Picking a project car for drifting?

[syntheticGT]

What are some things in a car I should look for?

What are some of the things I should stray away from?

I am very fascinated by this sport after I got to ride with the guys at Traxion in Dallas in the RX8.

Obviously RWD is the start. hehe. :thumb:

[skr33t_rac3r]

What are some things in a car I should look for?

What are some of the things I should stray away from?

I am very fascinated by this sport after I got to ride with the guys at Traxion in Dallas in the RX8.

Obviously RWD is the start. hehe. :thumb:
i think u should go for an old ae86 not many of them around and still the best cars (in my opinion) for drifting

[SloESLex]

'91 LS400

be different :thumb:

[syntheticGT]

'91 LS400

be different :thumb:

Actually....I was thinking about a Mustang. Cheap cars....easy to mod....make lots of torque....can take the abuse. I wanted to try and find a 94 5L 5spd. I know some will think that I am stupid for my choice....but that is why I have come here. To ask the folks that have done this alot.

Keep all the thoughts coming though. :thumb:

[silverline]

ford turbo coupe thunderbird

[syntheticGT]

ford turbo coupe thunderbird

As much as I love Ford's 2.3L and 2.3Ts...the parts themselves are just far too unreliable for that kind of sustained abuse. To add to that alot of the parts are pretty expensive when they break. But I would absolutely love to buy something RWD with a Turbo 2.3 in it....maybe just to putt around in everyday. :thumb:

[Craftsman]

Independent Rear Suspsension is something to look for also. (not manditory though)

Alot of power is nice too...

Alot of aftermarket support is very convenient when it comes to finding cheap parts.

Matt.

[SloESLex]

Typhoon. :nod:

that'd be crazy.

[Sickboy]

ford turbo coupe thunderbird

Wonder where you got that idea.. :kekegay:

[skr33t_rac3r]

ford pinto with a 2.3 turbo you'll be like the only one with that, ofcourse if u can stop the damn thing from slippin

[John]

Pick whatever car you will feel comfortable with and within your budget. Drifting is pretty rough on your car and you should expect to break things. You dont necessarily need a lot of power or even an independent rear suspension, just a car driven by the rear wheels. I've said it once and I'll say it a million times, just get out there and practice.

[Craftsman]

Pick whatever car you will feel comfortable with and within your budget. Drifting is pretty rough on your car and you should expect to break things. You dont necessarily need a lot of power or even an independent rear suspension, just a car driven by the rear wheels. I've said it once and I'll say it a million times, just get out there and practice.

Mine was an ideal case... Sorry... John is correct... :) Sorry John... I am dumb... :)

Matt.

[SecretAgent]

i'd stay away from an 86. they're way overpriced. you can find an 89-90 s13 for usually a grand less than an 86 gts.

[EET FUK]

diahatsu. easy to find, way cheap as well.

[syntheticGT]

Independent Rear Suspsension is something to look for also. (not manditory though)



Matt.

Any reasoning behind this?

I figured something with a live rear axle and lsd would be easier to rotate the rear end around.

[DJApex]

2nd Gen Rx-7 Fc3s, Independent Rear Suspsension, Lsd, 50/50 weight dis. High Reving Rotary, cheap, nice, skills, it takes a true drifter to drift a Rx-7 mostly cues its so under powered with only 130hp if that and maybe a lil over 120Tq :eekbunny: :eekbunny:

[Craftsman]

Any reasoning behind this?

I figured something with a live rear axle and lsd would be easier to rotate the rear end around.

Oh, the reason for the solid rear axle... Usually cars with these type of axles in the rear have leaf spring suspensions. Unless alot of care and work are done to make the rear suspension rock solid, you're going to have some roll just because of the leaf spring suspension... If you want to see a place where this is correctly, look no further than the El Camino... It's able to drift with a leaf suspension in the rear, but it's got alot of work done to the rear to keep the rear solidly in place. Body Roll isn't a drifter's friend.

I don't think I said this right... Just read the cliffnotes and be happy :)

Cliff notes: I'm not saying that solid rear axles in the rear are bad, just to avoid them.

Matt.

[Craftsman]

2nd Gen Rx-7 Fc3s, Independent Rear Suspsension, Lsd, 50/50 weight dis. High Reving Rotary, cheap, nice, skills, it takes a true drifter to drift a Rx-7 mostly cues its so under powered with only 130hp if that and maybe a lil over 120Tq :eekbunny: :eekbunny:

The FC3S requires work in the rear suspension to keep it drifting. The car was designed for track racing and it's noticeable when you're trying to drift it (Ryan Hampton told me this.).

What he did recommend was putting on super stiff springs and dampers and anti-roll bar to keep the rear rock solid.

Cliff Notes: The suspension geometry of the FC3S in the rear loves staying in grip and understeers crazy... Use stiff springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars to keep it drifting.

Matt.

[VQuick]

Actually....I was thinking about a Mustang. Cheap cars....easy to mod....make lots of torque....can take the abuse. I wanted to try and find a 94 5L 5spd.

Great idea. :thumb: That'll help keep the domestic theme for your group(you're still in Domestic Disturbance, right??). On top of that, the cars are cheap, and so are the parts.

However, my recommendation would be to go with an older LX 5.0. It's cheaper and probably lighter. Might even be more plentiful, too. :dunno:

[tylerc]

Typhoon. :nod:

that'd be crazy.

arnt typhoons AWD....

