Hey guys, if you're into cars and love the thrill of pushing them to their limits, you've probably wondered about the Nissan 370Z as a track car. It's a sweet-looking sports car with a reputation for being a blast to drive, but does it have what it takes to dominate the track? Let's dive in and find out if the 370Z is a true track car champion or just a pretender.

The 370Z's Track-Ready Arsenal: What Makes It Tick?

So, what's under the hood of this beast that makes it a contender? The Nissan 370Z packs a punch with its 3.7-liter V6 engine, affectionately known as the VQ37VHR. This engine dishes out a healthy dose of horsepower and torque, giving you the oomph you need to accelerate out of corners and down the straights. The 370Z offers two main transmission options: a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic. The manual is the purist's choice, offering direct control and a more engaging driving experience. However, the automatic, especially when equipped with paddle shifters, can also hold its own on the track, providing quick and precise gear changes. The 370Z also boasts a well-tuned suspension system. It features double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, which contributes to its responsive handling and ability to soak up bumps and imperfections on the track surface. The car's inherent balance and rear-wheel-drive configuration also contribute to its track prowess, allowing for controlled drifts and precise cornering. The 370Z's brakes are another crucial element of its track-worthiness. It comes equipped with decent-sized brakes from the factory, but many track enthusiasts upgrade them for even better stopping power and fade resistance. The car's weight distribution, generally well-balanced, further enhances its performance. A balanced weight distribution is critical for a track car, as it allows for predictable handling and reduces the tendency to oversteer or understeer. It helps the car to rotate better through corners. However, it's not just about the hardware. The 370Z also benefits from a relatively compact size and a low center of gravity. These features make it nimble and responsive, allowing it to navigate tight corners and changes of direction with ease. This combination of a powerful engine, a capable suspension, responsive brakes, and a balanced chassis makes the Nissan 370Z a compelling choice for track enthusiasts. But does it truly have the goods to compete with the best track cars out there? Keep reading to find out.

The VQ37VHR Engine: Power and Reliability

Let's talk about that V6 engine – the heart of the 370Z. The VQ37VHR is known for its strong power delivery, especially in the mid-range. This means you have plenty of grunt to pull you out of corners and onto the straights. It’s a reliable engine, which is a significant factor for track use. You want something that can handle the stress of repeated laps without needing constant repairs. However, it's not perfect. Some owners have reported issues like oil consumption or gallery gasket failures, but these are generally manageable with proper maintenance. For track use, you’ll want to ensure the engine is in tip-top shape. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil are a must, and monitoring engine temperatures is crucial to prevent overheating. Upgrading the cooling system, such as adding an aftermarket oil cooler, can be a wise move if you plan to spend extended time on the track. The engine's responsiveness is also a key factor. It revs quickly and offers a linear power curve, making it easy to modulate the throttle and maintain control. This is especially important when cornering, as it allows you to precisely control the car's attitude and minimize unwanted oversteer or understeer. This responsiveness is a significant advantage on the track. In terms of modifications, the VQ37VHR responds well to upgrades. You can gain extra horsepower and torque through intake and exhaust modifications, as well as ECU tuning. However, it's essential to ensure any modifications are done professionally and that they don’t compromise the engine's reliability. Overall, the VQ37VHR is a strong and reliable engine that provides a solid foundation for track performance. It's a key reason why the 370Z is such a popular choice among track enthusiasts. Its combination of power, responsiveness, and relative reliability makes it a worthy contender on the track.

Suspension and Handling: The 370Z's Cornering Prowess

Now, let's look at the 370Z's suspension and handling characteristics, which are critical for track performance. The factory suspension is already pretty good, providing a balanced ride and responsive handling. The double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension work together to provide excellent grip and control. However, for serious track use, you'll likely want to make some upgrades. The stock suspension is designed to be a compromise between performance and comfort. For the track, you'll want something that prioritizes performance. Upgrading the shocks and springs is one of the most common modifications. Stiffer springs and adjustable dampers will reduce body roll, improve responsiveness, and allow you to fine-tune the car's handling to suit your driving style and track conditions. The 370Z is also very sensitive to alignment settings. Getting a proper alignment is crucial to maximize grip and handling. You’ll want to adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles to suit your driving style and the track you're on. Negative camber, for example, helps improve grip in corners, while adjusting the toe can affect the car's stability and turn-in characteristics. Other suspension upgrades include sway bars, which help reduce body roll and improve the car's balance. Stiffer sway bars can make the car more responsive, but they can also make it more prone to oversteer. You may also consider installing a limited-slip differential (LSD). An LSD helps distribute power to the wheel with the most grip, improving traction and allowing you to accelerate harder out of corners. This is especially beneficial on track, where you're constantly accelerating and braking. The 370Z has a well-balanced chassis, which means that it handles predictably and is less likely to surprise you with sudden changes in behavior. The car's size and weight distribution also contribute to its agility. It's relatively compact and has a low center of gravity, which helps it change direction quickly and efficiently. Overall, the 370Z has a solid foundation for track use, and with the right suspension upgrades and alignment, it can become a real cornering weapon. These improvements can transform the car's handling and make it even more enjoyable to drive on the track.

