The drifting world is a complex mix of one-timers, enthusiasts, semi-professional and professional. While there are different outlet arenas for this mixture, one thing is constant. For a car to drift well, modifications are crucial. It is true that a car can drift without modifications, but it is unlikely to do well in any competitions, and it will eventually need mods if the driver continues to drift. Our third article in our drifting series will focus on typical modifications for a drift car, and some unique modifications.
There are seven main areas of a car that drifters tend to modify:
1. Drive train
2. Tires
3. Interior
4. Exterior
5. Engine
6. Steering
7. Suspension
This article will cover the first four modifications, drive train, tires, interior and exterior. Followed by an article dedicated to engine, steering and suspension modifications. Modifications to drift cars are critical and technical, and thus, take more time to cover than other drifting subjects.
Drive train customization of a drift car is, without a doubt, the most important of the seven. In order to properly drift, one must first consider installing a limited slip differential (LSD). While some vehicles come standard with a LSD, the most typical stock differential is open. Unfortunately, open and viscous differentials do not allow for control of a sustained slide. The most popular type of limited slip differential is the “clutch-type”, which allows for invariable lock-up activity of the vehicle during both acceleration and deceleration.
Two other types of differentials that are prominent among drifters include, a “spool” differential and a welded differential. Spool differentials are interesting, in that, they perform no differential effect, the wheels of the vehicle are simply locked together. On the other hand, the welded differential is a procedure that welds the side gears together, making a drift possible at a high rate of speed.
There are definite cons when choosing to go with a limited slip differential alternative. For example, while a welded differential is much cheaper, it makes parking more difficult and is devastating to the drive train over time. So while there are cheaper methods of obtaining a differential system that will allow for accurate drifting, in the long term, it is most efficient to go with a LSD.
Another major modification to the drive train of drift cars is the clutch. Some drifters opt to buy inexpensive clutches often, because regardless of the amount of money spent on them, they will have to replaced time and time again. However, many professional drifters choose ceramic brass button or multiple plate varieties of clutches for their durability.
A further benefit of these more durable clutches are their ability to withstand the clutch-kick technique of drifting. Clutch Masters, Competition Clutch and Daikin/Exedy are all prominent performance clutch manufactures that drifters look to, when searching to modify their stock clutch.
Any drifter will tell you that they go through a lot of parts, it is just a hazard of the game, but there is no part they go through more than tires. The tires that one utilizes typically depends on their current level of drifting and where they drift. Many competitive forums, such as D1 Grand Prix, only allow certain commercial tires that are approved by their particular agents.
However, those who drift that aren’t quite on the D1 level have a different approach when choosing their tires. Drifters typically place different tires on the front and back of the car, with the good tires going to the front.
Due to the damage that drifting can cause to tires, some opt to use pre-owned tires on the back of the car, because of the likely hood of them being used after a show or competition is slim to none. However, one must not underestimate the power of good tires.