[syntheticGT]

Great idea. :thumb: That'll help keep the domestic theme for your group(you're still in Domestic Disturbance, right??). On top of that, the cars are cheap, and so are the parts.

However, my recommendation would be to go with an older LX 5.0. It's cheaper and probably lighter. Might even be more plentiful, too. :dunno:

Either way for me really. If I had my way it would be a convertible too...haha. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

[VQuick]

Either way for me really. If I had my way it would be a convertible too...haha.

Hey, why not? There probably aren't many convertible drifters out there. I think you'll have to get a roll bar if you want to compete. Think of it this way: It'd be that much easier for the crowd to see you wave as you slide past. :cool:

[SloESLex]

chop top Typhoon. :D

i'd give uber props to anyone drifting in a chop top Typhoon.

[Ripcurl]

2nd Gen Rx-7 Fc3s, Independent Rear Suspsension, Lsd, 50/50 weight dis. High Reving Rotary, cheap, nice, skills, it takes a true drifter to drift a Rx-7 mostly cues its so under powered with only 130hp if that and maybe a lil over 120Tq :eekbunny: :eekbunny:

WORD!

The fc will come out on you easy as cake because of the super light hatch. However if your going to get a NA you MUST get Rear Toe Eliminator Bushings. Mazda put a rear bushing on this car to try and prevent the rear from snapping out, with these bushings and a a couple simple power mods, the 2nd gen NA can be a very good 1st drifter.

[Projext D]

Its ethier the FC and the 180 for me.But if you want sumthing more then I say go for a MR2 or a Evo Lancer III or IV.

Mr2 are masters of oversteer but if you can master it, you can do many tricks.

Yet Awd cars you have to do a form of driving style....known as rally style, use in the WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (WRC)! sounds easy...but veru hard :yeahno:

[Ripcurl]

hehe i dont htink AWD drifts would be ideal for someone learning.

better find a BIG ass parking lot.

[SloESLex]

hehe i dont htink AWD drifts would be ideal for someone learning.

better find a BIG ass parking lot.
well, you can always remove the prop-shaft in teh Typhoon. :D

[syntheticGT]

Hey, why not? There probably aren't many convertible drifters out there. I think you'll have to get a roll bar if you want to compete. Think of it this way: It'd be that much easier for the crowd to see you wave as you slide past. :cool:

You read my mind....lol.

Whats drifting without a little crowd pleasing..lol.

I am noob though...so if I take my hands off the wheel I wll probably fuck up the drift..lol. :thumb:

[VQuick]

You read my mind....lol.

Whats drifting without a little crowd pleasing..lol.

I am noob though...so if I take my hands off the wheel I wll probably fuck up the drift..lol. :thumb:

Well, go out and practice first to get the drift basics down. Then just try taking one hand off the wheel in mid-drift adn see if you can control the car. Eventually, try waving. There might be a certain time during the drift that you'd be more comfortable with doing that, so you have to practice and find it. :thumb:

Oh, and another advantage of a Mustang: plenty of torque. You could probably get away with using an auto tranny like the El Camino. That means less shifting from you, and more attention you can devote to steering and throttle inputs...and waving. :kekegay:

[scrapp]

i got the miata, and its a snap-back whore. of course, that was during stock :cool: new suspension took care of that, and if i upgraded the rear sway bar, then i would most likely be alot easier.
i guess because i learned to control, or expect that kind of snap back, when i played with my friends FC, it felt very nice, i could control it alot more. i was expecting a snap back, but, to me, it had enough weight to keep it going still.

you cant really go out and get what people say. i really think you need to go out and test drive the cars, see how they feel. I dont really condone ragging on a test drive car, but you should be able to get the feel of it while driving.
if your starting out, dont listen to this mid-engine,AWD,FWD,CockWD stuff. it takes ALOT of practice to make any of that work, and most likely money for parts needed to make it work. I wont even try to explain how hard it was for my friend to drift his MR2. Now that he picked up a old porsche 944, he can drift easily, so his ability was there all along.
You want to look into front-engine, RWD cars. I think thats the only advice I can think to give. cars differ so much, that you need to set just one rule, and look around. Like i said, maybe a old porsche 944, the ARE cheap. I dont know about v8s. ive never tried one out, but to me, it seems like you would have to get alot of momentum to make the front push, while you maintain the rear slide. It seems like if you dont give it that front momentum, it will just do donuts, like v8s are so commonly used for :kekegay:

thats alot of crap, im gonna quite for now.

[CarConnection]

But I would absolutely love to buy something RWD with a Turbo 2.3 in it....maybe just to putt around in everyday. :thumb:

*clears throat*

http://hem.passagen.se/petzon/volvo/v740_1.jpg

welcome to the good land...



and ironically enough if you seriously want one, i happen to have a manual tranny 740 turbo for sale as we speak. nothing gets more props then the swedish bricks when they do anything besides save lives, trust me.

[syntheticGT]

*clears throat*

http://hem.passagen.se/petzon/volvo/v740_1.jpg

welcome to the good land...



and ironically enough if you seriously want one, i happen to have a manual tranny 740 turbo for sale as we speak. nothing gets more props then the swedish bricks when they do anything besides save lives, trust me.

Sorry...I should have specified.

A turbo 2.3L Ford Motor. No swedish cars for me...but thanks though. :thumb:

[VQuick]

i happen to have a manual tranny 740 turbo for sale as we speak. nothing gets more props then the swedish bricks when they do anything besides save lives, trust me.

