Drifting Questions

[Shin]

So I'm planning getting an FR-S soon, but I'm just your typical young driver that only knows how to use the accelerator and brake to go fast in an AT...

Thing is I'd like to start learning to drift, would this be possible in an AT since it has paddle shifters? I'm also considering MT, but I'd have to learn to drive MT.

I guess the real question is would I be able to drift in an AT (in sport or out of sport)? If so, are there any good sites I can get tutorials from or do you guys have any instructions or tips of your own for drifting an AT? And if drifting in MT is better, how is it better and what sites would you recommend or tips would you give for drifting one?

I do plan on only practicing in safe conditions where I can't hurt anyone else.

Thanks in advance!

[demby123]

An MT will be much easier/cheaper to fix in case you break something and there's the addition of a clutch and clutch kicking, which makes drifting a lot easier for lower powered cars.

thats all i know off the top of my head

[NikostC]

MT makes it easier because you can control when to shift and keeping it in higher rpm for more power. But if your learning you should watch the Drift Bible by Keichii tsuchiya.

How to drift a Car - Drift bible - YouTube

[MiguelAE86]

^ This!

haha, i remember back when i used to play LFS with all my friends (about 13-14) they had no idea where to start to learn how to drift, and i just sent them a link to that video and said "Watch. Closely" And low-and-behold, they learned a lot!

[ichitaka05]

iirc one of BMI, Tsuchiya Keiichi have drifted a 350z turbo AT tranny.

Anyways, I would recommend starting from learning how to drive MT and progress from there. It's not a bad idea to learn MT

[ESBjiujitsu]

ahhhh i love the drift bible!!!!! almost all you need besides tires and some space

[Alias]

If you seriously want to learn to drift buy a beat up older car for it, NOT your daily driver. Just like if you're going to do any real track racing (not autocross or "track days" but real racing), you shouldn't use a car you couldn't push off a cliff and walk away from.

Your car is going to get damaged and smashed up, no sense in destroying a brand new car.

[YukiHachiRoku]

"This is great! Im flooring it, I think it's sooo cool, I wish toyota could make cars like this again" (when he's in the 86)

Epic quote @ 36:18 FTW!

[Turbowned]

Step 1: Buy The Drift Bible:



Watch. Learn. Love. Repeat.

Step 2: Buy a hooptie 240 (or equivalent cheap $#!tbox):


Strip it out, weld the diff, find lots of cheap tires to burn off.

Step 3: Practice in a safe, controlled environment. Local drifting clubs are great for hosting events to get you good, legal practice.

After you inevitably break the 240 (because you WILL),



Step 4: Part out the 240 and then get the FR-S. And yes, you'd be better off drifting an MT. And that's how it's done!

[MR2turbo4evr]

Originally Posted by Alias

If you seriously want to learn to drift buy a beat up older car for it, NOT your daily driver. Just like if you're going to do any real track racing (not autocross or "track days" but real racing), you shouldn't use a car you couldn't push off a cliff and walk away from.

Your car is going to get damaged and smashed up, no sense in destroying a brand new car.

Ah, there's a guy with some common sense.

Seriously man, you'll destroy the car pretty quickly if you're going to be using it to practice drifting. Even if you manage to keep it on the road and don't run it into other cars, trees, etc, it'll stress the drivetrain beyong what it's built for and you'll be replacing parts very quickly.
Just buy a old beat up V8 mustang and practice with that. You wallet will thank you and it keeps you from destroying a car we care about.

[315FR-S]

^that video. track time and/or empty parking lots, with permission from the owner. a few cones. and a MT. an auto could work but its going to be a lot harder since its only 200hp. learning how to drive a stick isnt that hard, there have been a few threads posted on here about it. dont be scared to learn, every person had to learn at some point

[TylerLieberman]

Don't buy drift bible. It's available on the internet obviously and there are other sources as well that help teach. Get a cheaper car that you're ready to break things on-it will happen. Go to organized events. Not mad tyte fanboy street drifting...that shit is retarded.

Don't go out in a brand new, 25k, daily driver car trying to learn for your first time. At some point, it'll bite you back in the ass

[WingsofWar]

Learning the cars limits is most important than trying to get it sideways. And learning the limits car be done without aggressive driving.

and like what was said before, I reaaaaally would recommend you learn on a beater rather than the FRS.

[ZetaVI]

I'd listen to the replies before me. Watch Drift Bible and start from there. Get a understanding of it and do research. Learn about techniques, proper car to use, functional parts while drifting, go to events etc. There is alot before getting started. Then, if you think you are willing get a beater like a old 240sx and save money. Just learn stock because there is no need to spend tuning yet. Good luck.

[bucket]

Originally Posted by Shin

So I'm planning getting an FR-S soon, but I'm just your typical young driver that only knows how to use the accelerator and brake to go fast in an AT...

Thing is I'd like to start learning to drift, would this be possible in an AT since it has paddle shifters? I'm also considering MT, but I'd have to learn to drive MT.

I guess the real question is would I be able to drift in an AT (in sport or out of sport)? If so, are there any good sites I can get tutorials from or do you guys have any instructions or tips of your own for drifting an AT? And if drifting in MT is better, how is it better and what sites would you recommend or tips would you give for drifting one?

I do plan on only practicing in safe conditions where I can't hurt anyone else.

Thanks in advance!

Can I try and save you a ton of money and recommend not doing this with a new car?

0.1. Autox and learn some basic under-limit car control before venturing into over-limit car control.

1. You will crash and break things. I can't really think of anybody who I know that has been drifting for more than a year and hasn't...most likely wheels and control arms if you're lucky.

