[davidm]

I have watched the latest Best Motorring DVD (ie. volume 12). Very good viewing, but of interest here would be the 350Z Nismo GT. Not only do they put in a raced with Mazdaspeed RX8, M3 CSL, Elise 111r and EVO 8, but also they put it on a drag-stip alongside a stock 350Z. The Nismo car was a fraction quicker to 100kph as well as over 400m, but the difference was less than 0.1sec over both intervals. Surprisingly the runs were done in the wet but still returned really impressive times ie. 5.9sec to 100kph and 14.1sec over 400m.

They also lined up a stock RX8 with the Mazdaspeed one, but again it was wet. They returned 6.4sec and 15.1s respectively for the stock RX8 and 6.1 and 14.8sec for the Madzaspeed one.

 

[mickyboy]

Goes to show that it is very hard to get much more performance out of the zed N/A. Need to go F/I for any substantial difference, but most of us already know that.

I read somewhere once that us 350z owners should stop trying to make it go faster by playing with engine/exhuast mods but instead tune the suspension where the biggest gains are to be had (ie) lower lap times.

 

[davidm]

Goes to show that it is very hard to get much more performance out of the zed N/A. Need to go F/I for any substantial difference, but most of us already know that.

In the defense on the Nismo Zed, I have to mantion that it was wet ... and in the wet traction is more important than power (in particular belllow 100kph). Also the Nismo Zed was visibly quicker than the OME Zed towards the end of the run, but by then it could only pull away about 1 car-length.

I read somewhere once that us 350z owners should stop trying to make it go faster by playing with engine/exhuast mods but instead tune the suspension where the biggest gains are to be had (ie) lower lap times.

Well in order to get the most gains (in particular on the track), it's wha's behind the wheel (ie. the driver) that needs the most work and is to stand most gains. Considering that there's good 30sec per lap difference between a total notvice and pro, I don't think that here is (or are) any mods that can give you a gainof 30sec per lap.

Supspension mods are not going to make someone much quicker if thatperson is not capable of driving their OME car at the limit (or close to it). Still, I agree with the principle of your statement ... engine mods are not necesarily what will make the car the quickest.