I was trying to talk my friend into getting either one of those or a Volvo 240. He was thinking about trying to drift. I just found out he got a minivan. :-/

[syntheticGT]

I was trying to talk my friend into getting either one of those or a Volvo 240. He was thinking about trying to drift. I just found out he got a minivan. :-/

Fuck it....drift the minivan..haha.

I think as soon as I get some money saved up I am gonna start looking for an 87-93 5oh Convertible. Possibly a 94-95 (last years of the 302) if the price is right.

[VQuick]

I think as soon as I get some money saved up I am gonna start looking for an 87-93 5oh Convertible. Possibly a 94-95 (last years of the 302) if the price is right.

I'd recommend an older one. Think of it this way: If you can get an older, cheaper 'Stang that is still in decent shape, that means more mod money. :naughty:

And don't forget the Thunderbird/Cougar and Mark VII, too. Both came with the 302 as well, so if you can't find a 'vert Mustang, give them a look. If you really want to be different, how about a Towncar or Crown Vic/Grand Marquis? :kekegay:

[syntheticGT]

haha...I think I will stick with my mustangs.

When I first started learning and working on cars it was mustangs. Ever since I sold mine I have been fiending to have it back.

:thumb:

[nismo240sx]

My dad has a 89 Gt with alot of suspension mods and it still handles like a brick. My stock 240 handles better. I am very biased, but I would get a 240. yeah everyone has one, but doesnt that says something right???

[SpdRcr]

Lexus SC300/400, no reason you cant drift in style.

[FbodTrek]

i'd stay away from an 86. they're way overpriced. you can find an 89-90 s13 for usually a grand less than an 86 gts.
Everyone thinks the GT-S's are going for alot lately...they are :D There are MNAY more FR cars from that era with similar performance for alot less.... How about an Old Supra??? A Celica GT???? OPEL GT (badass little car with right motor...), of course, 240's etc. my neighbor has an 86-87ish Celica GT I wouldn't mind having, car runs good...wonder if she'll selll...... :eek3dance

[syntheticGT]

My dad has a 89 Gt with alot of suspension mods and it still handles like a brick. My stock 240 handles better. I am very biased, but I would get a 240. yeah everyone has one, but doesnt that says something right???

hmmmmmmmmm...

Its very easy to get a mustang to pull 1g on the skidpad (not saying its a big deal...but it is a live rear axle). Also...some cars wont respond to steering inputs as fast as others too...which is where I believe the mustang fits in.

[lazymofo]

nissan S12! :rock:

[nismo240sx]

That may be the case, but I have driven the car and its not as nice. It might be because I am use to the way my 240 is I dont know.

[Renagadejack]

1.miata
2.240sx
3.supra
4.rx7
5.AE86
6.IS300
7.corvette
:rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock:

[OneArmedScissor]

1.miata
2.240sx
3.supra
4.rx7
5.AE86
6.IS300
7.corvette
:rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock:

I have always found that following all the JDM trends is silly in America. While the ae86 is a really cool car, there were not that many of them made in america (the GTS model) and they are hard to find now (unlike japan where they are a little easier to find for the enthusiast minded buyer in enthusiast worthy condition)


what you will like ot hear is that america has plenty of options for drift cars and not all of them are USDM cars.

1. The mid 80's celicas
2. MKII supra (celica/supra too!)
3. the 70's celicas can have just about anything dropped into them
4. early 90's and late 80's bmw are pretty cool but sometimes parts can be expensive
5. early 90 late 80's camaros and firebirds can be drifted with a careful hand.
6.240sx is plentiful as always and popular in japan too.

7. has anybody thought about the nissan hardbody trucks? aren't they RWD?
8. mazda 323 GTX (Awd...could be interesting)


if you want to drift on a budget there are plenty of little RWD cars like this from the early 90 and 80's that would suit your budget.
It's about making what you have do what it can.

[LukezDaName]

A friend of mine was selling an AE86 GTS awhile back.

[Craftsman]

1.miata
2.240sx
3.supra
4.rx7
5.AE86
6.IS300
7.corvette
:rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock:

I would have to go against the Miata. The wheel base is too short.

Matt.

[Sickboy]

I would have to go against the Miata. The wheel base is too short.

Matt.

Yeah, its even 5 inches shorter than a AE86, makes it a bit more difficult.


Then again I have been drifting in/drifted a Suzuki Cappucino (81" wheelbase; 14in shorter than AE86) :eekbunny:

[John]

There was a discussion on another forum where someone came up with a formula on what makes a good drift car. The jury is still out on it but if you take the wheelbase and divide it by the track width of the car the number you get may or may not determine if the car is a good drift car or not. For example:

Known good drift cars:
AE86 Corolla= 2400mm wheelbase/1350mm track width=1.778
S13 240SX= 97.4" wheelbase/57.6" track=1.691
S14 240SX= 2525mm/1476=1.747
S15 Silvia= 2525/1465=1.723
ER34 Skyline (Nomuken)=2665/1475=1.807
SC300 (Imamura)=105.9/59.8=1.771


Known difficult drift cars:
1st Gen Miata=2265/1413=1.603
2nd Gen Miata=2265/1418=1.597
AW11 MR2=2320/1440=1.611
SW20 MR2=2400/1470=1.633
S2000=2400/1458=1.646

