Yes that is EXACTLY what I mean.

 

To OP: fwiw Autocross really taught me how to stomp the breaks and rotate the rear. As the instructor told me lap after lap, "You're not doing it hard enough or fast enough!" Its a violent stop when you do go mad on the pedal.
As for brakes... I did LimeRock, so it's probably a bit faster than the average parking lot AutoX, but my oem brakes/pads were billowing smoke after just 2 laps. I did the bbk upgrade and am much happier with them... Ymmv, but maybe consider track pads 🤷

 

Good tip. I'll look into that. Thank you

And yeah, the Crown Vics are surprisingly nimble! Seen a couple of them putting down respectable times.

That would be a blast for sure. I'll have to see if there's anything in the PNW I can try.

I wish. Hmmm... I wonder...
I believe the STI has an adjustable center diff, where there's a will...

 

Either lock it AWD or RWD, run it, then let the computer deal with it and run it. See what is faster and what feels more stable?? Maybe food for thought. I wouldn't prioritize that.

Re: brakes, for autocross: make sure you have clean/new fluid (flush, don't just bleed) and OEM or better pads - no parts store cheap stuff. I wouldn't spend $ on track pads for autocross since you won't get them hot enough. If you start doing HPDE, talk to other folks at that track day with similar weight cars and see what they're using. I ran Hawk Blues on track fo' ever but that tech is pretty old now, and that was dangerous on the street.

Look and see what the SCCA or NASA is doing in your region. Even if you're looking for a non-sanctioned track day, those folks will know the things.

 

I had to think on this for a bit. I agree, I'm guessing lack of cojones mostly. What I've read about the GT-R when thrashed is that it just goes where you point it, if you're brave enough to keep your foot in it. Sometimes counterintuitively, as with a 911.

To be honest, if I had just dropped 100k on a Nissan with a delicate transmission I might be tepid with my right foot too... the first few times.

 

I'm just spitballing on the diff. But that would be amazing to be able to pick. If someone's braver than me, I'd love to see that build thread.

Brakes: Yep. Completely flushed with DOT-4 fluid. Also upgraded to Steel lines. Will upgrade the pads when it's time to replace.

 

Doubt you ever will with a stock suspension.

You have it backwards. If you get aftermarket bars, start stiffest rear and softest front. If that's too lively, then stiffen the front.

Like I did.

Only 41k miles.

 

Yeah, despite the RWD bias, just doesn't seem like the AWD G is a tail-happy drive - which is fine. And logical.

Don't tempt me!
There's an $800 miata nearby with 2 motors (1 blown, 1 good), thinkin real hard on that

 

Here's the thing about HPDE or racing: use a car you can wad up and walk away from without imposing hardship on you. Tracking your DD is not a good idea. It's really rare to hurt your car at autoX, but Miatas are better at it. Baby, though...

 

Track insurance exists. Caveats are that it ups the expense significantly, and you only get a claim once every 3 years.
Saw a guy total his DD Camero, he was smiling by the end of the day. Track insurance paid out the whole policy in cash.

 

I've done HPDEs in my daily but of necessity I'm moderating my performance to a non-tire-wall-impacting level.

It's different when I get in a prepped track car. Hell, I've got to spin it to see where the tire traction line is.

 

Instead of starting a new thread, can you guys lend a hand with a wheel fitment question?

I have a set of 350z 17's that I think will work. Want to make sure I don't make any dumb mistakes though.

AWD Sedan is currently on journey 17's:
17 x 7.5 (+45) front & rear
225 55 R17 - all seasons

Here's what I'm thinking of using for track days only:
17 x 7.5 (+30) front
17 x 8 (+33) rear
215 45 R17 - Potenzas

Obviously this isn't the most ideal performance wheel setup, tires are a bit narrow, but it's what I have.

I've entered the #s in the wheel calculator, and to my untrained mind, they look like they should be okay.
The rolling diameter between front and back is basically zero, so the AWD should be okay, correct?

Are there any potential issue I might be missing here?
Do I need spacers to account for the offset difference?

Much appreciated!

 

If you have any wish to be competitive, get better tires for track duty. I have to guess you're driving on them to your events, and that the sanctioning body limits tire stickiness?
And go 225 minimum, width is more important than sidewall on that boat.

 

If you have the XS, the 30 offset may not work up front. Test it first. XS has the same brakes as the limited Q50. Still a slider setup, but 2 piston I stead of 1 up front, and the calliper is slightly larger. Should be ok, but test fit before buying 100%

 

Thanks gents!

It's the journey trim, so the smaller brakes.

I am thinking of hauling the "race" wheels/tires to the event and putting them on there.

No restrictions on anything at this particular event. It's solely recreational, not SCCA.
Winners get bragging rights.

Okay, the search for tires continues...