Drift Car Tuning - Customize Your Car and Boost Your Performance

Drift Cars: A Complete Guide

Drift cars are vehicles that are modified to perform controlled slides around corners, using techniques such as oversteering, countersteering, and throttle control. Drifting is a popular form of motorsport that originated in Japan in the 1980s and has since spread to many countries around the world.

Drifting is not only a thrilling way to drive, but also a creative expression of style and skill. Drifters can showcase their personality and flair through their car choice, tuning, and driving style. Drifting also fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie among drivers and fans.

drift car

Download Zip

In this article, we will provide you with an outline and a detailed guide on drift cars, including their history, techniques, parts, and competitions. We hope you find this article informative and entertaining.

History of drifting

Drifting as a driving technique has been around since the 1950s, when European racers such as Tazio Nuvolari and Stirling Moss used it to gain speed and advantage on the track. However, drifting as a specialized competition was born in Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The father of drifting is widely considered to be Kunimitsu Takahashi, a former motorcycle racer who switched to car racing in the All Japan Touring Car Championship. He developed a technique of using oversteer to slide his Nissan Skyline around corners at high speed, earning him several championships and a huge fan base.

One of his admirers was Keiichi Tsuchiya, who became known as the "Drift King". Tsuchiya practiced his drifting skills on the mountain roads of Japan, where street racers would challenge each other in illegal touge races. He also participated in professional races, where he impressed spectators with his daring drifts.

In 1987, Tsuchiya teamed up with Daijiro Inada, the founder of Option magazine, to produce a video called Pluspy that showcased his drifting abilities. The video became a hit among car enthusiasts and inspired many aspiring drifters. Tsuchiya and Inada also organized one of the first drift events called Ikaten.

In 2000, they launched the D1 Grand Prix series, which became the premier drifting competition in Japan. The D1GP attracted drivers from all over Japan as well as other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and America. Some of the famous D1GP drivers include Nobuteru Taniguchi, Manabu Orido, Daigo Saito, Masato Kawabata, Ken Nomura, Youichi Imamura, Kazama Katsuhiro, Nobushige Kumakubo, Yasuyuki Kazama, Naoto Suenaga.

Drift Hunters: a free-to-play 3D drifting game with 26 customizable cars and 10 locations[^2^]

Drifting Games: a genre of driving games that focuses on the art of drifting[^3^]

Drift Car Simulator: a realistic 3D simulation game that lets you drift various cars on different tracks

Drift Max Pro: a mobile game that offers a huge selection of cars, tracks, and modes to drift in

Drift Legends: a mobile game that features over 40 legendary cars and realistic physics to drift with

Drift Zone: a PC game that challenges you to drift as fast and as long as possible in various environments

Drift King: a browser game that tests your drifting skills in a city full of obstacles and traffic

Drift Runner 3D: a browser game that lets you drift a BMW E30 M3 on the streets of Japan

Drift Cup Racing: a browser game that pits you against other racers in a drifting competition

Drift Rally Champion: a browser game that combines drifting and rally racing in different terrains

Drift Tuner 2019: a mobile game that offers a realistic drifting experience with over 25 cars and 10 tracks

Drift Mania Championship 2: a mobile game that features over 13 vehicles, 48 performance upgrades, and 13 drift circuits

Drift Max City: a mobile game that lets you drift through the city streets with 14 different cars

Drift Horizon Online: a mobile game that allows you to drift online with other players in various modes

Drift Boss: a browser game that challenges you to drift as far as possible on an endless road

Extreme Drift 2: a browser game that offers over 30 cars and 6 tracks to drift on

CarX Drift Racing Online: a PC game that features over 50 cars, realistic physics, and online multiplayer mode

Sling Drift: a mobile game that requires you to sling your car around the corners by tapping the screen

Torque Drift: a mobile game that lets you build your own car, customize it, and compete in online drifting battles

Real Drift Car Racing: a mobile game that features over 20 cars, realistic physics, and different difficulty levels

Burnout Drift: a browser game that lets you drift on three different tracks with various weather conditions

Tokyo Drift Parking: a browser game that tests your parking skills in the busy streets of Tokyo

Super Drift 3D: a browser game that lets you race and drift against the computer or another player

Redline Rumble Revolution: a browser game that lets you drift and race in various locations and vehicles

King of Drift: a browser game that lets you choose from three cars and three tracks to drift on

