I just had a question about turning my 2002 into a drift car. It is a 6 cyl so It would obviously be an entry level car at first. It is also an automatic and I know that with an automatic it may cause transmission issues. But my overall questions are:
1. Is it possible?
2. How much do you think it will cost?
3. Should I not use an automatic?
4. What would I need to have done to the car?

 

My overall questions are:
1. How old are you?
2. Are you okay mentally?
DON'T USE AN AUTOMATIC!!!! PERIOD.

 

Yeah that was my main concern was that it was an automatic... I guess I need to go buy a manual haha!

 

You'll need to go to the 5 speed to get it loose.

Frame support (cage, sub frame connections etc...)

Steering - a local guy modded the ability of his drift mustang (TTCobra) by some goofy trick to allow the wheels to turn out more. He also did a hand brake mod of some type (not sure on specifics). I can get a link if you want more info on it if you'd like.

Wheels/tires - light weight and get ready to eat up a lot of tires as well as brake pads.

Biggest thing you can do : SEAT TIME. Drifting isn't something you get the first (or second or third) time out. Be ok with sucking at first, keep practicing.

 

Thank you!

I am definitely going to have to figure out some way to get a manual mustang, and some sort of daily driver. I am certainly not driving a drift set up car everyday haha.

I have thought about the seat time thing. Only thing is I'm not exactly sure how to go about doing that. Any tips?

I will have you know though I am completely prepared to do quite a bit of failing before I get it. I know that drifting is almost the exact opposite as what regular driving is, which is why it is so confusing to learn. But I am willing to try, and willing to learn!

 

Blasfimy on a mustang forum I know, but I suggest finding a cheap 80's import, an old Nissan or Non turbo Supra can be had pretty cheap. Beat on that to get practice, use your current stang as a daily, then later down the road grab a fox v8 maybe?

As for tires, tire shops have to pay to recycle tires that will no longer pass inspection meaning they can't sell them as used, most places would be happy to just give them away if you ask, as long as they hold air you can drift on them. Find a bunch of steelies that will fit whatever car you get and have the tires mounted, then when you kill a tire just swap it out and keep sliding!

 

94-04 Mustangs are not the best for drifting. Too narrow of a car with too much over steer. A real drift racer usually is a wider body car with a much more stable weight load. The 05-13 Mustangs have been lighting up the drift tracks as they have this design.

I've seen these guys race a few times, and every time they've finished first or near first. Just amazing drivers.

 

I will have to figure out what I'm willing to pay to do this to figure out what car but thank you everybody! I really do want to drift, it just looks like so much fun. I'll have to see what I can and can't do really. But thanks again! Jthorn that's Vaughn Gittin JR the best of the best. He is partially the reason I wanted to go out drifting in a stang.

I think I am going to go with BabyGT's advice. Would it also be acceptable to go to a local track or autoshow and volunteer for stuff to get myself out there?

 

Start going to local drift events.

Check out Bruno's build ('01 Cobra TT). He's a local guy that started about where you are just a little bit ago - just wanting to try it out and learn. A few correct mods and more seat time has gone a long way for him. He's also on SVTPerformance.com with some pics/info (same screen name).

http://www.youtube.com/user/brunocobratt

 

Can't hurt! Listen well and don't argue with anyone and you might make yourself a new career if they like ya.