Looking at used ND2s... - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

ZDan · 03-30-2024, 11:54 AM

I test-drove an RF last year before I bought my '23 BRZ. Fun! But since I was only going to have one car, '23 BRZ to replace my '17 PP made a lot more sense. Now I have an '05 Mazda3 beater as practical daily. And my time-trials club COMSCC has seen fit to pile more points on me so this year my comp weight in T50 class will be 3187 lb.

That's C5 Corvette weight. I have strayed far from lightweight sports car ideals... Would consider bumping up a class but that would pretty much require running Hoosier R7s which I'd like to avoid (PITA and also more cornering grip would likely exacerbate oil pressure drop in right-handers).

So, thinking about getting an ND2. RF looks cool but makes no sense because heavier, more $$$, and still requires an aftermarket roll bar to run with my club, which defeats convertibleness (i.e., top not retractable with with roll bar installed). I test-drove an ND2 GT the other day, and the seats are not great... Hopefully I can find one with the optional Recaros but they seem few and far between. Otherwise will likely have to get a seat. More $$$ and probably lose airbag functionality.

Anyway, ND2 feels like a *toy* compared to the BRZ! Which is both good and bad... Time trials weight would be 2475 lb, more than *700 lb. lighter* than with the BRZ. Shorter wheelbase, better F/R balance, driver sits just in front of rear wheels, overall a lot more similar to my terribly-missed 240Z. It's just too bad they don't make a fixed-roof coupe version...

So I think my "grail" ND2 would be a GT (for better insulated top, less wind noise on the highway) manual with the Brembo/Recaro package. But few and far between... There are a lot more plain GTs, but that seat... Still might consider RF just based on looks and the fact that I'm not really a convertible guy so losing top-down capability not a big deal. But more weight, up high, and more $$$, meh...

Anyway, if anyone has experience streeting and tracking these cars, feel free to offer inputs!

Ohio Enthusiast · 03-30-2024, 01:08 PM

How about buying new and getting an ND3? Supposedly it should have improvements in steering feel and transmission robustness among other things. After I was disappointed test driving an ND2 before buying my BRZ, I'm looking forward to trying an ND3.

Speaking of classes, did you explore suspension classing for the ND? Unlike the Twins, stock Miatas are awfully soft and not well suited for track suspension-wise.

ZDan · 03-30-2024, 01:44 PM

Looking to save a few thousand bucks, so not really considering ND3.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast

Speaking of classes, did you explore suspension classing for the ND? Unlike the Twins, stock Miatas are awfully soft and not well suited for track suspension-wise.

Would get coilovers fer sher…

NoHaveMSG · 03-30-2024, 03:40 PM

I’ve heard nothing but good things from guys who track the ND2.

bcj · 03-31-2024, 11:00 AM

Is it impossible to declase' the BRZ?
If your driving is so precise that they're moving you up in a stock car, wouldn't they do that for an RD too?

ZDan · 04-01-2024, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcj

Is it impossible to declase' the BRZ?
If your driving is so precise that they're moving you up in a stock car, wouldn't they do that for an RD too?

They wouldn’t modify points once season has begun outside of unusual circumstances. As it is, with coilovers and 225 A052s on the BRZ I have to run at 3187 lb. which means full tank +150 lb ballast. ND2 with coilovers and same tires, 2495 lb. If I kick ass with it this year they might add points to nd2 for next year..

jflogerzi · 04-18-2024, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZDan

They wouldn’t modify points once season has begun outside of unusual circumstances. As it is, with coilovers and 225 A052s on the BRZ I have to run at 3187 lb. which means full tank +150 lb ballast. ND2 with coilovers and same tires, 2495 lb. If I kick ass with it this year they might add points to nd2 for next year..