Lamborghini Drifter: a browser game that lets you drift with four different Lamborghini models on six tracks

City Car Racer: a browser game that lets you race and drift through the city traffic with various cars

Russian Car Drift 3D: a browser game that lets you drift with old Russian cars on snowy roads

Ado Cars Drifter: a browser game that lets you drift with various cars on four different maps

Snow Drift: a browser game that lets you drift with a snowplow on icy roads

Dubai Police Parking 2: a browser game that lets you park and drift with various police cars in Dubai

Sports Car Challenge: a browser game that lets you race and drift with different sports cars on three tracks

Supra Drift Stunt: a browser game that lets you drift and perform stunts with a Toyota Supra on an island

Port Car Parking: a browser game that lets you park and drift with various cars in the port area

Audi TT RS Drift: a browser game that lets you drift with an Audi TT RS on three tracks

Highway Racer 3D: a browser game that lets you race and drift on the highway with various cars

Burnout Extreme Drift: a browser game that lets you drift on four different tracks with various weather effects

Furious Racing 3D: a browser game that lets you race and drift with different cars in various modes

Sportbike Simulator: a browser game that lets you ride and drift with three different motorcycles on two maps

Offroad Racer 3D: a browser game that lets you race and drift with four different offroad vehicles on three maps

Drifting gained international exposure through various media such as manga (Initial D), anime (Wangan Midnight), movies (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift), video games (Gran Turismo), documentaries (Drift Bible), magazines (Drift Tengoku), TV shows (Best Techniques of drifting

Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, with loss of traction, while maintaining control and driving the car through the entirety of a corner. Drifting requires a combination of skills and methods, such as steering, braking, accelerating, shifting, and clutching. In this section, we will explain the basic and advanced techniques of drifting.

What are the basic skills and methods of drifting?

The basic skills and methods of drifting are:

Oversteer: This is when the rear wheels lose grip and slide more than the front wheels, causing the car to turn more than intended. Oversteer can be induced by various methods, such as applying throttle, braking, or handbrake.

Countersteer: This is when the driver turns the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the drift, to balance the car and prevent it from spinning out. Countersteer is essential for maintaining and controlling a drift.

Throttle control: This is when the driver modulates the amount of gas pedal input to adjust the speed and angle of the drift. Throttle control is important for extending and exiting a drift smoothly.

Clutch kick: This is when the driver rapidly disengages and re-engages the clutch pedal, to momentarily increase the engine revs and torque, which then transfers to the rear wheels and breaks traction. Clutch kick is one of the most common ways to initiate a drift.

Handbrake: This is when the driver pulls the handbrake lever, to lock up the rear wheels and reduce their grip. Handbrake can be used to initiate or extend a drift, especially in tight corners or low-speed situations.

How do drivers initiate, maintain, and exit a drift?

The general process of drifting can be divided into three phases: initiation, maintenance, and exit. Here is how drivers perform each phase:

Initiation: This is when the driver starts a drift by inducing oversteer. There are several ways to initiate a drift, such as clutch kick, handbrake, power over (applying throttle at corner entry), feint (swinging the car from side to side), lift off (releasing throttle at corner entry), or brake (applying brake at corner entry). The choice of initiation method depends on factors such as speed, angle, grip level, and personal preference.

Maintenance: This is when the driver sustains a drift by balancing oversteer and countersteer. The driver uses throttle control to adjust the speed and angle of the drift, while steering in the opposite direction of the drift to keep the car stable. The driver also shifts gears as needed to keep the engine revs in the optimal range. The goal of maintenance is to achieve a smooth and consistent drift throughout the corner.

Exit: This is when the driver ends a drift by regaining traction. The driver gradually reduces throttle and countersteer, while aligning the car with the direction of travel. The driver also applies brake or clutch as needed to slow down or change gears. The goal of exit is to transition from a drift to a normal driving mode without losing control or speed.

What are the advanced and alternative techniques of drifting?

Besides the basic techniques of drifting, there are also some advanced and alternative techniques that can enhance or vary the style and performance of drifting. Some examples are:

Scandinavian flick: This is when the driver swings the car from one side to another before entering a corner, to create a pendulum effect that increases oversteer. This technique can be used to initiate a high-angle drift at high speed.

Reverse entry: This is when the driver initiates a drift at such an extreme angle that the car appears to be facing backwards relative to the corner. This technique requires a lot of skill and precision, as well as a powerful car and grippy tires.

