Preparing Drift Car

Drifting is an exhilarating racing style that places a lot of physical demands on a car for safe and successful execution. Since drifting puts stress on your suspension and tires in particular, decent aftermarket modifications are vital to ensuring both safety and style.

Most factory builds simply aren’t equipped for intensive drifting maneuvers, and you’re more likely to wreck your ride if you just take it out and try to get drift sideways without preparation and practice. Here are some of the essential upgrades to transform your car into a drifting machine.

But before we get started, you should strongly consider your choice for a basic car to modify. Your best bet for a car is something small, light, and responsive on the road. Rear wheel drive is a must, with a manual transmission that can control the engine for tighter drifts. Now, let’s see what we can do to get your car ready for drifting!

Upgrade Your Tires

Tires are the first modification you should consider. They are relatively inexpensive compared to other upgrades, and they go a long way towards drifting performance. Drifting is hard on tires, but you only need to worry about the front two tires, which provide the traction necessary for a controlled drift. It is best to have a pair of upgraded racing tires with good traction at the front.

The back tires should actually have very little tread on them, since your car is supposed to temporarily lose control and slide to the side in the course of the turn. You then regain control with the front tires at the end of the drift. If you want to save money on tires, try contacting your local tire or mechanic’s shop first. Many tire shops have extra worn tires on hand that they’re willing to give away, which helps you save your money for more upgrades.

Install New Brakes

Drifting requires high speeds, and it is important to have responsive brakes in case you need to stop suddenly. Better brake rotors and pads are a good idea, and stainless steel brake lines are highly recommended for handling higher amounts of stress without expanding.

Modify Your Suspension

Your car’s suspension is another component that takes a beating when you drift. It is essential that you upgrade your suspension if you want to manage the sudden shift of weight that a drift causes. Modified springs are a good idea, but you should also consider investing in a set of coilovers if you can spare the cash. Also, for increased stability, buy front and rear sway bars which help to prevent your car from flipping over.

More Power

High speeds and responsive acceleration help to achieve that perfect drift, which means an upgraded engine is necessary. You can achieve this with several modifications such as upgraded air intake and exhaust systems. Consider an airflow sensor for your engine, but a turbocharger or a supercharger is a surefire way to boost engine power to achieve the speeds for optimal drifting.

Maximize Your Control

If you really want to cover all of your bases, you should invest in better bucket seats and a modified steering wheel. Customizable seats are great for achieving that perfect position, and a large and round steering wheel allows for better control. This is especially the case if the steering wheel is positioned closer to the torso.

For ideal wheel control, a limited-slip differential (LSD) ensures that all of your tires are spinning well, which contributes to increased traction at high speeds.