Back from track at Watkins Glen
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From: Philadelphia
Back from track at Watkins Glen
This G35 6MT sedan girl just got back from a BMW driver school at Watkins Glen for 2.5 days. Took my Garnet Fire baby which I got the end of April, to the track for the first time. It had 3800 miles on it.
When we all introduced ourselves and our rides, I told them we had enough BMWs in the family so I had to have a G35 6 MT. Four Porches and a 350Z were there too. A bunch of the Bimmer guys didn't even know what a G35 was and one idiot actually came up before we got on the track and asked "why would you bring a G35 to the track?" He had a 330i. After a couple runs on the track he didn't ask that anymore...
My car is stock, no mods. Ran great. Two Porches (Carreras) were riding my a-- around the last corner (turn 11) before the long front straight, so, as a courteous driver, I gave them the signal to pass me (mind you, this is not a racing school, it's a drivers school where you have to receive a pass signal from the driver in front before you can pass). Now, usually, if you give a pass signal, you are supposed to let up on the throttle so the guy can pass, but I decided to keep it to the floor to see what the Porches had. They couldn't make the pass. After the run, they both came up to me wanting to know a little more about the G.
The "Esses" on the track--sweeping right, left, and right turns up hill were the biggest thrill--you come off the long straight to a right corner in 4th gear going down hill into a very short straight that leads into the Esses going up hill. You go full throttle up the hill in 4th. I hit 100 mph. When you hit the apexes just right it's an incredible glide onto the slightly shorter back straight going into the chicane and long sweeping downhill right into the boot (we were doing the long 3.4 mi course--NASCAR does the short 2.4 mi course without the boot). Oooweee that is fun! My instructor made me leave it in 4th going into the front straight, since it was my first time driving there with this car and I was working on my threshold braking. Got to 110-115 when the rev limiter kicked in right before it was time to brake hard for sharp turn 1. When he drove my car, he took it to 130 in 5th on the front straight.
Lots of M3s there--lots with mods. Some were SCCA racing M3s, so no contest there. But with the stock M3s, it depended more on the driver as to whether they could pass or not on the long straight. My driving instructor, who races an M3 in the BMW CCA was very impressed with the G's performance--he didn't know alot about them before this because he's a long-term die-hard Bimmer fanatic.
By day 2, several Bimmer afficiandos were sneaking over to sneak a peek at the G and pulling me aside for chats. Three guys quietly said they had been considering a G, but hadn't test driven one yet and wanted to know how I liked it on the track. I guess my smile said it all.
The 350Z did well, too, of course, but I passed him a few times because he was a newbie to the track as well and having some issues with his line.
On day 3, we had the track for half a day and it poured rain. I was too chicken to go out. But then so were most of the more experienced track guys, including a majority of the instructors. So, I didn't feel like such a wuss.
So, my advice for the biggest thrill you can get with your G is to take it to driver school at a great road track! I know I'll be back next time.
Dreams
Dreams garnet fire/graphite leather 6MT 2003.5 premium/aero/winter
When we all introduced ourselves and our rides, I told them we had enough BMWs in the family so I had to have a G35 6 MT. Four Porches and a 350Z were there too. A bunch of the Bimmer guys didn't even know what a G35 was and one idiot actually came up before we got on the track and asked "why would you bring a G35 to the track?" He had a 330i. After a couple runs on the track he didn't ask that anymore...
My car is stock, no mods. Ran great. Two Porches (Carreras) were riding my a-- around the last corner (turn 11) before the long front straight, so, as a courteous driver, I gave them the signal to pass me (mind you, this is not a racing school, it's a drivers school where you have to receive a pass signal from the driver in front before you can pass). Now, usually, if you give a pass signal, you are supposed to let up on the throttle so the guy can pass, but I decided to keep it to the floor to see what the Porches had. They couldn't make the pass. After the run, they both came up to me wanting to know a little more about the G.
The "Esses" on the track--sweeping right, left, and right turns up hill were the biggest thrill--you come off the long straight to a right corner in 4th gear going down hill into a very short straight that leads into the Esses going up hill. You go full throttle up the hill in 4th. I hit 100 mph. When you hit the apexes just right it's an incredible glide onto the slightly shorter back straight going into the chicane and long sweeping downhill right into the boot (we were doing the long 3.4 mi course--NASCAR does the short 2.4 mi course without the boot). Oooweee that is fun! My instructor made me leave it in 4th going into the front straight, since it was my first time driving there with this car and I was working on my threshold braking. Got to 110-115 when the rev limiter kicked in right before it was time to brake hard for sharp turn 1. When he drove my car, he took it to 130 in 5th on the front straight.