Jump drift: This is when the driver bounces one or both rear wheels over a curb or bump at corner entry, to reduce traction and induce oversteer. This technique can be used to initiate or extend a drift in tight or low-grip situations.

Dirt drop: This is when the driver drops one or both rear wheels off the edge of the track onto dirt or gravel, to create drag and oversteer. This technique can be used to extend or adjust a drift angle in long or wide corners.

Manji: This is when the driver performs multiple consecutive drifts from side to side on a straight or slightly curved road, resembling the shape of the Japanese character 万 (man). This technique can be used to show off or warm up the tires.

Parts of drift cars

Drift cars are vehicles that are modified to enhance their performance and appearance for drifting. Drift cars can vary in terms of make, model, engine, drivetrain, and style, but they usually share some common components and modifications. In this section, we will explain the essential parts of drift cars and how they affect drifting.

What are the essential components and modifications of drift cars?

The essential components and modifications of drift cars are:

Engine: The engine is the heart of the drift car, providing the power and torque needed to break traction and maintain speed. Drift cars typically have high-revving engines with turbochargers or superchargers to boost their output. Some popular engine choices for drift cars include the Toyota 1JZ-GTE, 2JZ-GTE, 4A-GE; the Nissan RB26DETT, SR20DET, CA18DET; the Mazda 13B-REW; and the Chevrolet LS series.

Drivetrain: The drivetrain is the system that transfers the power from the engine to the wheels. Drift cars usually have rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrains, as they allow for easier oversteer and control. Some drift cars also have all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrains, which can be converted to RWD by removing or disabling the front differential. Drift cars also have manual transmissions, as they offer more control and responsiveness than automatic ones.

Differential: The differential is the device that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning. Drift cars need a limited-slip differential (LSD), which prevents one wheel from spinning faster than the other, thus providing more traction and stability. There are different types of LSDs, such as viscous, clutch, helical, or welded, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Suspension: The suspension is the system that connects the wheels to the chassis and absorbs shocks and bumps. Drift cars need a stiff and adjustable suspension, which improves handling and responsiveness. Drift cars also need a good amount of steering angle, which allows for sharper and wider turns. Some common suspension modifications for drift cars include coilovers, sway bars, camber kits, caster rods, tie rods, knuckles, and control arms.

Tires: The tires are the parts that contact the road surface and provide grip and traction. Drift cars need tires that have a balance between grip and slip, as well as durability and wear. Drift tires are usually wider and have lower profiles than regular tires, to increase contact area and reduce sidewall flex. Drift tires also have different tread patterns and compounds, depending on the road condition and preference.

Brakes: The brakes are the parts that slow down or stop the car by applying friction to the wheels. Drift cars need brakes that have enough stopping power and endurance to handle the high speeds and temperatures of drifting. Drift brakes are usually upgraded with larger rotors, calipers, pads, lines, and fluids. Drift brakes also have a separate handbrake system, which can be hydraulic or cable-operated, to lock up the rear wheels independently.

How do drivers tune and customize their drift cars?

Drivers tune and customize their drift cars according to their personal taste, budget, skill level, and driving style. Tuning and customizing a drift car involves changing or adjusting various aspects of the car's performance and appearance, such as:

Engine tuning: This involves modifying or replacing parts of the engine to increase its power output, efficiency, reliability, and sound. Some common engine tuning methods include installing turbochargers or superchargers, intercoolers, intake manifolds, Subaru

Impreza WRX/STI (GC/GD/GR)

An AWD/RWD rally car with a powerful and durable EJ20/EJ25 engine and a distinctive sound.

Competitions of drifting

Drifting is not only a hobby, but also a sport that has many competitions and events around the world. Drifting competitions are organized by various organizations and sponsors, and have different rules and formats. In this section, we will explain the main aspects of drift competitions and some of the major drift events and series.

What are the rules and formats of drift competitions?

The rules and formats of drift competitions may vary depending on the organizer, location, and level of the event, but they generally follow some common principles and procedures. The main aspects of drift competitions are:

Qualification: This is when the drivers perform solo runs on a designated course, to demonstrate their drifting skills and earn points from the judges. The judges usually evaluate the drivers based on criteria such as speed, angle, line, style, and fluidity. The drivers with the highest scores qualify for the next stage, usually called the tandem battles or the top 16/32.

