There is no question that drifting is one of the most exhilarating motorsports. It’s a thrill to slide your car around a corner at high speeds, and with the proper setup, you can be competitive against the best drifters in the world. If you’re looking to build a competitive drift car, here are ten keys to keep in mind.
1. Choose the right platform
Not all cars are created equal when it comes to drifting. Some platforms are better suited for the task than others. Generally speaking, rear-wheel-drive cars with a lot of horsepower and torque will be the best bets. However, some front-wheel-drive cars can hold their own on the track. Do your research and find a platform that will work for you.
2. Get the right tires
Tires are critical when it comes to drifting. You need a tire that will provide plenty of grips while still being able to break free when you need it to. Several different tires on the market are designed specifically for drifting. Do your research and find a set that will work well for your car. Besides this, you should also get a good set of wheel spacers. This will help to provide more stability and grip while you’re drifting.
3. Suspension is key
To drift, you need a suspension setup that will allow you to transfer weight effectively. This means stiffening up the springs and dampers and making sure that the car is low to the ground. A good suspension setup will help you control the car when things get hairy on the track. Other than this, you might also want to consider adding a roll cage to the car. This will help to improve safety in case of a crash.
4. Engine tuning
Having a lot of power isn’t necessarily a requirement for drifting, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. If you want to be competitive, you will need to tune your engine to produce as much power as possible. This might involve adding a larger turbocharger, upgrading the fuel system, or even porting and polishing the engine. Whatever route you decide to go, make sure you do your research and get the job done right.
5. Drivetrain upgrades
To put all of that power down, you will need a good drivetrain. This means upgrading the clutch, as well as the differential. A good clutch will help prevent wheel hop, while a good differential will help put the power down to the ground more effectively. You might also want to consider upgrading the axles and driveshaft. These upgrades will help improve the durability of the drivetrain, and they will also help prevent breakage.
6. Brake upgrades
Drifting is all about being able to control your car, and that means having a good set of brakes. You need to be able to slow down quickly when you need to, so make sure you upgrade the brakes accordingly. This might involve adding larger brake rotors, upgrading the brake pads, or even a brake cooling kit. In addition to this, you should also make sure that the brake lines are in good condition.
7. Weight reduction
The lighter your car is, the easier it will be to control. This means that you should consider removing any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. This might involve stripping out the interior, removing the spare tire, or even removing the rear seats. Every little bit helps, so make sure you remove as much weight as possible. However, don’t go too crazy with the weight reduction, as you still need the car to be street legal.
8. Aero upgrades
Aero upgrades can help to improve the stability of the car, as well as the grip. This might involve adding a front splitter, a rear diffuser, or a rear wing. These upgrades will help keep the car planted to the ground, which is critical when drifting. In addition to this, aero upgrades can also help improve the vehicle’s look.
9. Wheel and tire setup
The right wheel and tire setup can make a massive difference in drifting. It would help if you had a lightweight wheel with a good offset. This will help to improve the responsiveness of the car. In addition to this, you need to have a tire that
10. Practice
Drifting is a skill that takes time and practice to master. We all know that practice is essential to becoming a pro. In addition to this, you should also try to get as much seat time as possible. The more time you spend behind the wheel, the better you will become at drifting.
Tips for performing drifting
- 1. Drifting is smooth with the steering and throttle input. The key is to make minor steering corrections and be gentle with the throttle.
- 2. The faster you go, the easier it will be to drift. This is because the car will have more momentum, and it will be easier to keep the car in a slide.
- 3. When you’re entering a corner, make sure you brake in a straight line. This will help to set the car up for a drift.
- 4. When you’re drifting, keep your foot on the throttle. This will help to keep the car on a slide.
- 5. When exiting a corner, make sure you apply the throttle smoothly. This will help to keep the car from understeering.
Conclusion
As you can see, a lot goes into building a competitive drift car. However, if you keep these ten keys in mind, you will be well on your way to success. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start drifting.
