Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB - View Single Post - Dedicated Drift Platform: Toyobaru vs 370Z

circuithero · 08-04-2017, 06:17 PM

Looking to get an opinion from the collective hive mind here who may have more experience with the platforms specifically for drifting. Being on FT86 I know there is a slight bias but I find you guys are pretty open minded and have seen excellent, well mannered discussion come up when comparing vehicles. I know we have had people switch between the cars both ways. For intent of the compare I am talking pre updated MY17 cars and a sport package 370Z, price of entry being roughly the same. I am aware I can get a cheap E36, weld the diff and skid. Let's say that is not feasible.

The intent of this comparison is purely as a basic/entry/KISS drift platform exclusively. I've owned a 2013 FRS and G35 back to back so I am familiar with the FRS's steering feel and weight advantage. I am not as familiar with the updated 370Z platform. Also have 4+ years of tracking, instructing experience but no direct drifting experience except catching oversteer on track/autox. The idea is to have something to maximize seat time on while minimizing wrench time. So basic mods for consistent and reliable skids. #Learning

FRS/BRZ:

Header/Tune
Coilovers
Tie Rods
RLCA
Remove front sway bar

PROS: Cars are lower weight, which means less consumables cost and easier transitions. Steering feel is superior and so is the seating position. Also the stock differential is sufficient which means this can be left alone.

CONS: Lack of power is not the best, I have gotten accustomed to having some torque. This also makes adjusting line and initiating a bit more difficult (IMO, from my 2013 Scion FRS experience) on throttle. Have to throw the car at speed, not enough power in the higher speed stuff or a bunch of clutch kicking. I have read also in the drifting thread this can cause some issues in tandems. My fear here would be as I have some background with high performance driving, I would outgrow the stock power and be tempted to go with boost. Which is $$$ and I am not interested in going down that path again. Been there done that.

370Z:

Coilovers
2 Way Diff (VLSD is useless for consistency sake)
Tie Rods
Oil Cooler (Apparently they run hotter than 350Z?)
Anything else? Not as familiar with this platform...

PROS: Stock power and torque is enough for any drifting I would like to do/learn. No need to upgrade engine and compromise reliability, not something I see outgrowing power wise. I like the engine note a bit better and the aesthetics slightly more.

CONS: Consumables will be more because of weight. A bit more of a pig and opposite of the PROS for the FRS.

Thoughts/feedback from our drifters here?

08-04-2017, 06:17 PM	#1
circuithero Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Drives: 2006 Infiniti M45S Location: BC, Canada Posts: 66 Thanks: 10 Thanked 95 Times in 26 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s)	Dedicated Drift Platform: Toyobaru vs 370Z Looking to get an opinion from the collective hive mind here who may have more experience with the platforms specifically for drifting. Being on FT86 I know there is a slight bias but I find you guys are pretty open minded and have seen excellent, well mannered discussion come up when comparing vehicles. I know we have had people switch between the cars both ways. For intent of the compare I am talking pre updated MY17 cars and a sport package 370Z, price of entry being roughly the same. I am aware I can get a cheap E36, weld the diff and skid. Let's say that is not feasible. The intent of this comparison is purely as a basic/entry/KISS drift platform exclusively. I've owned a 2013 FRS and G35 back to back so I am familiar with the FRS's steering feel and weight advantage. I am not as familiar with the updated 370Z platform. Also have 4+ years of tracking, instructing experience but no direct drifting experience except catching oversteer on track/autox. The idea is to have something to maximize seat time on while minimizing wrench time. So basic mods for consistent and reliable skids. #Learning FRS/BRZ: Header/Tune Coilovers Tie Rods RLCA Remove front sway bar PROS: Cars are lower weight, which means less consumables cost and easier transitions. Steering feel is superior and so is the seating position. Also the stock differential is sufficient which means this can be left alone. CONS: Lack of power is not the best, I have gotten accustomed to having some torque. This also makes adjusting line and initiating a bit more difficult (IMO, from my 2013 Scion FRS experience) on throttle. Have to throw the car at speed, not enough power in the higher speed stuff or a bunch of clutch kicking. I have read also in the drifting thread this can cause some issues in tandems. My fear here would be as I have some background with high performance driving, I would outgrow the stock power and be tempted to go with boost. Which is $$$ and I am not interested in going down that path again. Been there done that. 370Z: Coilovers 2 Way Diff (VLSD is useless for consistency sake) Tie Rods Oil Cooler (Apparently they run hotter than 350Z?) Anything else? Not as familiar with this platform... PROS: Stock power and torque is enough for any drifting I would like to do/learn. No need to upgrade engine and compromise reliability, not something I see outgrowing power wise. I like the engine note a bit better and the aesthetics slightly more. CONS: Consumables will be more because of weight. A bit more of a pig and opposite of the PROS for the FRS. Thoughts/feedback from our drifters here?