Tandem battles: This is when the qualified drivers compete against each other in pairs, in a knockout format. The drivers take turns to lead and follow each other on the same course, trying to outperform their opponent. The judges decide the winner of each battle based on criteria such as proximity, aggressiveness, consistency, and mistakes. The winner advances to the next round, until there is only one champion left.

Points system: This is when the drivers earn points based on their performance and ranking in each event, which are accumulated throughout the season or series. The driver with the most points at the end of the season or series is declared the overall champion.

How do judges evaluate and score drift performances?

The judges are usually experienced drifters or experts who have a good knowledge and understanding of drifting techniques and standards. The judges use various methods and tools to evaluate and score drift performances, such as:

Visual observation: This is when the judges watch the drivers' runs with their eyes, and give scores based on their impression and opinion. This method relies on the judges' subjective judgment and personal preference, but also allows for more flexibility and creativity.

Electronic devices: This is when the judges use devices such as cameras, sensors, radars, or computers, to measure and record the drivers' runs with data and statistics. This method relies on objective facts and numbers, but also limits some aspects of drifting that are hard to quantify.

Hybrid system: This is when the judges use a combination of visual observation and electronic devices, to balance the advantages and disadvantages of both methods. This method aims to provide a more accurate and fair evaluation of drifting performances.

What are the major drift events and series around the world?

There are many drift events and series around the world, catering to different levels, regions, and styles of drifting. Some of the major drift events and series are:

Name

Description

Website

D1 Grand Prix (D1GP)

The oldest and most prestigious drifting series in Japan, founded by Keiichi Tsuchiya and Daijiro Inada in 2000. It features some of the best drifters and cars in Japan, competing in various venues across the country.

[D1 Grand Prix]

Formula Drift (FD)

The leading professional drifting series in North America, founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2003. It features some of the best drifters and cars from around the world, competing in various venues across the USA and Canada.

[Formula Drift]

Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC)

The premier professional drifting series in Europe, founded by David Egan in 2014. It features some of the best drifters and cars from across Europe, competing in various venues across the continent.

[Drift Masters European Championship]

Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Intercontinental Drifting Cup (IDC)

The official world championship of drifting, sanctioned by the FIA, the governing body of motorsport. It features some of the best drifters and cars from around the world, competing in a single event held in a different country each year.

[FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup]

King of Europe (KOE)

The longest-running drifting series in Europe, founded by Mike Procureur in 2005. It features some of the best drifters and cars from Europe and beyond, competing in various venues across the continent.

[King of Europe]

British Drift Championship (BDC)

The leading professional drifting series in the United Kingdom, founded by Mark Buckle in 2008. It features some of the best drifters and cars from the UK and Ireland, competing in various venues across the country.

[British Drift Championship]

Drift Allstars (DA)

A global drifting series, founded by Niall Gunn in 2010. It features some of the best drifters and cars from around the world, competing in various venues across Europe, Asia, and Australia.

[Drift Allstars]

Formula Drift Japan (FDJ)

The official Japanese branch of Formula Drift, founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2014. It features some of the best drifters and cars from Japan and Asia, competing in various venues across Japan.

[Formula Drift Japan]

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided you with an outline and a detailed guide on drift cars, including their history, techniques, parts, and competitions. We hope you have learned something new and interesting about drift cars and drifting.

If you are interested in drifting or want to try it yourself, here are some tips and resources for you:

Practice safely: Drifting can be dangerous if done irresponsibly or without proper supervision. Always practice in a legal and safe environment, such as a track or a designated area, with adequate safety equipment and precautions. Never drift on public roads or endanger yourself or others.

Learn from others: Drifting can be challenging if done alone or without guidance. Seek advice and feedback from experienced drifters or instructors, who can help you improve your skills and techniques. Join a local drift club or community, where you can meet other drifters and share your passion.

Have fun: Drifting can be rewarding if done with enjoyment and enthusiasm. Don't be discouraged by failures or mistakes, but learn from them and keep trying. Don't be afraid to experiment or express yourself, but respect the rules and etiquette of drifting. Don't be obsessed with winning or losing, but appreciate the thrill and beauty of drifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between drifting and powersliding?

Drifting and powersliding are both driving techniques that involve sliding the rear wheels of a car around a corner. However, they have some differences:

Drifting: This is when the driver intentionally oversteers, with loss of traction, while maintaining control and driving the car through the entirety of a corner. Drifting is usually done for sport or entertainment purposes, and requires skill and practice to master.

