How to build a drift car

A lot of people new to drifting don't know where to start upgrading their cars. Most go for more power with engine upgrades and spend money on body kits before taking care of basic maintenance items.

The majority of cars can drift well with very few mods. Here are my recommendations for a simple, reliable upgrade path to build a car for drift events.

Stage 0 - Before you even think about going to the track

1. Maintenance - Change all fluids, Inspect all mechanical parts, replace any worn out components, tune-up, get running 100% reliably. Pay special attention to all ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings.
2. Fix all fluid leaks - If there is ANY oily residue on your engine, transmission, power steering, differential, or drips in your parking spot fix them before coming to the track. Your drivetrain must be 100% free of any oil/dirt buildup and leaks and stay that way.
3. Tech Inspection Checklist - Read the rules for the event you want to go to and go down the tech inspection and safety checklist and ensure you pass every item. Search or ask if you have a question before you get to the track.

Stage 1 - Bare necessities

• LSD - aftermarket clutch type or welded. VLSD kind of works but don't waste the money.
• Helmet - Budget at least $200 and buy a current year rated Snell SA helmet.

Stage 2 - Minimum Upgrades

• Springs/Dampers - To begin with some coilovers from a reputable company that services and rebuilds their stuff (Tein, Stance) will do the trick.
  
• TC Rods (240sx) - Get high quality rod end TC Rods to keep your front wheels from flopping around and improve steering and braking feel.
  
• Poly Steering Rack Bushings - Because your stock ones are guaranteed loose and sloppy making your wheel flop about at high steering angles.
  
• Tires - Any crapball tires will work for slow speed 2nd gear course. For top of 2nd gear and 3rd gear courses get 200 UTQG high performance tires in a width matched to your power level. Tires in 195 to 225 width work well for near stock power levels on 240sx and similar weight cars. You'll drift better and it might just save you from hitting the wall and totaling your car.

Stage 3 - Replace the stuff you just wore out

• Clutch - Get an aftermarket clutch when your stock one starts to fail. Choose one with a sprung disk to save your transmission syncros and gears. If you have extra $$$ it's worthwhile to get a light flywheel at the same time.
  
• Bushings - Your suspension bushings will wear out after 2 events with an LSD. Fix the clunking and wheel hop with either poly bushings (ok) or good quality rod end links. On 240sxs Go for RUCA's and rear toe arms first and get an alignment so the tires wear evenly.
  

Go for maintenance items first, and replace stuff as it wears out. Save money to get to as many events as you can so you can figure out what needs to be upgraded next based on real track experience.

The longer you drift with an underpowered vehicle the more you techniques will learn. Starting off with a lot of power will handicap you later on.