Basically the higher the number the more stable it is in a drift. For cars with different tracks for front and rear I just took the average. It seems that a long and narrow chassis works best as drift cars as opposed to more square cars. Here are a few other cars that I have in my spread sheet to think about:

S12 200SX=1.717
IS300=1.792
1995 Mustang=1.670
E36 3 series=1.883
95 Vette=1.606
1982 Camaro=1.665
98 Viper=1.600
95 Camaro=1.667
Porsche 944=1.639
MK4 Supra=1.676
MK3 Supra=1.747
FC RX7=1.682
FD RX7=1.661
RX8=1.794
Z32 300ZX=1.618
Z32 300ZX 2+2=1.697
Z33 350Z=1.715
Classic Z (S30+)=1.706
Classic Z 2+2=1.930 (WOW)

Of course, keep in mind that this is all just theory but it is interesting to look at the numbers. It does seem that the most competative D1 cars are in the high 1.6 to 1.7 range though. These numbers can also change if you change your wheels/tire size. Also remember that the weight of the car can make a big difference when drifting as well. Typically lightweight cars are more maneuverable in mid-drift. A final note when picking out a project drift car is make sure the car has good aftermarket support. You want to be sure that you can get parts for your car as you get better, specifically suspension and an aftermarket LSD.

[turbo neon]

usually fwd's work the best, youll just wear out your e-brake real fast. sometimes rwd's work but its not common. its up to you. :rock:

[NismoFreakS14]

usually fwd's work the best, youll just wear out your e-brake real fast. sometimes rwd's work but its not common. its up to you. :rock:

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

[syntheticGT]

usually fwd's work the best, youll just wear out your e-brake real fast. sometimes rwd's work but its not common. its up to you. :rock:
:ugh2:

[NismoFreakS14]

Why don't you guys just buy 70's 911's and put huge torsion bars in the rear?

If you can't get that sideways you aren't moving lol.

[Craftsman]

There was a discussion on another forum where someone came up with a formula on what makes a good drift car. The jury is still out on it but if you take the wheelbase and divide it by the track width of the car the number you get may or may not determine if the car is a good drift car or not. For example:

Known good drift cars:
AE86 Corolla= 2400mm wheelbase/1350mm track width=1.778
S13 240SX= 97.4" wheelbase/57.6" track=1.691
S14 240SX= 2525mm/1476=1.747
S15 Silvia= 2525/1465=1.723
ER34 Skyline (Nomuken)=2665/1475=1.807
SC300 (Imamura)=105.9/59.8=1.771


Known difficult drift cars:
1st Gen Miata=2265/1413=1.603
2nd Gen Miata=2265/1418=1.597
AW11 MR2=2320/1440=1.611
SW20 MR2=2400/1470=1.633
S2000=2400/1458=1.646

Basically the higher the number the more stable it is in a drift. For cars with different tracks for front and rear I just took the average. It seems that a long and narrow chassis works best as drift cars as opposed to more square cars. Here are a few other cars that I have in my spread sheet to think about:

S12 200SX=1.717
IS300=1.792
1995 Mustang=1.670
E36 3 series=1.883
95 Vette=1.606
1982 Camaro=1.665
98 Viper=1.600
95 Camaro=1.667
Porsche 944=1.639
MK4 Supra=1.676
MK3 Supra=1.747
FC RX7=1.682
FD RX7=1.661
RX8=1.794
Z32 300ZX=1.618
Z32 300ZX 2+2=1.697
Z33 350Z=1.715
Classic Z (S30+)=1.706
Classic Z 2+2=1.930 (WOW)

Of course, keep in mind that this is all just theory but it is interesting to look at the numbers. It does seem that the most competative D1 cars are in the high 1.6 to 1.7 range though. These numbers can also change if you change your wheels/tire size. Also remember that the weight of the car can make a big difference when drifting as well. Typically lightweight cars are more maneuverable in mid-drift. A final note when picking out a project drift car is make sure the car has good aftermarket support. You want to be sure that you can get parts for your car as you get better, specifically suspension and an aftermarket LSD.

John thanks for this post... This is excellent information that I knew in the back of my head but never put together... You know what I mean. Like you understand the second law of physics but you don't realize you did until you read it out loud... :)

Matt.

[ArchangelX]

FKN :wrd: on the AE86...

I saw a 1986 Toyota Corolla GT-S w/ 4AGE motor in the paper the other day. $1800 obo. I thought about getting it myself, then I lost my job :bawling: ...

Whoa, on paper, my E36 looks REALLY good for drifting... Sorry, just an afterthough....

[sherpag00dness]

I wont even try to explain how hard it was for my friend to drift his MR2. Now that he picked up a old porsche 944, he can drift easily, so his ability was there all along.
You want to look into front-engine, RWD cars. I think thats the only advice I can think to give. cars differ so much, that you need to set just one rule, and look around. Like i said, maybe a old porsche 944, they ARE cheap.

great cars.....if you could find an 944 s2 or a turbo, you wouldnt need to sink much into upgrading the engine. I love those cars, they have clean lines, ride great and handle to hell, unfortunately my pops never drifted his back in the day but i have fond memories of many other high speed maneuvers. and in my pursuit to get a project drifter with my friends we discussed a 944 the other day. Nice large displacement high revving 4 banger with good weight distribution and nice suspension, whats not to like? (except for the price of porsche parts.....)