2. From what I've read, this car is not really going to be an easy drifter, and AT will only add to that. I haven't driven one yet, but on paper and from reviews it sounds about like a stock 240sx power wise. It's probably a momentum drifter, which will take a good deal of commitment and confidence once you graduate from donuts, figure 8s, and 2nd gear transitions.

3. If you don't crash, then you'll probably break something mechanical anyways...the warranty will also most likely be void at this point.

4. MT is way better for drifting since you have a lot more things you can control. This car is not going to magic-drift by mashing the throttle. Since you aren't able to use any clutch-based techniques, you'll need to play with the weight transitions of the car and use the e-brake. A manual transmission car also has a much more connected and responsive drive-line. Most automatics feel kind of like everything is connected with a rubber band when I drive one (sole exception is the VW DSG)...if you're in a drift you want your accelerator pedal connected to the rear wheels and not routed through a committee.

5. If you really want to drift, buy an s13, put a a real LSD into it instead of just welding the open unit, and freshen up the suspension and bushings. Do absolutely nothing to the motor...you really don't need an SR, LS1, or turbo until you can figure things out with stock HP. If you're going to throw money at parts beyond suspension and LSD, I would say clutch and flywheel. That is probably all < $5k without trying hard for a deal on anything.

[Shin]

I'll probably look into getting an 240sx since I kinda want to wait and get a used FR-S, but since i'm currently carless. As for the 240sx, what year range and price range should I be looking for? Also tried looking for it on craigslist and autotrader, couldn't find any in my area, you guys know of any other way to find one besides driving around looking for one at a private dealership.

[315FR-S]

Originally Posted by Shin

I'll probably look into getting an 240sx since I kinda want to wait and get a used FR-S, but since i'm currently carless. As for the 240sx, what year range and price range should I be looking for? Also tried looking for it on craigslist and autotrader, couldn't find any in my area, you guys know of any other way to find one besides driving around looking for one at a private dealership.

its gonna be tough finding a used one thats not modded or abused. but theyre out there. craigslist is a good place to start. local classifieds. dont be afraid to look outta state. sometimes you can find some pretty sweet deals

[eifer]

Don't drift on public roads though

Kthx

[ichitaka05]

240sx is nice... But Miata might be another good beater drift car to practice. It's light, not much power, a ton of mod parts that can buy for a cheap, & sometime you can find em selling low as $500

[dookie11]

Originally Posted by NikostC

MT makes it easier because you can control when to shift and keeping it in higher rpm for more power. But if your learning you should watch the Drift Bible by Keichii tsuchiya.
How to drift a Car - Drift bible - YouTube

Must say, that was a good video. So is the VTEC battle one, where the CRX beats everything ahhaha.

[Moto-P]

If you are not basically used to the idea of drifting, AT and MT is the least of the dangers ahead. The best thing to do is (this is if you are OK with abusing the newly purchased FRS/BRZ) is to find a local event that is safe, and to seek instruction in a safe environment.

The first step in learning how to drift is basically getting used to having your car go OUT OF CONTROL and to practice getting it back in control. In a safe environment this is only about abusive use of the car, especially in the driveline, engine, and tires. In this stage, whether AT or Manual, the controls will differ somewhat according to the set of tools you have. If you are not adept at the Manual, I suggest you do learn how to use a manual transmission. AT is a bit harder as you don't have the tool called the clutch pedal to send your car off into a drift, and must rely on a more advanced skill of inducing it by yaw motions and reading tire contact patch precisely.

In any case, an MT is easier car to learn how to drift, but that is only if you do know how to use a manual pretty proficiently. Doing this in an AT is actually more difficult.

Keep in mind and I say it again though, drifting is a pretty advanced driving skill, and is something built over years of advanced driving techniques, and build along with advanced car control, and racing techniques, all the same time. It takes usually a lot of abuse, and even many wrecked cars and parts before one is proficient and skilled enough to even do it safely in tracks and anywhere there are hazards.

Even then it is not the safest thing to be doing on canyon roads or public spaces, as potential of destroying or injuring something VERY expensive is always imminent when doing this.

I won't say don't do it, as learning how to do it is also a key to becoming a safe and skilled driver. But, where you learn to do it, and knowing what to expect in the process of learning, will help you avoid massive financial obstacles, big accidents many times over, and reduce the time it takes to be a great driver over the next decade.

I might also add that the FRS /BRZ has such great balance, it is a truly gratifying car to drift with skills to match.
However, I might also say that it is one of the WORST cars to try to LEARN from the start, as drifting this well balanced car takes a lot of driver precision and skills, as well as having to be extremely quick and accurate with the controls.
This not to mention is a BRAND NEW and expensive car that you will be DEFINITELY ABUSING, and even might put in BIG harm's way.

If you are serious, I can teach you, as afterall, I wrote the first English book on Japanese drifting, and worked to shape the industry from the start in 1995. From USA Ikaten, to D1 to Drift Day instructor's core menu to translating for Keiichi and moving on to setting up the back bone of Formula D in 2003.
But you need to find the time, budget, patience, and budget, and budget, and resources of repairing cars, and budget, and budget.
And I strongly urge you to buy an older, semi-disposable car, even in FWD, and get the basics down. And also attend Solo2 or other advanced racing/driving programs and attend them first, many times over, as you will need every bit of precision and skills built in those venues, before going out to try this.

I'm definitely not trying to scare you here as well, but the truth be known, that racing any car has its huge risks and financial burden and I am only trying to sink that into anyone's head, as I've been though 27 years of this hardship and resulting enjoyment.

In real drifting, there is no START button in the controller to RESET your game, car, venue, or finances.

[JDMrolla]

First thing I want to see you do is rip that e-brake! After you rip that E-Brake then I want you to power over.

enjoy drifting