Ok, this is a little early, or a little late, depending on how you look at it, but here goes…

PROJECT DOUBLE DOWN Chapter 1: The Beginning

My 350Z started this process as a daily driven, naturally aspirated, track/street/show hybrid. It put out 246whp and 239wtq and weighed in at 3,240 lbs. with no driver and ¼ tank of gas. Mods included; Injen CAI, Kinetix V4 Plenum, Kinetix HF Cats, Injen SES Exhaust, Tien Flex Coilovers w/EDFC, and 350EVO Sways. Inside was a full interior with Corbeau CR1 seats, Corbeau 5-Point harnesses, Kirk Racing roll bar, and a full stereo system complete with in-dash DVD. Outside was dressed with a Nismo replica body kit and some 19” RH Racing J5 Pro wheels. For track, I threw on a set of powdercoated Ray’s OEM track wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport Race R-Compound tires 235/35/18 front 255/25/18 rear…



The 2005 racing season was nearing the end, and I knew I wanted to step it up for 2006. I found myself another daily driver and then it was on like Donkey Kong…

I have to go back to work right now, but stay tuned for Chapter 2: The Mutilation Begins…

 

Nevermind, I have decided not to do it like this...

 

so have you sold all the original stuff??

 

Nope, what are the items in question?

 

It started off ok.

 

DOn't forget, I still want your painted strut cover pieces

 

kinetix high flow cats, carbon fiber interior peices, possibly the racing hart wheels

 

I did forget lol, but I still have them. Remind me to bring them to the next meet.

 

Cats and wheels are sold. I have the CF center console and door switch plates still. I will do $700 for all + your OEM center console.

 

figures... i really wanted the cats too do you have anything else? I will give the console some thought, who makes it?? it probably the nicest CF interior kit i have seen.

 

Its made by SuiteEGrafX. The kit is really nice. Its not an overlay stick on deal.

You can check it out here... http://www.elegantwooddesign.com

I don't have anything else thats fun. Just a bunch of OEM interior parts.

 

I like the "it's on like donkey kong". straight retro ghetto

 

Hahaha I like that part too.

 

I think that the project name should be named something that your trying to achieve with the car or a goal that you have set forth for yourself. What are you going to try to accomplish when the car gets finished up? I don't know if that helps or makes any sense, but I could give an example: Like the guy in the NSX video on Mazda's Laguna Seca....his project name should have been "Project 1:41."

 

Project Track Stripper?

 

Yeah that would be cool, but honestly I don't even know what to expect from the car time wise. Last time I drove it, it had full interior, different suspension, and a few less go fast parts

 

Here's some pics of the motor and trans back in the car...

 

getting excited??

 

what better tires to take a test drive than the autox hoosiers! so are they on schedule?

 

pope - I am getting very excited.

rob - No they are not on schedule. Originally it was supposed to be done by X-Mas, then it was the first week of Jan., then the 2nd week, and now its finally supposed to be coming home Monday. Oh and the Hoosiers are only on there because my Nismos are getting powdercoated.

 

Mike - what are your ultimate plans for the car? Are you going to keep doing Auto-X, DE's and Time Trials, or do you want to go wheel to wheel racing? Are all of the go faster mods being done to fit in to a particular class with some group?

 

I probably wont be doing too much autocross anymore. I will just continue with the DE stuff and I am also going to hit some Time Attack type events. Wheel to wheel racing still scares me.

 

But, man is it a BLAST! It is a whole other learning experience to be able to run a race. First you have to know how to drive the car, then you have to learn how to deal with competition. It is supposed to be a 'non-contact sport'. If you are not willing to wad your car and walk away, racing is not for you.

Do you have a trailer now or are you going to drive to events?

 

I know I would really love to try it out, but fixing the Z is expensive. I have a trailer that I use to take it around places. I really do want to experience wheel to wheel racing thought. I was thinking of building up an old Datsun 280Z for that, or a Spec Miata.

 

Spec Miata is the way to go.
I had 10 X more fun racing the Spec RX-7 than I did the 914. It was much more competitive and a lot cheaper. When I get another race car it will be in a Spec class.