[emotiongear]

Take your pick..

http://andromeda.lunarpages.com/~emotio2/cgi-bin/japan/ts.jpg

[Ris4Drift]

There was a discussion on another forum where someone came up with a formula on what makes a good drift car. The jury is still out on it but if you take the wheelbase and divide it by the track width of the car the number you get may or may not determine if the car is a good drift car or not. For example:

Known good drift cars:
AE86 Corolla= 2400mm wheelbase/1350mm track width=1.778
S13 240SX= 97.4" wheelbase/57.6" track=1.691
S14 240SX= 2525mm/1476=1.747
S15 Silvia= 2525/1465=1.723
ER34 Skyline (Nomuken)=2665/1475=1.807
SC300 (Imamura)=105.9/59.8=1.771


Known difficult drift cars:
1st Gen Miata=2265/1413=1.603
2nd Gen Miata=2265/1418=1.597
AW11 MR2=2320/1440=1.611
SW20 MR2=2400/1470=1.633
S2000=2400/1458=1.646

Basically the higher the number the more stable it is in a drift. For cars with different tracks for front and rear I just took the average. It seems that a long and narrow chassis works best as drift cars as opposed to more square cars. Here are a few other cars that I have in my spread sheet to think about:

S12 200SX=1.717
IS300=1.792
1995 Mustang=1.670
E36 3 series=1.883
95 Vette=1.606
1982 Camaro=1.665
98 Viper=1.600
95 Camaro=1.667
Porsche 944=1.639
MK4 Supra=1.676
MK3 Supra=1.747
FC RX7=1.682
FD RX7=1.661
RX8=1.794
Z32 300ZX=1.618
Z32 300ZX 2+2=1.697
Z33 350Z=1.715
Classic Z (S30+)=1.706
Classic Z 2+2=1.930 (WOW)

Of course, keep in mind that this is all just theory but it is interesting to look at the numbers. It does seem that the most competative D1 cars are in the high 1.6 to 1.7 range though. These numbers can also change if you change your wheels/tire size. Also remember that the weight of the car can make a big difference when drifting as well. Typically lightweight cars are more maneuverable in mid-drift. A final note when picking out a project drift car is make sure the car has good aftermarket support. You want to be sure that you can get parts for your car as you get better, specifically suspension and an aftermarket LSD.


thats very sweet work youve done. but one thing i couldnt help notice that you also have to figure into the equation is powerband.

every car in the difficult category (minus mr2, which is known for snap oversteer/understeer, nto very stable, but can be done) has a goofy or non existent powerband. i was drivign a freinds miata, i had no problem getting it sideways but with my foot on the floor high speed drifts were near impossible. with my foot on the floor it just doesnt have the pwoer to keep the wheels spinning. the rsr s2k struggled all year before it came back at irwindale with a turbo. ive driven an s2k before, no power until vtec, with drifting you need a long powerband , if you fall out of it in a s2k you lose all power. those cars just require mad skillz, like your old 86 (which was sooooooo fun, but had soooo little power!) . you also have to factor power into the mix. if hte car cant spin the wheels while sideways you are going to struggle drifting it.

btw, that new setup looks mighty pimpy :)









now as to my $.02

fox body = good. solid rear axle is fine. look at the el camino ( mostmodern solid rear axle CARS btw do NOT have leaf springs without a coil). 5.0 has 215ish hp but 300tq. shoudl be a very nice drift car with the RIGHT suspension modifications. just make sure your rear end isnt toast if you get it.

[Turbo_LS_Hatch]

I was thinking of messing around in Mustang every once in a while. If you're seriously considering it, Progress just released a suspension that was made with drifting in mind. Complete, and right around $1000. Not too bad for all it comes with either.

BTW, my BONE STOCK 98 GT with the original plugs and wires made 267rwtq. Never had a tune-up :thumb: There's actually a 94-95 GT on the NS selling for somewhere between $3.5-4k From what I know, it isn't in too bad of condition either.

[David NA->FI]

I was thinking of messing around in Mustang every once in a while. If you're seriously considering it, Progress just released a suspension that was made with drifting in mind. Complete, and right around $1000. Not too bad for all it comes with either.

BTW, my BONE STOCK 98 GT with the original plugs and wires made 267rwtq. Never had a tune-up :thumb: There's actually a 94-95 GT on the NS selling for somewhere between $3.5-4k From what I know, it isn't in too bad of condition either.

So what...it's american...big whoop, nothing special about making power out of an engine that was designed to make power...

[SecretAgent]

So what...it's american...big whoop, nothing special about making power out of an engine that was designed to make power...

dumbest statement of the year.

[Dorian]

usually fwd's work the best, youll just wear out your e-brake real fast. sometimes rwd's work but its not common. its up to you. :rock:
Buahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah a

[syntheticGT]

So what...it's american...big whoop, nothing special about making power out of an engine that was designed to make power...

Wow...at least your not bitter.

