kevo; 08-12-2009 at 11:41 PM.
08-12-2009, 11:54 PM
#142
Got the Z for less than 48 hours so far. With 480km done with it, I can state that:
- No oil is missing (which wasn't the case on my 2 Rx8's);
- Heating: haven’t seem above 110c (no I haven't rev the car above 5k but temp was around 30c with a lot of traffic)
- Fuel: I still have more than 1/5 of tank left on the initial tank (yes believe me...).
Other comments:
- Great looks commented by a lot of folks;
- Cornering isn't as good as the 8 (but my Z hasn't been modified yet)
Going to track the car (without additional radiator) in 3 weeks. I'll keep you posted on the outcom.
- No oil is missing (which wasn't the case on my 2 Rx8's);
- Heating: haven’t seem above 110c (no I haven't rev the car above 5k but temp was around 30c with a lot of traffic)
- Fuel: I still have more than 1/5 of tank left on the initial tank (yes believe me...).
Other comments:
- Great looks commented by a lot of folks;
- Cornering isn't as good as the 8 (but my Z hasn't been modified yet)
Going to track the car (without additional radiator) in 3 weeks. I'll keep you posted on the outcom.
But you do know the 8 burns oil by design, right? It's not a flaw...Just some owners can't handle adding oil every other fill up.
I still like the Z a lot. And like Dills said, some guys are hitting 300-rwhp with bolt ons like intake, high flow cats and catback exhaust. Crazy. Twin turbos over 500-rwhp on stock blocks. Great stuff.
I still think I'm going to feel out the Z's and see how prices come along once the demand subsides...
08-13-2009, 12:06 AM
#143
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With the RX-8, I managed to do a 140 (it might have been 141 or 142 sec lap there). Let's assume your theory is right. I can run at that pace for the entire session (highly doubt it, but will go with that), it would give me a total time of 1833 sec (141x13 laps)
With the C6, I managed to do a 133 peak time. I know I can do 2-3 laps at that pace tops. ( I can do some at 134 on lap 3-4). After that, I need to slow my pace for a lap or 2 to basically get everything back in check. Shifting at 5000RPM, I can still lap the course at 140 seconds. So let's say I do (133x2+134x2+140x2+133x2+134x2+140x3)=1768 seconds.
With the 350z, (I managed to do a 137 peak time. The car definitely can't do more than 2 laps with the non Brembo brakes. So let's be conservative, ((137*4+138*4+144*5))=1820 sec
I still don't see how the RX-8 still came out front? I don't mean that as a knock to the RX-8 or your BMW, I am simply stating that the 370z is not as bad as some people made it sound. I will be the first one to tell you Nissan's customer service sucked (I almost sued them 4 years ago), but that's not to say I don't respect what they did to the car.
I only drove other people's 370z, so I have no idea how fast they are going to be. I would assume 2-3 sec faster than the 350 while slower than the C6.
08-13-2009, 01:12 AM
#144
Stuck in a love triangle
The 370Z hands down is an overall better sports car than the RX-8 is in my opinion. The 370 has finally got a nice vicious and attractive look to its exterior, its even more powerful than it was before and has significant performance improvements in the handling department, plus it gets better MPG than the RX-8 too.
However, just like its predecessor, by this time next year, there are going to be tons of 370s all over the place, and I don't think the new look is going to hold up for more than a couple years. The only two things that really keep me in the 8 at this point in time other than the economy are its fun factor (handling), and the distinction of driving around in a not-so-common-but-nice-looking car.
The 370Z would definitely be a great car to own...but after getting older and driving around in an 8 for so long, I'm just not interested in the boy racer crap anymore. If I were in my early 20s I'd easilyy go for one. At this point though, coming from an 8, next car is going to have to be something distinct and somewhat classy, but fun.
However, just like its predecessor, by this time next year, there are going to be tons of 370s all over the place, and I don't think the new look is going to hold up for more than a couple years. The only two things that really keep me in the 8 at this point in time other than the economy are its fun factor (handling), and the distinction of driving around in a not-so-common-but-nice-looking car.
The 370Z would definitely be a great car to own...but after getting older and driving around in an 8 for so long, I'm just not interested in the boy racer crap anymore. If I were in my early 20s I'd easilyy go for one. At this point though, coming from an 8, next car is going to have to be something distinct and somewhat classy, but fun.
08-13-2009, 02:52 AM
#145
Long story short Tmak is the car shouldnt be the weakest link... the driver should... and the fact that some people have to slow down because of this problem with the brakes is just poor craftsmanship or w.e. you would like to call it. The 8 may have far more regular maintenance than the 370Z but it still holds together better in my opinion and the fact that we are still arguing is because we all ( idk about you) love the 8 and mostly because of the unique Rotary engine thats completely different than any piston engine. When I drive my 8 i see other 8s pass me and wave or rev or flash their lights, its a brother hood homie heh not just a regular car... Rotary>Pistons... and yes in my opinion the 8 is alot more solid car than the 370Z, no break problems or overheating problems at all... and if we are going to get into actually race cars lets remember how good the 8's do at Le mans etc. and in the top 10 you'll see 8s, if not in first very close behind... im done...
08-13-2009, 03:21 AM
#146
3-wheeler
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Let's all keep one thing in perspective. The RX8's motor technology is nearly 10 years old and the 370z is using modern technology. The fact that the RX8 continues to thrive in a racing environment despite this fact I think shows the strengths of the car.
Most other sports cars have seen at least one major revamp since 2001, some more than that.
Most other sports cars have seen at least one major revamp since 2001, some more than that.
08-13-2009, 04:13 AM
#149
Momentum Keeps Me Going
I have never gone to the pits due to car problems (Z & C6), I usually pull in or back off because I know I have done enough laps and I have hit the times I want. I have no reasons to keep putting stress and wear on the car if the ultimate goal of getting the top time is reached. As I said before, you can go out and lap for 30 minutes straight running let say 60 sec laps. I am much happier lapping 50 sec laps while taking a cool down lap every 4-5 laps to calm the car and the driver down. It seems to work as I don't get beat often at the time trials.
You're focused on simply getting the best lap time, coming out 1st in time trials, etc. After that "What's the point? Why stress the car after it's done its all however briefly?" as you say "...if the ultimate goal of getting the top time is reached." Get the medal, win the race, vanquish all opponents....
My goals with the 8 have little (really nothing) to do with that philosophy whatsoever. My vision in taking my 8 to the track is to give myself the most personal enjoyment in driving the car for the longest possible time. The longer the better. There are alot of analogies I won't bother with here. But I would say just driving and dancing through the twists and turns of a good track in a perfectly balanced way is one of ther most enjoyable things possible I've ever found to do. The RX-8 becomes an exoskeleton of a sort, giving me the ability to do superhuman things
And really, as long as the car would cooperate as the 8 does, another car might do, but it's not about winning or getting the lowest lap time, etc. That's what I've been trying to communicate was my problem with the 370Z - it's not a suitable dance partner for my needs!
If it weren't for my own phyisical limits, and the amount of gas I got through, I'd probably keep going indefinitely just for the simple joy of it.
08-13-2009, 07:44 AM
#150
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Last trackday there was an completely stock (except Tyres and brake pads) 370Z attending and sad to say I gaved it my best to keep up with him, it worked for a few corners after that he was gone.
He was probably little better driver but fact still remain, 370Z walk all over us and thats not a surprice. Its a brand new sportscar with ALOT of more power and grip.
He was probably little better driver but fact still remain, 370Z walk all over us and thats not a surprice. Its a brand new sportscar with ALOT of more power and grip.