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Introduction

Everything You Wanted to Know About NASA's Spec Z Racing Series

NASA has 12 spec series, many of which involve momentum cars that accentuate every mistake you make behind the wheel. Spec Z was introduced in 2012 to offer participants an affordable way into a faster series — and the formula is working. Spec Z rules offer the cost-containment benefits of a well-thought-out spec racing series, but do so with a faster platform. Let’s delve into the details of Spec Z, a series that has begun to come into its own.

The NASA Spec Z is an affordable racing series, primarily focused on road racing, and shall function as an advertising and marketing tool for the series sponsors, the independent sponsors of each team, as well as the official sanctioning body of the series.

2003 to 2008 Nissan 350Z. Nissan Motor Corporation is the only manufacturer of models that are legal for this series. However, other companies, including Nismo, which should be considered a separate company from Nissan Motor Corporation, may manufacture some legal and/ or required parts and components.
$3,700 to $10,000
Year Make Model Engine Horsepower
2003-2004
Nissan
350Z
VQ35DE
258
2005-2006
Nissan
350Z
VQ35DE
265
2007-2008
Nissan
350Z
VQ35HR
275
  • 2003-2004 3,100 lbs.
  • 2005-2006 3,175 lbs.
  • 2007-2008 3,325 lbs.

Fuel usage is restricted to unleaded gasoline commonly found at track side retail pumping. Octane is limited to a maximum of 100 (R+M)/2 as labeled on the pump. Race fuels such as, but not limited to, ERC brand are prohibited. All fuel additives are illegal, per the CCR. Note: event supplemental rules supersede this section.

$17,000 to $30,000 with donor
$20,000 to $25,000
  • Up Rev ECU reflash
  • Performance Brake kits (Brembo, Nismo)
  • Larger race radiator
  • KW coilover suspension
  • 10 x 18 RPF1 Enkei Wheels
  • Adjustable camber arms for front suspension
  • OEM Rubber or Aftermarket Plastic Suspension bushing refresh
  • NISMO/Wavetrac differential and cooler
  • Engine Oil cooler
Average cost to run a weekend — $1,500

Tires

  • Toyo Proxes RR P275-35-18 ~$315 each

Brakes, brands and prices

  • Brembo and Akebono calipers: $200-300 fronts / $100-150 rears
  • Nismo calipers: $125 – 300 fronts / $100-150 rears
  • Hawk DTC-60 and DTC-70 fronts, Brembo calipers: $218

Check the NASA Contingencies page for the latest programs.

Nissan Motor Corporation offers discounted OEM and NISMO performance parts support and contingency awards.
  • Simple and reasonable rules intended to keep the competition high and costs low.
  • Costs are not much more than slower spec classes.
  • Excellent contingency and Nissan factory support.
  • 350Z is an easy platform to work on and maintain.
  • Solid entry platform into racing with sexy looks and sweet sound .
  • Bang for the buck, it’s a quick car for not much money.
Showcasing the captured benefits and great competition of the Spec Z platform in regions where less than 5 cars are running.

Resources

Spec Z Resources

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FAQ

Questions and Answers to Feed Your Curiosity

2003 to 2008 Nissan 350Z with the VQ35 engine.
Yes, but you can upgrade base model cars with NISMO parts.
That’s tough to say. There are three “groups” of cars: 2003-2004, 2005-2006 and 2007-2008. Each has its own horsepower and weight figure. We recommend you look at the rulebook to see which power-to-weight figure you like best. Obviously, the heavier cars get more horsepower, but as Colin Chapman once said, and we’re paraphrasing, you can add horsepower and go faster on the straightaways or you can add lightness and go faster everywhere.
Excellent. In addition to being fairly late model cars, whose parts are readily available on the aftermarket, Nissan Motorsports offers parts support and contingency prizes for Spec Z.
As a spec class, Spec Z was designed to be affordable. The 370Z is the newest version of the car and is was in production through 2019. It has a larger engine, which drives up the cost of finding a donor car. There are plenty of 350Z’s available at a much lower price than the 370Z.
This is a good example of spec-class racing. The cars are matched well with one another, making this a true driver’s class.
Unfortunately not. Rocky Mountain, Southeast and Utah are the most populated regions with Z cars. If you live in another region, these cars fit right into Super Touring 4.
Growth of the class has been slower than expected, but the cars themselves are really robust and don’t have anything that might be considered weak.
Factory participation is rare in amateur racing. Spec Z has it.
Yes, the cars slot right into Super Touring 4 with a competitive horsepower to weight ratio.

News

Latest Spec Z News Around The Country

Reviews

What Spec Z Competitors Say

“I have been involved in racing since 2010. In 2014 I decided I had the time and means to go wheel to wheel it was time to pick a car. After talking with top talent at my local track I came to a better understanding of what it was going to take to make my decision. I knew I wanted to compete against the best drivers to help increase my own abilities. I also wanted a car that was affordable and easy to work on myself. Luckily the Nissan 350z was a car that fit all the criteria. The car is way faster than anyone would have thought. It is super simple to work on, and the affordability to prepare the car to be competitive is as good as it gets. We race hard and fast in our Spec Z cars!”
Chad Aalders
Chad AaldersNASA Utah
“These cars are very, very quick for a spec car. I don’t want to sound biased, but it’s probably one of the top two spec classes to get into. If someone is getting into racing, and has a slightly limited budget, and they want to be fast, then Spec Z is pretty much the way to go.”
Tom Kaminski
Tom KaminskiNASA Utah
“My first car was my mom’s beat-up Datsun 280Z, which I drove for over a decade, so, my affinity for the Z car goes back pretty far. I was leaning toward racing in GTS toward the end of my 944 Spec days, however when Spec Z was introduced in 2012, I was definitely intrigued. The rule set was well architected, the parts costs were reasonable with Nissan’s help, and the car just looked bad-ass. “The 350Z has proven to be a great platform for a spec racing series. The cars are fast and handle well, especially with 275 wide tires all around. Amazingly, the difference in power between the cars in our region is very small, even with engines with over 90,000 miles on them, like mine. The result is close racing — just how a spec class should be. But equally important to me is the camaraderie within the class here in the Rocky Mountain and Utah regions. We all pit together, share data, setups, beers and all sorts of shenanigans. This is how I want my racing to be.”
David Dirks
David DirksNASA Rocky Mountain
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Contact Us

Spec Z Series Contacts

Spec Z
Ashley Burt
Region: Rocky Mountain
Title(s): Regional Series Leader
Series: Spec Z
Email
John Benton
Region: Rocky Mountain
Title(s): National Series Director
Series: Spec Z
Email

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