From Daily Driver to Drift Machine
Table of Contents
Converting a car for drifting requires modifications that can significantly impact its handling and safety. This guide is for informational purposes only, and I recommend seeking professional guidance before attempting any modifications.
Considerations
Drifting pushes a car beyond its everyday limits. To handle the abuse, specific modifications are necessary. Here's a breakdown of the crucial aspects to consider:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Drifting hinges on the ability to manipulate the rear wheels independently. Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be modified, but achieving true drift requires more significant alterations. All-wheel drive (AWD) cars present even greater challenges. For beginners, a rear-wheel drive platform is the ideal starting point.
Choosing the Right Candidate: Not all RWD vehicles are created equal. Select a car known for durability and a relatively simple layout. Popular choices include the Nissan 240SX, Toyota Corolla AE86 (Hachiroku), and Ford Mustang. These models offer a good balance of affordability, performance potential, and aftermarket support.
Essential Modifications for Drifting
Once you've identified your donor car, the real fun begins! Here are the core modifications that will transform your street car into a drift machine:
Suspension Upgrade: Stock suspension is designed for comfort and stability, not the aggressive maneuvers of drifting. Invest in a coilover suspension system. Coilovers allow you to adjust ride height and spring stiffness. Lowering the car reduces the center of gravity, enhancing stability during drifts. Stiffer springs provide better control and minimize body roll during sharp turns.
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD): An open differential allows both wheels to spin independently under power, making drifting difficult. An LSD transfers power to the wheel with the most grip, enabling controlled slides and power delivery during drifts. There are various LSD options, with clutch-type and gear-type being common choices. Clutch-type LSDs offer more aggressive locking, while gear-type offer a more progressive engagement.
Tires: High-performance tires with softer compounds provide exceptional grip when warm. They should be wider than stock tires to maximize contact with the road surface. However, drifting inevitably involves tire wear. Consider purchasing a separate set of used tires specifically for drifting to save your everyday tires from excessive wear.
Braking Systems: Drifting involves a lot of hard braking, and stock brakes can quickly overheat and lose effectiveness. Consider high-performance brake pads and rotors designed to handle the heat generated during aggressive driving.
Steering System Enhancements: Precise steering control is vital for drifting. Consider installing a performance steering wheel with a smaller diameter for quicker response and improved feel. Upgraded bushings can tighten steering response by minimizing unwanted play in the system.
Footwork Matters: A good set of aftermarket pedals enhances grip and provides better modulation of braking and acceleration during drifts. Look for pedals with a wider surface area and a non-slip design.
Power Modifications (Optional): While not strictly necessary for beginners, adding power through bolt-on modifications like performance air intake systems or exhaust upgrades can enhance the drifting experience. Increased power necessitates additional modifications to maintain control.
Safety
Before hitting the track, prioritize safety with these steps:
Roll Cage: A roll cage protects the driver and passenger compartment in the event of a rollover. While a significant investment, it's a non-negotiable safety feature for drifting.
Competition Seat and Harness: Standard seats lack the support needed for aggressive driving. Invest in a competition seat with a multi-point racing harness to keep you securely positioned during drifts.
Helmet and Fire Safety Equipment: A racing helmet is mandatory for track use. Consider additional fire safety equipment like a fire extinguisher readily accessible in the car.
Photography by rblumbergs
Taking Your Drift Car to the Next Level
As your skills progress, you can explore further modifications to elevate your drift car's performance:
Angle Kit: An angle kit modifies steering geometry to increase steering angle, allowing for sharper drifts. Installation of an angle kit is best left to experienced mechanics.
It's All About Practice
Start on a large, open space with plenty of runoff room. Focus on learning throttle control, clutch control, and weight transfer techniques. There are numerous online resources and professional drift instruction courses available to help you hone your skills.
Start with the core modifications, practice in a safe environment under professional guidance, and gradually progress as your skills develop.