LSX-438

First up let me say i have done a lot of track days (amateur circuit stuff, weekend warriors, no serious competition) and have never expected a manufacturer to "sponsor" my track time by fixing / replacing anything that has worn out / broken on the track. Ever. To be blunt i usually consider warranty more trouble than it is worth. However, that was with cheaper cars where i could buy a crate motor for $5k or a transmission for $3k.... Anyway after reading the track day inspection thread on gtr.co.uk, i decided to ask my local dealer about the situation. He told me: My questions are: 1) Has anyone heard about this? 2) Why did i have to ask (they guy knew straight up when i asked) 3) How much are these pre and post track day inspections going to cost? (he didnt know) 4) Will you have ANY warranty if you dont do this and "track" the car? (assuming they find out) 5) Is this a cash cow I dont fancy losing the car for two days every time i have a track day. However, if they are REALLY going to cover breakages when driven in anger on the circuit, maybe it is worth considering? I would hazard a guess they will only cover items due to faulty manufacture/fitment, versus bits that wear out due to "abuse"... You can imagine the likely outcome... It's going to be ambiguous at best, so is this worth the hassle? Obviously they wont cover consumables (rotors/pads etc) or accidents, but i just cant see them replacing a broken CV or the like under these circumstances, do you? I would normally swap out pads/rotors and fluids myself; even if i have these "inspections" i would still feel the need to personally check all these things (which we do before, during and after track days anyway). Also, I would rather source my own pads/rotors and fluids (probably more durable products at less tham OEM prices). If i get these Nissan "inspections" done, i will probably get suckered into using all the OEM $tuff at top dollar as well. As mentioned i would ordinarily consider warranty a joke in this context, but if a new tranny is going to cost $30k, and god knows that a new motor would cost (jesus, $75k? who knows) then maybe...... I dont expect these things to break but you never know. What do you think? I am in two minds about it. This could be an extraordinarily good thing (who really covers track days? - do porsche?) but i just can't see it working out if something goes pop at the track. Thoughts?

I believe the first shipment is on it's way, should be 3 weeks or so. Dunno if there is an official release date though. Anyone know how many are in the first batch?

Awesome Marek! Btw I tried to find ot the difference in weight (between the base model and premium) but really couldnt get the specs. Anyway will be good to have another GT-R int e comp. With tirerack, are you sure they ship to australia?

True, for the street most wouldnt/shouldnt care i reckon. I'll be doing some NSW sprints and need to decide between 20" bridgestone/dunlops, or spend bucks on 18" TE37's and go with the RE55's. I wouldnt know but hazard a guess the RE55's will crap all over the 20" dunlops/bridgestones, possibly by a second or two at OP/EC/WP, but i just don't know for sure. Has anyone run say dunlops SP600's on a circuit?

Bugger about the bridgestones. Does anyone know if you can buy the Dunlops and what the $$ might be? I suppose it's too early to get them now, but just wondering.

I spoke with the dealer today, they had some training thing on last week in Melbourne. Apparently the Premium cars come with the Bridgestones (he was adamant) - quite a few people have asked for the bridestones instead and it was raised as an issue - but apparently cannot be done? Anyone confirm or deny?

So for those who have orders in the first batch, what have you heard lately? I was told my car was being made last week, then onto a ship for three weeks (landing in Melbourne?) Has anyone been given other info? Anyone got a VIN number etc? Getting close now

Regarding price, there was an article in a Sydney newspaper this morning about a price rise ($7000 or thereabouts?) however those with signed orders (before April 1 or something) get it at the old price.

so the thing launches at 3000rpm now - vs what 4800rpm? Question is, how is it now quicker? Maybe they recalibrated the traction control? New rubber? Either way, if the numbers are true, they've pulled a hare out of their clacker on this one.

ahh great, so both standard and premium come with the dunlops standard? I asked the dealer about this and they can't tell me / don't know

Ahh so series 2 gets Dunops o/s? (Standard or is it an option?) If so, great! So there is a chance we'll get them.

I spoke with my dealer today, apparently my car is being made now (first aussie batch). Anyway no word on pricing changes or anything like that, i still expect to pay the contract price. Btw, the premium car comes with Bridgestones right? Has anyone managed to swap tyre selection to the Dunlops?

I hope you're right Martin as i dont think i will be able to afford to replace much on this car.

I'm not changing the lines. I agree with the fact this car is quick out of the box. But, I've been doing regular track days for about three years now, and i have changed more pads/rotors/calipers/lines than i've had hot dinners. I always carry spare pads/rotors/lines and fluids. Russo's will tell you about the time i lost a line rubbing on a track tyre (albeit probably a bit too wide). That probably wont happen but these lines seem a great bargain, if only as spares. I don't fancy paying god knows what for these things from Nissan (wouldnt be surprised if it's like $1000+). Martin, what pads and fluid do you use on the track? Have you changed any Rotors yet? I was thinking of getting the AP Racing slotted fronts (as spares in waiting) with Ferodo DS2500 pads. With the commodore/monaros, we've had a few track days where a cracked rotor has ruined the day.

I wandered across these via the US forums http://helcarkits.co.uk/index.php?main_pag...products_id=465 Seems like a barigain Upgraded stainless lines for R35, all four, about $150AU delivered Even as backup/spare set. I wonder how much replacement OEM ones would be.

wow, any word on the lap times?

True, i suppose it makes for an entertaining read anyway. Has anyone been keeping track of the bathurst production car race this weekend? Perhas those times are better for comparison sakes. Whilst they are "production" cars they generally have a good setup, dedicated for the track. A standard R35 would easily be in front, let alone one with rubber, brakes, cage (interior gone), seats, tune, etc etc.

Thanks for the info. I'll only be doing sprints at EC/OP/WP tracks, and no more than 4 laps every hour (perhaps 4 or 5 sessions a day). I dunno really but i would hazard a guess good pads/fluids and slotted rotors may suffice?

actually come to think of it, the Motor lap times are probably not from a standing start (like the video) so the comparison is probably BS

Here's an interesting video which compares a VYSS Commodore, A9X and V8Supercar around bathurst. It looks like the VYSS did a 2:51 (driven by a V8SC driver) so that might give some comparison with resect to how much quicker the R35 is vs an actual commodore road car - stock for stock. About 25 seconds.

Awesome results! And what of the tyres, is there anything on the radar?

So all the rally cars are running the standard tyres - does anyone know if they are running the bridgestone RE070R or the dunlop SP Sport? Anyone know how they would compare to say an RE55?

my dealers says the oz spec car will not have sat nav, nor speed limiter

Yeah i hear you i have tried just about everywhere but nobody seems to have done it locally. Apparently the TE37 18x9.5+22 and 18x10.5+15 rears fit ok (proven in the States by a couple of people). This would yield the option of using an 18" RE55 - otherwise it's 19" and R888. I really want the RE55's though.

To be frank i hope it is "uncool" but with all the hype surrounding the car, not to mention Nissan only bringing in about 100 R35's next year now, they willbe a rare beast on Aussie roads. Kind of worries me actually, i dont fancy being car jacked.