Seems like you need find better competition

All seriousness ND2 might be a nice change of pace. If your good on the financial side try it. Kinda picked the wrong season to buy as spring and summer inbound, may not find the best deal but yolo.

foshjowler · 04-19-2024, 08:31 AM

I co-drove autox nationals in an CS ND2 last year, first time I had driven one in real anger, and caught on relatively quick. I've found the 86s and Miatas to have quick learning curves. The reason I don't get one is that I'm a little too tall to realistically compete in motorsports with one. I walked out after 6 runs on the week with bruises on both knees from using the interior to brace yourself. I'm a pretty average build at 5'11", so not particularly large. I'd like to experience and STR ND, but there aren't any locals with a well prepped one that I could try to bum a co-drive off of.

03-30-2024, 11:54 AM	#1
ZDan Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Drives: '23 BRZ Location: Providence, RI Posts: 4,584 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,891 Times in 2,032 Posts Mentioned: 85 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Looking at used ND2s... I test-drove an RF last year before I bought my '23 BRZ. Fun! But since I was only going to have one car, '23 BRZ to replace my '17 PP made a lot more sense. Now I have an '05 Mazda3 beater as practical daily. And my time-trials club COMSCC has seen fit to pile more points on me so this year my comp weight in T50 class will be 3187 lb. That's C5 Corvette weight. I have strayed far from lightweight sports car ideals... Would consider bumping up a class but that would pretty much require running Hoosier R7s which I'd like to avoid (PITA and also more cornering grip would likely exacerbate oil pressure drop in right-handers). So, thinking about getting an ND2. RF looks cool but makes no sense because heavier, more $$$, and still requires an aftermarket roll bar to run with my club, which defeats convertibleness (i.e., top not retractable with with roll bar installed). I test-drove an ND2 GT the other day, and the seats are not great... Hopefully I can find one with the optional Recaros but they seem few and far between. Otherwise will likely have to get a seat. More $$$ and probably lose airbag functionality. Anyway, ND2 feels like a toy compared to the BRZ! Which is both good and bad... Time trials weight would be 2475 lb, more than 700 lb. lighter than with the BRZ. Shorter wheelbase, better F/R balance, driver sits just in front of rear wheels, overall a lot more similar to my terribly-missed 240Z. It's just too bad they don't make a fixed-roof coupe version... So I think my "grail" ND2 would be a GT (for better insulated top, less wind noise on the highway) manual with the Brembo/Recaro package. But few and far between... There are a lot more plain GTs, but that seat... Still might consider RF just based on looks and the fact that I'm not really a convertible guy so losing top-down capability not a big deal. But more weight, up high, and more $$$, meh... Anyway, if anyone has experience streeting and tracking these cars, feel free to offer inputs!

04-19-2024, 08:31 AM	#8
foshjowler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2022 Drives: 2022 BRZ; 2014 BRZ Location: North Carolina Posts: 156 Thanks: 3 Thanked 83 Times in 57 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I co-drove autox nationals in an CS ND2 last year, first time I had driven one in real anger, and caught on relatively quick. I've found the 86s and Miatas to have quick learning curves. The reason I don't get one is that I'm a little too tall to realistically compete in motorsports with one. I walked out after 6 runs on the week with bruises on both knees from using the interior to brace yourself. I'm a pretty average build at 5'11", so not particularly large. I'd like to experience and STR ND, but there aren't any locals with a well prepped one that I could try to bum a co-drive off of. __________________ 2022 BRZ 2014 BRZ 1991 Miata Autox Videos

03-30-2024, 01:08 PM	#2
Ohio Enthusiast Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Drives: 2018 BRZ Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 898 Thanks: 1,367 Thanked 764 Times in 433 Posts Mentioned: 12 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	How about buying new and getting an ND3? Supposedly it should have improvements in steering feel and transmission robustness among other things. After I was disappointed test driving an ND2 before buying my BRZ, I'm looking forward to trying an ND3. Speaking of classes, did you explore suspension classing for the ND? Unlike the Twins, stock Miatas are awfully soft and not well suited for track suspension-wise.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password