Drifting, once a niche motorsport originating from the winding mountain roads of Japan, has grown into a global phenomenon. The blend of skill, style, and adrenaline has captivated car enthusiasts and spectators alike. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the rapid increase in drifting’s popularity, the cars and engines commonly used, and what it takes to get started in this thrilling motorsport.
The Growing Popularity of Drifting
Drifting gained mainstream attention through movies like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and video games like Need for Speed and Forza Horizon. The sport’s rise can also be attributed to:
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Accessibility: Drifting events and grassroots competitions have become more prevalent, allowing more people to participate.
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Social Media: Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok showcase jaw-dropping drift runs and tutorials, inspiring new fans and drivers. Fans of drifting are dedicated to their idols, for example, Adam LZ.
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Cultural Appeal: Drifting is as much about style and creativity as it is about competition, making it appealing to a diverse audience.
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Professional Events: Series like Formula Drift, DriftMasters, Spec-D and D1GP have elevated drifting to a professional level, attracting sponsorships and global viewership.
Common Cars and Engines Used for Drifting
Drifting requires a car that balances power, control, and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Here are some of the most popular vehicles and engine setups:
Top Drift Cars
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Nissan 240SX (S13/S14): Affordable, lightweight, and easy to modify. Toyota Corolla AE86: The iconic “Hachiroku” is a lightweight classic with cult status.
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Mazda RX-7 (FC/FD): Known for its rotary engine and sleek design.
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Nissan 350Z/370Z or Infinity G35/G37: Asa reasonably priced option, these cars feature a wonderful balance for handling, significant aftermarket part offerings, and sufficient torque from the factory engine make this a phenomenal starter car.
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BMW E36/E46: European favorites known for their balanced chassis and inline-six engines.
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Ford Mustang: Modern Mustangs have gained popularity for their V8 power and affordability in the U.S.
Popular Engine Options
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Nissan SR20DET: A turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s lightweight and reliable.
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Toyota 2JZ-GTE: Famous for its bulletproof design and massive power potential.
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Chevrolet LS Series: V8 engines that are affordable and deliver tons of torque.
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BMW N54/N55: Turbocharged inline-six engines that offer strong performance.
Essential Modifications for Drift Cars
To build a car capable of handling the demands of drifting, you’ll need to focus on several key areas:
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Suspension Upgrades: Adjustable coilovers, stiffer sway bars, and upgraded bushings for better control and precision.
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Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) or Welded Differential: Essential for consistent and controlled slides.
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Steering Angle Kits: Increase the angle of your front wheels to maintain control during extreme slides.
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Tires: Budget-friendly rear tires for practice and high-performance tires like Zestino for competitions.
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Engine Upgrades: Turbochargers, intercoolers, and standalone ECUs to increase power and reliability.
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Roll Cage and Safety Equipment: Mandatory for competitive drifting to ensure driver safety. A proper bucket racing seat also holds you in place so that you can focus on sharpening your skills rather than hang on for dear life.
The recommendations above apply primarily to novice/experienced drifters, for a beginner drifter we recommend keeping modifications simple to avoid overcomplicating the car, avoid issues, and maximize seat time. A beginner drift car only needs a seat, basic suspension upgrades, and a welded differential to get started. Beginning with these basic upgrades will make you a better driver in the long run!
How Much Does It Cost to Start Drifting?
Drifting can be as budget-friendly or as expensive as you make it. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
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Entry-Level Build: $5,000 - $10,000
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Used car: $2,000 - $5,000
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Basic mods (coilovers, LSD, tires): $3,000 - $5,000
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Intermediate Build: $15,000 - $30,000
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Turbocharged engine setup, angle kits, roll cage, and safety gear.
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Pro-Level Build: $50,000+
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High-end engine builds, custom suspension, professional-grade safety equipment, and sponsorship support.
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Getting Started with Drifting
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Find a Practice Venue: Search for local drift tracks or grassroots events that welcome beginners. In Edmonton, Spec-D Drift Series offers weekly open practices for cars and drivers of all levels, a grassroots competition series for newer drivers, and a full professional series.
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Start Small: Begin with a budget-friendly car and focus on mastering techniques like clutch kicking, weight transfer, and countersteering.
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Join a Community: Engage with local drift clubs and online forums to gain insights and build connections.
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Invest in Seat Time: Experience is everything. Dedicate as much time as possible to practicing your skills and save expensive upgrades for later.
Conclusion
Drifting’s rapid rise in popularity is no surprise, given its unique combination of skill, excitement, and style. Whether you’re a spectator or a driver, the world of drifting offers something for everyone. With the right car, modifications, and mindset, you can join this exhilarating motorsport and experience the thrill of controlled chaos.
At SSS JDM, we’re proud to support the drift community with high-quality parts and expertise. Browse our selection of drift-ready components and start building your dream drift car today!