Lots of M3s there--lots with mods. Some were SCCA racing M3s, so no contest there. But with the stock M3s, it depended more on the driver as to whether they could pass or not on the long straight. My driving instructor, who races an M3 in the BMW CCA was very impressed with the G's performance--he didn't know alot about them before this because he's a long-term die-hard Bimmer fanatic.
By day 2, several Bimmer afficiandos were sneaking over to sneak a peek at the G and pulling me aside for chats. Three guys quietly said they had been considering a G, but hadn't test driven one yet and wanted to know how I liked it on the track. I guess my smile said it all.
The 350Z did well, too, of course, but I passed him a few times because he was a newbie to the track as well and having some issues with his line.
On day 3, we had the track for half a day and it poured rain. I was too chicken to go out. But then so were most of the more experienced track guys, including a majority of the instructors. So, I didn't feel like such a wuss.
So, my advice for the biggest thrill you can get with your G is to take it to driver school at a great road track! I know I'll be back next time.
Dreams
Dreams garnet fire/graphite leather 6MT 2003.5 premium/aero/winter
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From: NE AZ
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Keep bringing it. there are some Jags, Boxsters and Bimmers around here that know a little more about the G now as well
amazing what 30 k will buy now especially at 3.x% interest
most people will say they are proud of your story and what you have done for Nissan/Infiniti
Me too! Thanks for the report.
Better Life thru Chemistry
amazing what 30 k will buy now especially at 3.x% interest
most people will say they are proud of your story and what you have done for Nissan/Infiniti
Me too! Thanks for the report.
Better Life thru Chemistry
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From: San Diego, CA
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
I would have thought that would have been an interesting opportunity to test out the VDC's abilities. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]
2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter
2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter
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Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Re: VDC and Watkin's Glen. I had a discussion with several of the long-time instructors and a couple of other guys who have done lots of time at Watkins Glen. They all concurred that the VDC should be left on, so I did. I noticed the VDC kicked in a couple of times for a split second or two--when putting it to the floor coming out of a sharp corner onto a straight. I can't really say how often it came on though because I was looking up the track--the only time to really check the dash gauges was on the straight.
A friend with an M5 who is very experienced (though not an instructor) on the track said that he has never taken off the VDC on the track and that it has saved his butt a couple of times. He didn't feel that it inhibited anything.
My instructor also kept it on while he was driving the car (I was passenger), but I didn't notice if it came on because I was too busy paying attention to braking and shifting.
Dreams garnet fire/graphite leather 6MT 2003.5 premium/aero/winter
A friend with an M5 who is very experienced (though not an instructor) on the track said that he has never taken off the VDC on the track and that it has saved his butt a couple of times. He didn't feel that it inhibited anything.
My instructor also kept it on while he was driving the car (I was passenger), but I didn't notice if it came on because I was too busy paying attention to braking and shifting.
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Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Great post! Good job on the track. I have owned 4 Bimmers, so I can understand the "Bimmer Mentality" but the G is a very impressive car. One has no need to make excuses for it. Before I go to the track though, I will probably have changed a couple of things - that being stiffer/lower springs (eibachs), and more agressive foot wear - read wider rims/tires. I've noticed that the G has ever so slight residual motions after certain maneuvers,
"03.5" G35-S Ivory Pearl Sport/Prem/Aerodyn-RS
"02" MBZ C-320 Sport Wagon Brilliant Silv/C-2 pac
"03.5" G35-S Ivory Pearl Sport/Prem/Aerodyn-RS
"02" MBZ C-320 Sport Wagon Brilliant Silv/C-2 pac
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Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Yeah. Change of tires would definitely make a difference and I started looking as soon as I got back. Can't find any hi-performance street/track tires to fit the Gsedan, like the Michelin Pilot Cup or Kumos that a lot of other people had and liked a lot. So, I'm trying to figure out how best to adapt without losing speed.
The sport-tuned suspension worked pretty well, though not quite as stiff as some of the Bimmers.
With regard to mods, the recommendations of the experts there for Bimmer as well as other car owners were to focus on safety first with the right helmet, a neck ring, good gloves, shoes, and seat belts (4 or 5-point), then go for tires, brakes, then suspension mods in that order. Their message hit home when an experienced track driver in a really great Bimmer Dinan-mod car made the mistake of accelerating out of a corner before she completed shifting. She ran out of track and skidded along the Armco for 40 feet or so, effectively wiping out the entire driver side of the car from bumper to bumper. Luckily, no injury to her or her instructor--which she attributed to her 4-point seat harness, neck ring, and helmet. Damage to the car estimated at about $10K.
