Weight Distribution and Chassis Setup

With the driver onboard, the car tips the scales at approximately 3,350 pounds. Corner weights reveal a relatively even distribution, offering a strong starting point for suspension tuning:

• Front Left: 952 lbs
• Front Right: 915 lbs
• Rear Left: 760 lbs
• Rear Right: 723 lbs

Alignment settings reflect a track-focused mindset, with -2.5° of front camber and -2.0° in the rear. These values are well-suited for a square tire setup and sustained lateral load, especially in Time Trial formats where tires must perform consistently over multiple laps.

Aero Development with Balance in Mind

Aerodynamics are being introduced deliberately rather than all at once. A WingLogic 70" aluminum rear wing adds meaningful rear downforce while keeping weight in check. A front splitter is planned for later in the season, with the goal of properly balancing front and rear aero rather than simply adding grip at one end of the car.

This staged aero approach reflects an understanding that downforce must work in harmony with suspension and alignment—not against them.

Wheels, Tires, and Mechanical Grip

The car runs a square 18x10.5 setup on SSR GTX01 wheels, wrapped in 275/35R18 Nexen N’Fera Sport R tires. The 200TW compound places the car squarely within popular Time Trial rule sets, offering a blend of grip, durability, and predictability.

A square configuration allows for consistent tire wear, easier rotation, and more neutral handling—an advantage when dialing in suspension settings for multiple tracks and conditions.

Supporting Mods for Track Reliability

Complementing the chassis are carefully chosen supporting modifications:

• Hotchkis front sway bar for roll control
• GKTech upgraded front suspension bushings and bearings
• Front Brembo brake conversion with Carbotech XP12 (front) and XP10 (rear) pads
• VLSD conversion with Whiteline differential bushings
• Lightweight flywheel and sport clutch for improved response
• Additional reliability-focused upgrades (e.g., radiator improvements, lightweight crank pulley)

These supporting modifications help ensure the car remains consistent session after session—an often overlooked but critical aspect of Time Trial competition.

Upgrading the Suspension: TL-ONE + Swift Springs

To match the rest of the car’s track-focused direction, we equipped James’ 350Z with Thunder Lane TL-ONE one-way coilovers. The goal was to deliver a suspension package that feels composed at the limit, communicates clearly, and stays consistent across repeated hot laps.

The setup is paired with Swift springs featuring a 20k front rate and an 8k true rear configuration. This combination helps support the car’s grip-focused square tire setup while providing the stability needed for aero development, especially with a rear wing already in place and a front splitter planned.

With a properly matched coilover and spring package, the chassis can be tuned more precisely for turn-in, mid-corner balance, and corner exit traction—exactly the attributes that matter when preparing for SCCA and NASA Time Trials.

A Clear Goal: Competitive, Consistent, and Confidence-Inspiring

This 350Z build isn’t about chasing lap records overnight—it’s about creating a platform that rewards precision driving, provides clear feedback, and remains competitive across different organizations and tracks. By prioritizing balance over brute force, James is laying the groundwork for a car that can grow with him as a driver.

With continued refinement planned throughout the season, this 350Z is poised to become a serious contender in regional and national Time Trial competition.