Powersliding: This is when the driver unintentionally oversteers, with loss of traction, while regaining control and straightening the car as soon as possible. Powersliding is usually done for speed or efficiency purposes, and can happen accidentally or deliberately to avoid obstacles or reduce braking distance.

What are some of the benefits of drifting?

Drifting can have some benefits for drivers who enjoy it, such as:

Improving driving skills: Drifting can help drivers improve their driving skills, such as steering, braking, accelerating , shifting, and clutching. Drifting can also help drivers develop a better sense of car control, balance, and awareness.

Expressing creativity: Drifting can allow drivers to express their creativity, personality, and flair through their car choice, tuning, and driving style. Drifting can also allow drivers to experiment with different techniques, angles, lines, and combinations.

Having fun: Drifting can provide drivers with a lot of fun, excitement, and adrenaline. Drifting can also provide drivers with a sense of satisfaction, achievement, and challenge. Drifting can also be a social activity, where drivers can interact with other drifters and fans.

What are some of the challenges of drifting?

Drifting can also have some challenges for drivers who want to do it, such as:

Cost: Drifting can be expensive, as it requires a suitable car, parts, modifications, maintenance, tires, fuel, entry fees, etc. Drifting can also cause a lot of wear and tear on the car and its components, which may need frequent repairs or replacements.

Risk: Drifting can be risky, as it involves driving at high speeds and angles, with reduced traction and stability. Drifting can also expose the driver and the car to potential accidents, injuries, or damages. Drifting can also be illegal or prohibited in some places or situations.

Difficulty: Drifting can be difficult, as it requires a lot of skill and practice to master. Drifting can also be affected by various factors such as road condition, weather, traffic, etc. Drifting can also be competitive and stressful, especially in professional events or series.

How can I learn to drift?

If you want to learn to drift, here are some steps you can follow:

Get a drift car: You will need a car that is suitable for drifting, preferably a RWD car with a manual transmission and an LSD. You will also need to modify or tune your car to improve its performance and handling for drifting. You will also need to get some spare tires, as drifting can wear them out quickly.

Find a drift spot: You will need to find a place where you can practice drifting safely and legally. Ideally, you should find a track or a designated area that has enough space and features for drifting. You should also check the rules and regulations of the place before you go there.

Learn the basics: You will need to learn the basic skills and techniques of drifting, such as oversteer, countersteer, throttle control, clutch kick, handbrake, etc. You can start by practicing on a flat and open surface, such as a parking lot or a skid pad. You can also watch videos or read articles online to learn from other drifters.

Practice regularly: You will need to practice drifting regularly and consistently, to improve your skills and confidence. You can practice on different courses and conditions, such as corners, curves, hills, wet roads, etc. You can also practice with other drifters or instructors, who can give you feedback and tips.

Have fun: You will need to have fun while drifting, as it is supposed to be an enjoyable and rewarding activity. You should not be afraid to make mistakes or try new things while drifting. You should also appreciate the process and the progress of learning to drift.

What are some of the best drifting videos or movies?

If you want to watch some drifting videos or movies, here are some suggestions:

Pluspy: This is the video that started it all, featuring Keiichi Tsuchiya's drifting skills on the mountain roads of Japan. It was released in 1987 and inspired many drifters and fans.

Initial D: This is a manga and anime series that follows the story of Takumi Fujiwara, a young delivery driver who becomes a legendary drifter on the touge. It was created by Shuichi Shigeno and ran from 1995 to 2013. It features realistic and exciting drifting scenes and cars.

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift: This is the third movie of the popular action franchise that revolves around illegal street racing and heists. It was directed by Justin Lin and released in 2006. It focuses on the drifting culture and scene in Tokyo, Japan, and features some of the best drifters and cars in the world.

Drift Bible: This is a video tutorial that teaches the basics and techniques of drifting, hosted by Keiichi Tsuchiya, the Drift King. It was produced by Best Motoring International and released in 2003. It covers topics such as oversteer, countersteer, throttle control, clutch kick, handbrake, etc.

Driftworks: This is a YouTube channel that showcases the drifting lifestyle and adventures of Phil Morrison and James Robinson, the founders of Driftworks, a leading drift car parts supplier in the UK. It was launched in 2006 and has over 500 videos and 600,000 subscribers. It features drifting events, car builds, road trips, interviews, etc.

44f88ac181