Dreams garnet fire/graphite leather 6MT 2003.5 premium/aero/winter
The sport-tuned suspension worked pretty well, though not quite as stiff as some of the Bimmers.
With regard to mods, the recommendations of the experts there for Bimmer as well as other car owners were to focus on safety first with the right helmet, a neck ring, good gloves, shoes, and seat belts (4 or 5-point), then go for tires, brakes, then suspension mods in that order. Their message hit home when an experienced track driver in a really great Bimmer Dinan-mod car made the mistake of accelerating out of a corner before she completed shifting. She ran out of track and skidded along the Armco for 40 feet or so, effectively wiping out the entire driver side of the car from bumper to bumper. Luckily, no injury to her or her instructor--which she attributed to her 4-point seat harness, neck ring, and helmet. Damage to the car estimated at about $10K.
Dreams garnet fire/graphite leather 6MT 2003.5 premium/aero/winter
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From: Florida
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Yeah finally another G owner willing to but the muscle to the road course. Nice work!!!! Arent the PBOC/PCA events fun!!!! Even with a non-German Auto.
I have to say that if you pushed the car on Watkins Glenn you either have differant brakes or you were not pushing very hard. I go to the PBOC events and go thru and entire set of rear pads each 30 minute session (the fronts are fine). The G is not capable of running these tracks as it is from the dealer. You need to get a big brake kit and suspension mods really help.
I installed 235/45/17 SO3 on all 4 factory stock rims and the car is much more stable. If you want a set of spare track tires you could get Victor Racers or something similar.
I am not calling you out just merely upset that the G cannot handle the track in stock form and many other cars I drive can (like the bmw's, IS300, Mustang, porsche, etc.). Why do we have to add brakes so they can handle the main intention of the car....to go fast
I have to say that if you pushed the car on Watkins Glenn you either have differant brakes or you were not pushing very hard. I go to the PBOC events and go thru and entire set of rear pads each 30 minute session (the fronts are fine). The G is not capable of running these tracks as it is from the dealer. You need to get a big brake kit and suspension mods really help.
I installed 235/45/17 SO3 on all 4 factory stock rims and the car is much more stable. If you want a set of spare track tires you could get Victor Racers or something similar.
I am not calling you out just merely upset that the G cannot handle the track in stock form and many other cars I drive can (like the bmw's, IS300, Mustang, porsche, etc.). Why do we have to add brakes so they can handle the main intention of the car....to go fast
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Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Brakes are a concern and I will have to upgrade. I hope Infiniti hears all the noise about the less-than-optimal brakes.
Thanks for the tire advice. Re: How hard I pushed the car. We had 24-minute runs 4 times/day. I wasn't pushing the car as hard as a more experienced Watkins Glen driver might. My objective was establishing a smooth line, consistency, and working on optimal threshold braking since it was my first time at the Glen, so I was going about 110-115 tops down the front straight before threshold braking and 100 top speed through the esses, which is about as fast as most people there were doing the esses. The brakes lasted through the two days (8 sessions).
The most experienced drivers there with modified M3s and a guy with a 900 HP mod Porsche hit about 130 down the front stretch. NASCAR does about 160 down the front stretch.
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Thanks for the tire advice. Re: How hard I pushed the car. We had 24-minute runs 4 times/day. I wasn't pushing the car as hard as a more experienced Watkins Glen driver might. My objective was establishing a smooth line, consistency, and working on optimal threshold braking since it was my first time at the Glen, so I was going about 110-115 tops down the front straight before threshold braking and 100 top speed through the esses, which is about as fast as most people there were doing the esses. The brakes lasted through the two days (8 sessions).
The most experienced drivers there with modified M3s and a guy with a 900 HP mod Porsche hit about 130 down the front stretch. NASCAR does about 160 down the front stretch.
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From: Florida
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
the glen must not be a big brake track. I did the same configuration (4 30 minute sessions) at sebring http://www.sebringraceway.com/ and had to change the rear brakes each 30 minutes. Maybe my brakes are f*^cked up and the bias is wrong. Something is messed up. I looked at the glen and it looks normal so you should be plowing thru rear pads or you are not standing on them very hard.
I am confused....I have raced cars before and do push to the edge but something just doesnt jive.
Well at least we are all having fun.