STFU! :gtfo:

[slideways2004]

There was a discussion on another forum where someone came up with a formula on what makes a good drift car. The jury is still out on it but if you take the wheelbase and divide it by the track width of the car the number you get may or may not determine if the car is a good drift car or not. For example:

Known good drift cars:
AE86 Corolla= 2400mm wheelbase/1350mm track width=1.778
S13 240SX= 97.4" wheelbase/57.6" track=1.691
S14 240SX= 2525mm/1476=1.747
S15 Silvia= 2525/1465=1.723
ER34 Skyline (Nomuken)=2665/1475=1.807
SC300 (Imamura)=105.9/59.8=1.771


Known difficult drift cars:
1st Gen Miata=2265/1413=1.603
2nd Gen Miata=2265/1418=1.597
AW11 MR2=2320/1440=1.611
SW20 MR2=2400/1470=1.633
S2000=2400/1458=1.646

Basically the higher the number the more stable it is in a drift. For cars with different tracks for front and rear I just took the average. It seems that a long and narrow chassis works best as drift cars as opposed to more square cars. Here are a few other cars that I have in my spread sheet to think about:

S12 200SX=1.717
IS300=1.792
1995 Mustang=1.670
E36 3 series=1.883
95 Vette=1.606
1982 Camaro=1.665
98 Viper=1.600
95 Camaro=1.667
Porsche 944=1.639
MK4 Supra=1.676
MK3 Supra=1.747
FC RX7=1.682
FD RX7=1.661
RX8=1.794
Z32 300ZX=1.618
Z32 300ZX 2+2=1.697
Z33 350Z=1.715
Classic Z (S30+)=1.706
Classic Z 2+2=1.930 (WOW)

Of course, keep in mind that this is all just theory but it is interesting to look at the numbers. It does seem that the most competative D1 cars are in the high 1.6 to 1.7 range though. These numbers can also change if you change your wheels/tire size. Also remember that the weight of the car can make a big difference when drifting as well. Typically lightweight cars are more maneuverable in mid-drift. A final note when picking out a project drift car is make sure the car has good aftermarket support. You want to be sure that you can get parts for your car as you get better, specifically suspension and an aftermarket LSD.


sorry john but imamura drives the apex rx-7. ueno drives the vertex soarer/sc

[Dorian]

sorry john but imamura drives the apex rx-7. ueno drives/owns the vertex soarer as well as owning vertex itself.
You are correct sir...

[Vincent_VII]

I'm surprised that not many people consider a miata for drifting. Most of the earlier generations are pretty affordable now. If you can use it for a weekend race car, even better. They don't take up much space if you want it sitting around for a week.
The car is weighted well and pretty easy to drift stock. SCCA has a strong following in it's miata class so aftermarket is plentiful.

A 240 is a great platform to start with as it's probably the best car to learn different techniques that apply to drifting (some don't apply to lighter cars). However, 240s are skyrocketing in price. The word is out and most of the time when you find a 240 for a resonable price, it's already been ratter out by a street racer or up and comming drifter.
I must have looked at 20 different 240sxs with obliterated suspensions and nearly every gasket leaking on the engine.

Corolla GTSs are a different story; they are expensive now but most that you would pay upwards of 4k have been restored to a condition that you can drift in.

RX7s are a good platform, any year model. The aftermarket is there and the price hasn't really moved on them, either. Probably because of the Rotary engine. People shy away from them because they aren't sure they could work on the engine if something went wrong. I will say that if you get a 7, make friends with lots of people who have RX7s so you can ask plenty of questions when something goes wrong.

Domestic cars are still uncharted territory. Not many people have embraced them so your aftermarket and knowhow from friends might be limited.

[Ris4Drift]

agreed with above post. but one good thing the pony car market has is a well developed suspension market. peopel ahve been tracking and auto-x'ing the cars for years. a drift suspension is no different, just how you tune it.

[Turbo_LS_Hatch]

So what...it's american...big whoop, nothing special about making power out of an engine that was designed to make power...


Ya must not know too much about the 1998 GT. It makes right under 50hp/liter. 225bhp=197rwhp. :thumb: I wouldn't exactly call that a powerhouse. :hs: It has relatively high torque, which can easily and VERY cheaply break 300rwtq. You can't tell me the SR20DET was never meant to make power either.

I don't see the problem with drifting a Mustang car. They're pretty cheap unless you want an 88-93 coupe in good condition. Their aftermarket support is like a Honda B series, and parts are cheap too. The aftermarket support for suspension impressed even me. Next time you're at B&N, Wal-Mart, or a grocery store pick up MM&FF, 5.0 and Fast Fords, etc. . . go to the ad index, and look for Griggs Racing. That's EVERYTHING you need, including the coilover kit(not the base suspension though) They are a bit pricey, but everything was made to work in unison, and I doubt you'd ever really have to buy much else. If that's too expensive, look at the Progress kit I mentioned earlier, it's around 1k and should be most of what your weekend drifter/racer would need.

[rednek01]

i have a 1990 mustang lx 5.0 hatch and can get the rear end out extremely easy. The flywheel numbers are 225 hp and 300 lbs tq. Another issue is they either came with a 2.79 (3) rear end gear or a 3.27 you need to look into either a 3.55 or a 3.73 which will allow you to break the tires loose quick. as far as aftermarket products there are atleast 150 different companys that make aftermarket parts for the cars and if you do end up getting a fox body (87-93) or a sn95 (94-98) i would be interested in working with you and we could both drift stangs! BTW if you need anymore info on mustangs lemme know i have an obsession :rock:

[slideways2004]

ok my turn: DRIFTING IS NOT ABOUT POWER. it's about control. you don't need gobs of power to get and stay sideways. there are hatchi's drifting w/ like 100 hp. if you learn to drift on a high power car, you will have no technique. i repeat, you will have no technique, b/c all you gotta do is mash the throttle. the pros have a lot of power so they can put on a good show and be competitve

[andrave]

I'd say an s13 would be the best choice, if you really just want the best platform. Ok, so it sucks stock, but for a drift car you aren't going to leave it stock no matter what you buy.
And right now the s13 is the IT car so it has shitloads of parts available from everyone, and the prices are coming down as the scale goes up.
If you try and build something harder to find or rarer, you are gonna spend a LOT more time and money trying to build it into something half decent.
I have an S13 and its been so easy to work on and build. I have an M30, and I can't find parts for it anywhere.

