Need your opinions..$1300 to spend

[DeepBlueHR]

Hey everyone! I have a 2007 Touring 350Z with the HR motor. Current performance mods: Stillen dual intakes, Crawford high Flow cats, Greddy true dual TiC exhaust. I am needing input from you all on the best use of my extra $1,300. I enjoy tracking my Z at our local road course here in Nashville, TN. I would like to improve my HP and or lower my track times. My suspension is stock and I have run the track with my 20 inch wheels that are heavy. I was thinking of getting some sticky race tires to fit my stock 18 inch Z wheels or adding test pipes and a COBB tuner, or upgrading the stock suspension. Things to consider is that I can not lower my Z because with my ChargeSpeed bodykit I already scrap leaving my driveway. I would like to hear from anyone that has any experience with sticky tires, the COBB programmer, test pipes or suspension upgrades. I would appreciate any advice that I receive.

[spitalul2bad]

If you can't lower your car, new suspension may not be a priority.

More horsepower should not be your first choice when going for faster lap times.

Better brake and stickier tires should do it.

YES, get rid of the heavy 20 inch wheels! Get the stock 18s fitted with some good SLICK tires.

Also, use the money to buy STAINLESS STEEL braided brake lines, higher degree brake fluid and FERRODO (or other manufacturer) racing brake pads.

That should cover your $1300. If you're going for faster lap times on a track that is.

If not, do a BBK, lightweight wheels and suspension... and THEN start to think about more HP.

A shorter brake distance and better cornering can do MORE than a few extra HP.

[SemperFiV12]

Id love to see some pics of your car... we have similar mods.

First thing you should do is get rid of those 20s. Then either go with your stock rims or lighter track rims (enkeis are pretty good). And tires make a night and day difference.

Next up would be your suspension. Try Nismo S Tune coilovers (should be on sale and go for less than before) they are a VERY mild drop, but great suspension (very strong and track ready).

Also you can try body stiffening braces to minimize body roll through turns. Also a big difference maker, hugs turns and allows to hit them at higher speeds with higher confidence. Try GTspec, they've got a few braces.

[Bubba1]

$1300 is not a lot of money, but if you really want to lower your times, brakes and tires are where you should invest.(That plus seat time with instruction). I went with Stoptech BBK's with Ferrodo pads, enabled me to shorten braking zones significantly without fear of fade.

[DeepBlueHR]

Thank you all for some great advice. I forgot to mention that I have upgraded my brake fluid with Wilwood high temp. I am also running the stock brakes. I agree stainless steel brake lines are a must. I earned some extra cash from work and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I didn't want to waste it on something that did not help with the performance of the car. ( I have done enough of that already) I would love to get a big brake kit but for now that is out of my budget range. Good race pads would help though. I recently spent a day at the track with an instructor which told me I was to aggressive and the car had to much power for me:) I guess he thought I couldn't handle the car because I spun out once and ended up in the grass. I thought I wanted to go all show with the Z but now I have found that the track is far more fun than sitting next to my car at a show. Here is my car domain site. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2597965I will begin my reasearch on sticky tires for the stock 18's

[Bubba1]

Thank you all for some great advice. I forgot to mention that I have upgraded my brake fluid with Wilwood high temp. I am also running the stock brakes. I agree stainless steel brake lines are a must. I earned some extra cash from work and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I didn't want to waste it on something that did not help with the performance of the car. ( I have done enough of that already) I would love to get a big brake kit but for now that is out of my budget range. Good race pads would help though. I recently spent a day at the track with an instructor which told me I was to aggressive and the car had to much power for me:) I guess he thought I couldn't handle the car because I spun out once and ended up in the grass. I thought I wanted to go all show with the Z but now I have found that the track is far more fun than sitting next to my car at a show. Here is my car domain site. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2597965I will begin my reasearch on sticky tires for the stock 18's

I wouldn't discount what the instructor told you. Sounds like you were pushing too hard too soon. I'd suggest taking a break with the mods altogether (except for DOT 4 brake fluid), and invest your money in seat time, perhaps with a different instructor, one you better mesh with. A stock Z is a lot of car for a student. As info The stock non-brembo pads are very good, the pads just don't last that long on a track. I'd also stick with the stock tires until you get better.

<<<Instructor that drives a stock 350Z with just a BBK upgrade.

[dennisafrompa]

...recenty I bought Enkei 18x8.5s for 1,000 bucks.

and then some Hotchkis sway bars for $345.

Then added Dunlap Star spec tires in 255 size.

Result dramaticly better handling and AX times in my '08 Enthusiast.

[Terrywerst]

Don't waste money. Go put a down payment on a newer car.

[BusyBadger]

[nik..]

Don't waste money. Go put a down payment on a newer car.

he has a great car.. you should go and get one also ...

[JDMZ32]

Plenum spacer, sway bars.

Or a nice set of 17"-19" wheels and tires, but $1300 probably won't do that.

[JDMZ32]

he has a great car.. you should go and get one also ...

IDK about you but I consider a brand new Z06 to be an absolutely outstanding car.