Ya really got me now...

Words By Mike Centola / Photos by Mike Centola

Reminiscent of the radio controlled 300ZX, picking up girls, plastic or not, this fairlady
is certain to turn heads wherever it goes. For Dave Moffitt, this 350Z would get him to
and from his track days without even breaking a sweat!



As almost any enthusiast does, Dave started out with the standard mods: intake,
exhaust, wheels, and some good rubber. Still unsatisfied with the performance of the
car, he started considering other options for more power. An incident with some road
debris left Dave having to pull the engine, so he took advantage of the situation to start
adding more power.



With the engine out, Dave had the bottom end rebuilt with JE pistons, Eagle rods, and
all the complementary machine work that goes with building a capable engine. This
also proved to be a perfect time to have ProCar build the roll cage, and a great time to order the turbo kit, the main power addition to the car.



The body on this Z has some very subtle changes from stock. From the front, you can
see the Nismo styled front bumper, and your eye catches the glimpse of some carbon
fiber on the hood, a painted Seibon carbon fiber hood. For lighting, the 350Z uses stock
HID low beams, with 4300K HID for high beams.



The 350Z track edition has a well tuned suspension from the factory, so Dave chose to
leave the suspension alone expect for the addition of an APS strut tower bar for some
added rigidity. In order to stop this coupe, it is equipped with Hawk HT10 pads,
Goodridge brake lines, Stoptech 2-piece aero rotors, and Motul RBF600 brake fluid. All
that power is transferred to the ground through some Nismo LMGT4 wheels with Pilot
Sport PS2 tires.



Although many builds have issues throughout the process, the 350Z had some very
minor issues and was a very successful build. Built in about a half-year and $25K later,
this is one 350Z that will not go unnoticed.




Owner's Thoughts:
Not only do I get the benefit of the safety and piece-of-mind at track days, but the level
of communication and feel from the chassis is greatly improved - which is saying a lot
as the Z was a really strong chassis to begin with!

Special Thanks:
Don Barton and the crew at Hybrid Connection, Sharif at Forged Performance, Carl McQuillen Racing Engines, Mike at Innovative Tuning, Dorschel Nissan, My family, My roommates and friends.


Quick Specs:

2003 Pikes Peak White "Track"

Engine
APS Twin Turbo kit
Built engine (JE+Eagle, full machining / balancing and new everything
incl. seals, bearings etc).
APS plenum
GReddy EVO TT + APS 3.5" test pipes
AAM fuel return system
650cc injectors
ATS Carbon twin-plate clutch/fly/pp

Suspension / Brakes
APS strut tower bar
Stock suspension
Hawk HT10 pads
Goodridge brake lines
Motul RBF-600 Fluid
Stoptech 2pc Aero rotors (front and rear)
NISMO LMGT4s w/ Pilot Sport PS2s

Body / Chassis
Siebon hood (painted except vents)
Urethane NISMO replica front bumper (molded lip)
Stock HID low beams, 4300K HID highs
Rear half roll cage
Shaved antenna

Electronics / I.C.E.
Defi gauges: Oil Temp, Boost, EGT w/ controller
TurboXS UTEC tuned by Sharif @ Forged Performance and Mike @ Innovative Tuning
Blitz boost controller


Link to gallery of photos.