[Vincent_VII]

I'd say an s13 would be the best choice, if you really just want the best platform. Ok, so it sucks stock, but for a drift car you aren't going to leave it stock no matter what you buy.
And right now the s13 is the IT car so it has shitloads of parts available from everyone, and the prices are coming down as the scale goes up.
If you try and build something harder to find or rarer, you are gonna spend a LOT more time and money trying to build it into something half decent.
I have an S13 and its been so easy to work on and build. I have an M30, and I can't find parts for it anywhere.

About a year ago I would have agreed with your S13 statement. However, lately it's impossible to find 240s of any year. Not to mention the prices on parts are going "up." Not down. It's becoming harder and harder to find SR20s for them because of the flood of bandwagon jumpers. I would suggest to any up and comming drifter to stay away from this quickly becoming over priced car for the time being. Get something that has a good aftermarket but that hasn't been featured in magazines as a drift car. I just picked up the latest issue of super street and from the midpoint back it's nothing but 240sx coverage. I don't know what they're thinking. There aren't enough of these cars to go around in the states. The demand is way higher than the supply. And it's quickly becoming painfully obvious. 240s are becoming as over priced as Corollas in recent years. It's quickly becoming the drift car for the rich.

I stand firm on the belief that the Miata is the next "it" car for drifters. Before you laugh, look around. I see more 20+ year old guys driving them everyday. There's tons of them, they're light, rear drive and getting cheeeeap. 3000 bucks will get you into a decent 94' now. Pretty easy to work on minus a few quirks here and there.

I feel your pain in the M30 department. That is car with so much potential. I think there are literally only 2500-5000 of them in the US and NO aftermarket support. That's the only thing keeping me from buying one. That and most of them have 200k miles on them and they're falling apart by now.

[andrave]

well, I still see plenty of cheap 240s. I know of a 90 coupe in decent shape for 1500 right now, which isn't too unreasonable. But anyway, the sr20 sucks. You don't need that much power to drift anyway. stock ka does fine, or turbo'd it does fine.
if I wanted to drift I would get s13. I have one, and I want to try it, if I can get it running again.

[slideways2004]

well, I still see plenty of cheap 240s. I know of a 90 coupe in decent shape for 1500 right now, which isn't too unreasonable. But anyway, the sr20 sucks. You don't need that much power to drift anyway. stock ka does fine, or turbo'd it does fine.
if I wanted to drift I would get s13. I have one, and I want to try it, if I can get it running again.

if you don't want the power of a sr, why would you turbo the KA? There plenty of 240's on sale now. everyday i find about 2to 3 good ones!

[andrave]

I'm just saying that you don't NEED the power to drift. Since having more power can make it easier, and more fun to take to other events, most people want more power anyway, so I'm pointing out that if you fit in the former, you will be fine with 155 hp, and if you are the latter, you can make much more on the stock bottom end without spending 3k on sr.

[Unclemax]

i have a 1990 mustang lx 5.0 hatch and can get the rear end out extremely easy. The flywheel numbers are 225 hp and 300 lbs tq. Another issue is they either came with a 2.79 (3) rear end gear or a 3.27 you need to look into either a 3.55 or a 3.73 which will allow you to break the tires loose quick. as far as aftermarket products there are atleast 150 different companys that make aftermarket parts for the cars and if you do end up getting a fox body (87-93) or a sn95 (94-98) i would be interested in working with you and we could both drift stangs! BTW if you need anymore info on mustangs lemme know i have an obsession :rock:

[Unclemax]

i have a 1990 mustang lx 5.0 hatch and can get the rear end out extremely easy. The flywheel numbers are 225 hp and 300 lbs tq. Another issue is they either came with a 2.79 (3) rear end gear or a 3.27 you need to look into either a 3.55 or a 3.73 which will allow you to break the tires loose quick. as far as aftermarket products there are atleast 150 different companys that make aftermarket parts for the cars and if you do end up getting a fox body (87-93) or a sn95 (94-98) i would be interested in working with you and we could both drift stangs! BTW if you need anymore info on mustangs lemme know i have an obsession :rock:

Well I've been holding out on what I was getting for a while except for some close friends I let it slip out. Since I pick up my car this Sat and bring it out to the Grind101 in stock form we'll get to see what this stock car does. I think I'm some what decent in my s13. I'll see how I do in a stock car with an AUTO (5spd coming soon).

http://www.tomselman.com/images/DPS%20MustangB%20(2).jpg
http://www.angelfire.com/bc3/policemustang/_4Must.jpg
It's currently Grey and going back to DPS colors.

[rage]

haha, thats awesome. how do those differ from regular 5.0 engines?

[Unclemax]

haha, thats awesome. how do those differ from regular 5.0 engines?

Beats me. Man I don't know jack about domestics. This will be my first. I think it looks cool kinda like a bigger s13 coupe from the rear.