I am confused....I have raced cars before and do push to the edge but something just doesnt jive.
Well at least we are all having fun.
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Nice Job with the Porsches Dreams! My buddy has a black on black 03 Twin Turbo and he was surprised how close I actually was when we briefly went at it...YES he was pulling me, but not as embarrissingly much as we both thought he would.
I just got back from a small car show and a lot of people were fawning over my G35. They loved the customized CAI Frankencar and I put on it, and as far as tires go...I got 245/45 Z/W R 17 Kumho Ecsta Supra 712s...on 7.5" Moda 6 (kind of look like Cobra R rims) Rims from tire rack...they are incredible compared to stock and fit perfect. The last two places I have been at with a lot of car buffs had at leat 60% of the cars sporting these Kumhos so they are obviously a great bang for the buck.
I am afraid to bring my car autocrossing ( I did with my SHO, Mustang, and both Maximas) or to a driver School b/c I have heard so many bad things about the rear pads...like you said hopefully people are listening...
Has anyone tried out the new kevlar pads that are out there? Supposedly no break dust (Stock Pads make your rims black).
Also, speaking of handling, I have noticed when I push the G around, the front end seems a little light..IE, you really need two hands on the wheel when hitting a bump pushing it around a corner or you could lose control b/c of the way the car reacts to bumps...does anyone else notice this???
John
03.5 G35 14.8 @ 93
02 Maxima SE 14.5 @ 95 (Wife's)
87 Mustang GT 13.2 @ 107
I just got back from a small car show and a lot of people were fawning over my G35. They loved the customized CAI Frankencar and I put on it, and as far as tires go...I got 245/45 Z/W R 17 Kumho Ecsta Supra 712s...on 7.5" Moda 6 (kind of look like Cobra R rims) Rims from tire rack...they are incredible compared to stock and fit perfect. The last two places I have been at with a lot of car buffs had at leat 60% of the cars sporting these Kumhos so they are obviously a great bang for the buck.
I am afraid to bring my car autocrossing ( I did with my SHO, Mustang, and both Maximas) or to a driver School b/c I have heard so many bad things about the rear pads...like you said hopefully people are listening...
Has anyone tried out the new kevlar pads that are out there? Supposedly no break dust (Stock Pads make your rims black).
Also, speaking of handling, I have noticed when I push the G around, the front end seems a little light..IE, you really need two hands on the wheel when hitting a bump pushing it around a corner or you could lose control b/c of the way the car reacts to bumps...does anyone else notice this???
John
03.5 G35 14.8 @ 93
02 Maxima SE 14.5 @ 95 (Wife's)
87 Mustang GT 13.2 @ 107
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
No - that sounds bad. My car feels solid over all bumps - have sports suspension though. Not since I drove fwd have i had to put two hands on wheel for any turning unless driving agressively. Are your tires ok?
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
As far as I know they are...it's not all the time...it's only during aggressive cornering...it's like I can feel each front wheel (independently) hitting a bump, and unless I have two hands on the wheel it's like the front end gets very light...
The car, with the new Kumhos handles very, very well.
John
03.5 G35 14.8 @ 93
02 Maxima SE 14.5 @ 95 (Wife's)
87 Mustang GT 13.2 @ 107
The car, with the new Kumhos handles very, very well.
John
03.5 G35 14.8 @ 93
02 Maxima SE 14.5 @ 95 (Wife's)
87 Mustang GT 13.2 @ 107
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From: The Woodlands, TX
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Great write up! Love hearing about the G representing! On the tire front, I wanted to mention that on my sedan I upgraded to the Goodyear F1's which are phonomenal on wet and dry. I would almost swear that they're even better on wet. I did have to go with a wider rim (17x8) in order to accommodate the wide tires I went with (255/45/17) but it's been well worth every penny.
http://www.eaglef1.com/opener.html
'03 AT Sedan | Brilliant Silver | Willow Leather | Sport | Premium | Aerokit w/Spoiler | Nav
http://www.eaglef1.com/opener.html
'03 AT Sedan | Brilliant Silver | Willow Leather | Sport | Premium | Aerokit w/Spoiler | Nav
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From: Philadelphia
Re: Back from track at Watkins Glen
Re: The Kuhmos. Yeah, the Bimmer guys were yakking it up about these tires--great value, quality and performance on the track, they said. Several instructors recommended them, too.
Dreams garnet fire/graphite leather 6MT 2003.5 premium/aero/winter
Dreams garnet fire/graphite leather 6MT 2003.5 premium/aero/winter
