Jime

iTrader: (10)

So I am all set for the 2012 racing season, new slicks, skinnies, etc etc etc. Just came back from Fl with a carload of stuff for the Max.

Problem is I am itching to do something new, even though i have had real successes racing for the last 5 or 6 years averaging around $5k per season.

I am still partial to fwd because it has served me well and I do have a couple of sub 1.6 60' times. However I think it looks a little funny to have 8.5" slicks on the front and 3.5" skinnies on the rear. All the local V8 guys are starting to avoid any lane that is next to me during eliminations and its getting a bit embarrassing, so I need a new ride to hide among the other competitors.

My wife is driving an 03 G35 Sedan and I have been eying it for the last 3 or 4 years because of the rwd and many 350Z parts that will work on it. I can also use the UPREV tuner but that is also available for the newer Maxima's as well.

I have been considering the G35 coupe, sedan, 350Z and a newer Maxima. I would like to try the rwd to see if I can improve on my 1.58 60' but it comes with a whole new dimension that I am not familiar with. My current slick/skinny setup will work for rwd so I won't have to buy anything new there. 03-04 G's are relatively inexpensive here ($4-7k) and replacing the motor and trans is also cheap ($500-800 ea). 05-06 G's have wideband which is a bonus with UPREV tuning wise but the coupes are pricey compared to the sedans, so I am at a crossroads. My budget is for no more than $8k because of all the additional stuff I will have to buy ie exhaust, diff, UPREV, Transgo, underdrive pulleys etc.

What would you do?

PS I was considering the G35X but the extra weight and cost of replacement trans and drive components has changed my opinion. The cost of the G35X's are cheaper here than the rwd's but I am not convinced yet that it is viable for the track.

skweaky

iTrader: (3)

G sedans have better weight transfer and are lighter than the coupes. Some 04 got factory wideband also.

That being said. It's a miracle to get a g coupe off the line successfuly. Abusing the clutch bad is the only way I've seen to get a sub 1.7 60'. Not sure how the autos handle that aspect. I assume they do a better job. There's a lot of wheel hop and unsteadyness with the irs paired with thevlsd. To get a g coupe setup for drag racing would be out of your budget.

Jime

iTrader: (10)

I hear ya on the irs but I think solid eng, trans and diff mounts combined with the auto should take care of the of the wheel hop with a welded diff. Not sure if that has been tried yet with what I have read, but no one thought a 1.58 60' was possible on a street driven Max so that doesn't bother me.

skweaky

iTrader: (3)

Mine has solid sfc, diff bushings, z suspension, and still hops, but that's on dr's and a 6mt. Uprev is great. Don't be afraid of spray either. I'm running stock timing with just minor fuel adjustments for 150 shot. I think the stiff sidewalls are killing it though. Got some MHs on the way for spring with the big turbo stuff in the shed.

Beware. The axels suck. They only take 30 minutes to change though so get lifetimes or the 600hp ones after the oems go.

Sorry for the rant.

Jime

iTrader: (10)

Appreciate your input. I always run slicks and the auto is better for wheel hop for sure but like the fwd tuning the suspension setup isn't an overnight success. I do plan on travelling with spare axels too.

Plan on spraying with meth as the nitrous fuel like i did with the Max. The 3.5 seems to love nitrous. I don't plan on breaking any records like I did with the Max but do want to run in the 12-14 sec bracket N/A and I need 11.99 or better for the other class I am running with spray.

ajcool2

iTrader: (43)

How fast have you gone on your setup?

ajcool2

iTrader: (43)

I beleive my best 60' was a 1.61 with just Eibach prokit lowering springs. Definatly started worrying about my axles and trans after all the horror storys I heard but Ive been lucky. My friend has an 04 G coupe and ran 12.3 with a 2.0 60' on a 125 shot, cams bolt ons and a tune.

pbn85

iTrader: (8)

You can never go wrong with a 5.5 6 speed if you stay loyal to the maxima game. I still think that its hands down the best maxima platform ever.

skweaky

iTrader: (3)

My pb is 12.3 on 150shot and heat soaked. 2hr drive to track.

11s were possible with softer tires easily. I found out later that my friend put the nitrous filter on backwards.

esco115

iTrader: (1)

Not sure on what exactly your set on but if you want fun get a hold of a 240 chassis and you can have fun with it either it being KA-T, SR-T, or VQ swapped... I for one have driven every one I stated and its all a joy.

skweaky

iTrader: (3)

240sx are terrible drag cars and aren't surprising at all. If u wanna keep the sleeper embarrassing appeal get a g sedan or maybe a 3 series. E30s are cheap and really good platforms for anything.

esco115

iTrader: (1)

^dunno what 240's u have been around but its been done so many times it isnt even funny...

skweaky

iTrader: (3)

not gonna argue with u on this man's thread.


for what u wanna do OP, my vote is g sedan 03-06 a/t.

Jime

iTrader: (10)

I am leaning in that direction although the coupe looks nicer. Going to an auction next Sat the 14th, they have an 06 Sedan with 42k and an 03 350Z with 180k. The mileage isn't too important because the engine and trans will wind up getting changed sometime in the future. The sedan also doesn't give the visual expectation of speed like the coupe, which is good for my purposes.

skweaky

iTrader: (3)

Exactly. that and weight are my main reasons.

a sedan with a stillen v3 front is as good looking at the coupe. z's are actually slower than g's when u get the weight down. the g isn't aerodynamicly restricted like the z.

esco115

iTrader: (1)

OP before you buy any 03-06 G's do some research over in g35driver.com or 6mt.net there many compaints about them... nonetheless a nicely done one will be beast.

pbn85

iTrader: (8)

If you end up getting that 03 Z, it would be worthwhile to look into a DE to HR swap (engine and transmission). I'm sure you're familiar with the HR motor found in 07-08 Z's. Not only does it put out 20-25whp more compared to non rev-up DE engines, but its also more reliable and doesn't consume oil.