[emotiongear]

ok my turn: DRIFTING IS NOT ABOUT POWER. it's about control. you don't need gobs of power to get and stay sideways. there are hatchi's drifting w/ like 100 hp. if you learn to drift on a high power car, you will have no technique. i repeat, you will have no technique, b/c all you gotta do is mash the throttle. the pros have a lot of power so they can put on a good show and be competitve

Actually, its about power as well. You dont need tons of power, just enough.
The reason is control is achieved by breaking lose the stickiest tires, once they come lose, its up to the driver to maintain control the car.
Signal Drifts on BFGoodrich KD's, the stickiest tires they have and most people in Japan do it on Neova AD07's. Those are some sticky tires and the car will need a certain level of power to break em lose and keep em spinning as the driver contols the drift.
You dont need sticky tires and a turbo to drift, but if you want to do it like the japanese do it, thats the way to go.

http://andromeda.lunarpages.com/~emotio2/cgi-bin/japan/TC/9.JPG

[John]

I've always said that a lot of power is actually a crutch when learning how to drift. You rely on using the power to break away the tires so much that you don't learn proper techniques. That's why a lot of people who drift cars with big power can't always hold a drift in a Corolla with barely 100hp. If you mess up an entry to the turn on a car with a lot of power you can just put your foot down and the tires will break loose and you can drift. You really have to know what you're doing to drift a car that doesn't have a lot of power. Once you have that down then you can begin to add more power because you do need a bit more than 100hp in a Corolla in order to be competative on a professional level.

[slideways2004]

I've always said that a lot of power is actually a crutch when learning how to drift. You rely on using the power to break away the tires so much that you don't learn proper techniques. That's why a lot of people who drift cars with big power can't always hold a drift in a Corolla with barely 100hp. If you mess up an entry to the turn on a car with a lot of power you can just put your foot down and the tires will break loose and you can drift. You really have to know what you're doing to drift a car that doesn't have a lot of power. Once you have that down then you can begin to add more power because you do need a bit more than 100hp in a Corolla in order to be competative on a professional level.

nice pic! ^^^^that's what i was trying to say

[dracer]

how about the v-6 mustangs

[appleburger]

:blob:

[Alex16]

I've always said that a lot of power is actually a crutch when learning how to drift. You rely on using the power to break away the tires so much that you don't learn proper techniques. That's why a lot of people who drift cars with big power can't always hold a drift in a Corolla with barely 100hp. If you mess up an entry to the turn on a car with a lot of power you can just put your foot down and the tires will break loose and you can drift. You really have to know what you're doing to drift a car that doesn't have a lot of power. Once you have that down then you can begin to add more power because you do need a bit more than 100hp in a Corolla in order to be competative on a professional level.

agreed... you can still be competitive on smaller courses if your good with a stock good condition gt-s corolla though. bigger courses...100hp is worthless.

[hyperenergy]

leave it to the noob to bring a thread thats been dead for about 2 1/2 yrs

[bigswole2341]

fast and the furious stile put a skyline motor in a mustang.

[ninja]

how about the v-6 mustangs

:lol: talk about bring up an old ass thread

but if that's what you got, that's what you got. i don't see anything wrong with drifting in a v6 mustang.

[TexaZOutlawZ]

i drift in my truck all the time
go to houston240sx.com its better for driftiong

[SlowHonda101]

agreed... you can still be competitive on smaller courses if your good with a stock good condition gt-s corolla though. bigger courses...100hp is worthless.

thats bs look at the corolla that won the first days competiton at the pro-am it had suspension and thats it. stock 4ag ftw

[SlowHonda101]

i drift in my truck all the time
go to houston240sx.com its better for driftiong

:rofl: at you drifting your truck and :rofl: at texaz outlawz

[ihaveabomb]

http://www.bee.net/a2low240/240sx/teaser.jpg

[appleburger]

since apparently we're just posting random pictures now...

http://severinghaus.org/pictures/random/P3256025_third_floor_sm.jpg

[od2681]

early 90s q45

[ihaveabomb]

since apparently we're just posting random pictures now...

http://severinghaus.org/pictures/random/P3256025_third_floor_sm.jpg
hahahah lol

[Prelude92]

http://www.houston-imports.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278830 drift worthy?

[Ameenit]

no..

but this is

http://sparq-l.com/stuff/images/misc/shakira.gif

[appleburger]

oh wow.

[Prelude92]

;)

[Alex16]

thats bs look at the corolla that won the first days competiton at the pro-am it had suspension and thats it. stock 4ag ftw


Oh mr honda guy trying to act tuff infront of his taype arh buddies! :roflmao: just kidding.


its not easy drifting with that kinda power on a larger course.

[SlowHonda101]

Oh mr honda guy trying to act tuff infront of his taype arh buddies! :roflmao: just kidding.


its not easy drifting with that kinda power on a larger course.

Maybe but it is deffinatly possible it just takes skill so dont say 100hp is worthless. Its only worthless if you dont know how to drive.

[BloodFlawZ]

What are some things in a car I should look for?

What are some of the things I should stray away from?

I am very fascinated by this sport after I got to ride with the guys at Traxion in Dallas in the RX8.

Obviously RWD is the start. hehe. :thumb:

if you're going to start drifting get a 240 for now and just get something different later... Don't waste time and money on a older ae86 because there way to hard to find and there overpriced. you can get a 240 for alot cheaper and you will also have some extra money for suspension mods. And don't worry about making you're car faster until you get a little better at controlling your car.