Quote:
Originally Posted by kramard
Hi guys,
I've been lurking here for months and am finally close to pulling the trigger on a Z/28. I've been tracking / DDing a 135i w/ tune and 245s on all four corners for the last two years. My 135i is great, but I'm looking for a NA car and more power  .
Been between an e90 M3 or Z/28 and I just can't get over what a value the Z is. I'm a very performance oriented car owner.
My questions as follows:
- CCBs: How many track days would the rotors last? How many track days would a set of pads last? I run Summit Point 1 - 2x a year and in my 135i begin to slow from an indicated 135mph to 40mph on the front straight. When on the track I try to corner at 8/10ths+ but try to use the brakes at 6/10ths or less. I don't out right race, so lap times are less important than the experience. I'm very close to Group 2 (got all 5s on my last session but needed another instructor for a final check to solo).
- Trofeos: Are they down right dangerous in wet or cold weather? Obviously, no snow. But since I'd be buying this car going into winter and it would be my primary (while not my only, we have a Grand Cherokee) this car could see highway commutes in dry 20 degree winter temps. When the Trofeos wear I'd look at RE11 or Super Sports (have super sports on my 135i and Love them - I've had no issues at the track but I run a higher than average PSI). I live in DC so have to plan for a cold Jan / Feb.
- Mechanical issues? Any thing to be aware of when buying used beyond normal used car buying concerns? The car I'm looking at has a slightly discolored intake but everything else seems ok from my review today. The car has the hood vent insert so I'm not sure what could have caused the intake to have a whiteish discoloration. From a lot of the reviews I've read mechanical issues seem to be at a minimum but I've reviewed the engine braking thread and seen a few tuned LS motors go boom. Ultimately, part of me avoiding the e90 / e92 m3 is the ongoing rod bearing drama.
Would love your guys thoughts on the above.
Thanks in advance and here's to joining the club soon! |
CCB brakes are very good in the wear category. Thank goodness, as they are insanely expensive to replace. You have to be super careful when removing and reinstalling the wheels as not to chip the edges of the rotors. The pads last longer than steel counterparts too. I have many (14+) track days on a set of front pads and the rear pads are still stock after many more track days. The performance of a CCB isn't off the charts better than the ZL1 steel brakes with race pads, but the wear difference is incredible.
The driveline is very solid with only a few rare incidents of valve dropping in the LS7, but it has happened. My modified LS7 dropped a valve after 2000-2500 track miles. Transmission, clutch. rear, axles, etc. are very sturdy and up to the task of track thrashing. That white residue is on the rubberized part of the intake elbow and comes off with a little spray of armor all like protectant. Good luck with the purchase and go for it. $50k is a steal for a Z/28 considering the equipment you get for the $.