Potential Drawbacks: What to Watch Out For

Alright, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, guys. While the 370Z has a lot going for it, it's not without its drawbacks as a track car. Let’s talk about them.

Brake Fade and Overheating Issues

One of the most common complaints about the 370Z on the track is brake fade. The stock brakes, while adequate for street driving, can quickly overheat under the constant stress of track use. This leads to reduced braking performance and can be a safety concern. The solution? Upgrading your brakes is almost a must-do for track use. Options include upgrading the brake pads to a more track-focused compound, upgrading the rotors to slotted or drilled versions for better heat dissipation, or even going for a complete big brake kit with larger calipers and rotors. Besides the brakes, the 370Z is also susceptible to overheating, particularly the engine oil. The factory oil cooler may not be sufficient for sustained track use, leading to higher oil temperatures, which can damage the engine. Many track enthusiasts install an aftermarket oil cooler to keep the oil temperatures within a safe range. This is especially important if you plan to run the car hard for extended periods. The cooling system itself may also need attention. Upgrading the radiator or installing a more efficient cooling fan can help keep the engine running cool. Monitoring your engine and oil temperatures with gauges is essential to prevent overheating. These issues aren't deal-breakers, but they do require attention and investment to ensure the car’s reliability and performance on the track.

The Weight Factor and Limited Interior Space

The 370Z isn’t the lightest car on the track. While it's not excessively heavy, its weight can be a disadvantage compared to some other track-focused cars. This extra weight can affect acceleration, braking, and handling. This is where weight reduction becomes a consideration. Removing unnecessary items like the spare tire, sound deadening, and even the air conditioning system can help shed some pounds and improve performance. Of course, this comes at the expense of comfort and daily driving usability. Another factor to consider is the limited interior space. The 370Z is a sports car, and its interior is designed for two people. It has a small cargo area, which can be a problem if you need to carry a lot of equipment or tools to the track. While the interior is comfortable, it can feel cramped for taller drivers. This might require some adjustments to the seat position or the installation of aftermarket racing seats to improve comfort and support. These are things to think about if you want to use the 370Z on the track. They're not deal-breakers but important to consider when you're setting up the car for track use.

Modifying Your 370Z for the Track: A Guide

Ready to turn your 370Z into a track beast? Here’s a quick rundown of some essential modifications and upgrades to help you along the way.

Essential Track Modifications

First and foremost, you need to address the brakes. Upgrading the brake pads to a track-focused compound is the most basic upgrade, which will significantly improve stopping power and fade resistance. Then, consider upgrading the rotors to slotted or drilled versions for better heat dissipation. Some people go even further and install a big brake kit. Next, tackle the suspension. Upgrading the shocks and springs will reduce body roll, improve responsiveness, and allow you to fine-tune the car's handling. Proper alignment is also crucial, so you'll want to adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles to suit your driving style and track conditions. Consider sway bars to reduce body roll and improve the car's balance. Regarding the engine, make sure the car is running well and that there are no leaks and that the coolant system is up to the task. If you are planning on driving long sessions on the track, you will want to add an oil cooler to prevent overheating. Consider adding an aftermarket exhaust system and intake for a small power bump. Finally, safety is paramount. Install a roll bar or roll cage for added protection. Upgrade to a racing seat with a harness to keep you firmly planted in the seat. Consider a fire extinguisher. These upgrades will make your 370Z safer and more enjoyable to drive on the track.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Upgrades

Once you’ve covered the essentials, you can consider some more advanced upgrades to squeeze even more performance out of your 370Z. Lightweight wheels are a great upgrade as they reduce unsprung weight, improving acceleration, braking, and handling. A limited-slip differential (LSD) will help distribute power to the wheel with the most grip, improving traction and allowing you to accelerate harder out of corners. Upgrading the cooling system, such as the radiator or the addition of an oil cooler, can prevent overheating and ensure consistent performance on the track. Weight reduction is another factor, so removing any unnecessary weight from the car, such as the spare tire, sound deadening, and air conditioning system. Consider engine tuning with an ECU remap to optimize the engine's performance. Finally, adding aerodynamic upgrades like a front splitter or rear wing can improve downforce and stability at high speeds. These upgrades aren't essential, but they can significantly enhance the car's performance and make it more competitive on the track. Keep in mind that modifications can become expensive, so it’s essential to prioritize the upgrades based on your needs and budget.

Is the 370Z a Good Track Car? The Verdict

So, after all of that, is the Nissan 370Z a good track car? The answer is a resounding yes! However, it's not perfect right out of the box. The 370Z offers a potent combination of power, handling, and a relatively affordable price point. Its powerful V6 engine, well-tuned suspension, and balanced chassis make it a fun and capable car on the track. But, to truly unlock its potential, you'll need to make some modifications, particularly to the brakes and cooling system. The car's weight and limited interior space are minor drawbacks, but they can be addressed with careful planning and modifications. Ultimately, the 370Z is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, reliable, and engaging track car. It's a car that rewards skillful driving and offers a lot of potential for improvement. If you're looking for a track car that's fun to drive, relatively easy to modify, and won't break the bank, the Nissan 370Z is definitely worth considering. With the right upgrades, you can transform it into a formidable track weapon. So, get out there, hit the track, and have a blast! That's the most important part.