Ladies and Gentlemen,

My first drift event will be on 20 Dec 2009. I'm looking forward to it but I'm not confident that my Z is ready. Help is needed so please give me the thumbs up if I'm good to go.

My current MODS are listed in my garage.

I don't want to damage anything so my concerns are as follows:

my suspension is stock. I'm not worried so much here.
my fluids are stock except syn oil. I'm in the process of buying fluids. I've decided on Motul everything except trans fluid (Redline).
my clutch and FW are stock. My biggest concern. My Z is used w/ now 50K miles.
I don't have spare wheels/tires. I'm checking craigslist for decent used wheels/tires.
I don't have a helmet. I'm in the process of buying one.



I'm deciding between these 3 helmets:

Bell M4

"The M-4 is an aggressively styled, multi-featured, full-ventilation helmet with an extra large eyeport. The M4 can be used in all forms of racing. In addition, the M-4 features our new SRV friction shield system. This new system has a slide mechanism that allows the driver to adjust the tension on the shield allowing for multiple opening positions. When properly adjusted and in the locked position, the SRV systems helps reduce the possibility of the shield opening during an impact."


Bell BR-1

"The BR-1 features a light Fiber-Tech shell, extra large eyeport with increased upward visibility and a Carbon X interior. The BR-1 has a full venturi ventilation system including chin bar, forehead and channeled top vents with a rear exhaust. As air flows over the helmet, the venturi effect increases cooling inside the helmet and prevents shield fogging by creating a vacuum to pull airflow through the helmet. The helmet's recessed forehead vents and rear facing side chin bar vents provide ventilation while not allowing dirt to enter into the helmet.

In addition, the BR-1 features our new SRV friction shield system. This new system has a slide mechanism that allows the driver to adjust the tension on the shield allowing for multiple opening positions. When properly adjusted and in the locked position, the SRV systems helps reduce the possibility of the shield opening during an impact."

Bell BR-1 w/ inside air


"Designed for the next generation of racer, the BR-1 Side Air combines futuristic styling and all-purpose performance. The BR-1 Side Air features an extra large eyeport, a futuristic design and utilizes Bell's air chamber technology to accelerate airflow to the front of the face for improved ventilation and comfort.

In addition, the BR-1 Side Air features our new SRV friction shield system. This new system has a slide mechanism that allows the driver to adjust the tension on the shield allowing for multiple opening positions. When properly adjusted and in the locked position, the SRV systems helps reduce the possibility of the shield opening during an impact.

Air Chamber Technology
The BR-1 Forced Air features an air chamber system designed to increase pressure and accelerate airflow into a sealed chamber in the front of the helmet maximizing ventilation and cooling."

All the helmets are good on safety but I want one that's comfortable and won't fog up when I'm driving for X amount of time... and won't make me sweat my face off.

 

I don't know if there are any rules prohibiting it in drift, but I personally run an open face helmet for its ventilation and improved field of view in roadcourse/autox. Sure they don't look as cool, but they perform.

 

Yes they perform like your face getting bashed in in an accident, or a bee ending up in your face, and chunks of tire debris getting in your eyes. Open face helmets are great if you're on a scooter or doing something completely nonintensive, like AutoX. Road course and drift? Big no no.

Don't get the forced air helmet, you need a dedicated setup (see: $$$) to actually use it. Great for touring cars, not great for drifting. I'd recommend the M4, a few friends have it. It is a nice middle of the road helmet.

I have some cheap 17" touring wheels if you want them shoot me a PM. Also, get Project MU ebrake shoes and make sure it is properly adjusted!

 

Mike,

Yeah, the M4 is at a good price. Have your buddies had any problem with the visor fogging up, etc?

Your touring wheels are probably 8" (F) right? I'm looking for 8.5 for wider. I may take your Ebrake shoes though.


What do you guys think about my car's setup?

 

Hahaha, I can point you to a few retailers who can get you the shoes.

Yeah, they are narrow, I didn't even realize I had them till I went over to tire storage the other day. My two friends who have them haven't had any issues with the visor fogging. Bell's newer stuff is pretty good about that. I think you'll quickly find the stock clutch at 50k will not be up to the abuse of heavy drifting.... soooo that being said I would not clutch kick much unless you feel like replacing it. Other than that, don't worry TO MUCH about setup, go out, have fun, learn!

 

No doubt. The best investment for any motorsport (whether it's drifting, autoX, drag, etc) is on the driver. Learning the car dynamics is more important than the parts. I'll change my fluids but I'll use the stock clutch for this event. I'll change my clutch/FW shortly after.

 

Good attitude! If you decide to upgrade clutch wise I highly recommend a twin plate carbon/carbon. Definitely take care of the fluids and the car will take care of you! Are you going to the 100 Drifters of December on Dec 6th?

 

Nah man. Last week I found out that I had to work that weekend..

I'm getting ready for the next Driftwater. Let me know if you're coming down for that. You can crash at my place that weekend.

 

Guys,

What do you think about extended lug nuts? Are they any good for drifting (holding the wheels)?

I just bought some light 18" Kosei wheels and the threads are too coarse on the lugs. I have to buy lugs for them and I'm considering buying extended lugs.

 

Apparently, extended lugs don't make much of a difference for novices. LOL, I'll buy some light RAYS.

BTW, I'm finding good deals on Ebay (as opposed to local craigslist) for used tires.


Mike,

I bought the M4, thanks.Helmet fits great and is comfortable!

 

Bring spares!
If you feel like your clutch is slipping from clutch kicks, don't use the clutch to initiate drift.
Get better e-brake shoes like someone mentioned earlier and adjust accordingly.
Get an e-brake button.
Fully disable your traction control if you have it (abs, yaw sensors etc..there's a fuse for it)

A bucket seat and clutch differential will do wonders for your drifting. Have fun.

 

I'll have fun for sure.

I have wheels and a helmet now but I still want more wheels. :-) I probably buy OEMs for the front.

I'll buy the JWT combo clutch/FW after this event.

Thanks for the support everyone. Hopefully, more people can get into this sport.