Anyone know who would teach drift-driving?

I was going to say that "old man winter" is a good teacher, but then I noticed you're in Florida.

So going out on an empty snow-covered parking lot might not be an option for you.

But it's easier to learn on a low friction surface, where speeds are lower.

Wait: St Pete, FL? Where would you find room to drift, there?
Last time I was in St Pete, the traffic was slower than walking.

(That's one reason I didn't retire to Florida. )

 

1) Buy a **** car with RWD (big power not necessary...it makes holding the drift easier actually so a lower powered car will teach you more)

2) weld diff (unless it has an LSD fitted already, but since it'll be a **** car for cheap, it probably wont)

3) find a safe place (empty dirt lot with loose surface, disused parking lots etc) and take some cones

Start by driving around the cone in 2nd gear, then initiate the drift by dumping the clutch and revving quickly, steering into the drift (so if you turn left, steer right). Attempt to control the slide with your right foot.

Once you've done this, place a second cone further along. Now attempt to do the same, but do figure of 8's.

Get more cones and get creative (if the place you use doesn't disturb anyone...of course). Drifting is huge in the States, it shouldn't be hard to find drift practise days close to you.

You don't need a massive list of components or a huge amount of power. Weld the diff and a proper bucket seat is very useful soon as it holds you into place better. It's a lot of fun. See your first practice car as a bucket that you'll crash. Don't spend money or time on it (except for the welded diff), don't bother stripping it out or buy exhausts for it etc. If you enjoy it (and you should! ) and get a bit more serious about it, you can think of either buying a decently done car that's got good bits done to it or build a car yourself if you like that.

 

Get a cheap Datsun 240Z, weld the diff, drop the interior, get a handbrake lock so it's like a whammy bar you pull up and it drops back to position automatically when the locking cap is not engaged thus braking a wheel and initiating the rear end getting loose without always needing to drop the clutch.

 

handbrake = cheat stick

In all seriousness, don't rely on the handbrake. Learn it the proper way, learn how to use weight shifting etc.

And not sure why a 240z? Surely they're getting relatively expensive these days? A 240SX (would be a much better car, chassis is more rigid etc. 240SX, E30 bmw, E36 325+...all good starter cars.

 

LSD is a limited slip differential, welding the rear diff makes both rear wheels spin together (for a basic description) and dump the clutch is dropping at high rpm to start rear wheel spin. If you are serious about drifting you really need to look into basic automotive knowledge. I am not trying to be a jerk but you will need to know how to fix and improve a car if you really want to learn drifting. JMHO

 

NoDoubt has/had a drift school in Vegas.

it was harder than it looks

 

Take a proper car to a proper race track and drive it in the pouring rain.

You will either get the hang of it,
or
It will get the hang of you.

Get it right and it is ludicrously fun.
Just don't get it wrong.

 

I just got back from a 2 day drift course. Check out MYWAY drift school. They operate out of an old Soviet era airfield outside of Budapest. Adam and Efi are wonderful people, they make you feel like old friends.

The cars are purpose built E46 M3 with V8 conversions and all the goodies needed for this. T

Highly recommended

Cheers,

Ron

 

Get something with a V8, manual trans ideally and as close to 50/50 weight distribution as possible.

I learned on a 4th Generation Camaro. I could drift that thing with my eyes closed and one hand on the wheel after a bunch of practice.

All cars will react different and some may bite you in the ass.

My 550 is fun, the 355 snaps back hard when it hooks.

Tires make a big difference as well.

 

Another vote for MYWAY drift school in Budapest! Adam and Efi were awesome and you get tons of seat time. I was there summer of 2015 and plan to try to get back there this summer.

 

^ what he said

In more detail the diff lets the driven wheels turn at different speeds (slip - which varies from 100% to one wheel and zero to the other all the way through to zero to 100% the other way). A limited slip diff does exactly that... limits the amount of slip so that both wheels are always driven. Welding a diff removes the slip altogether and makes both wheels turn at exactly the same speed (and since wheels travel at different speeds unless the car is being driven in a straight line a welded diff will cause slip between tyre and road in all non-straight conditions).

You definitely need a manual transmission RWD car - doesn't have to be a V8 to start with though... but it does have to be front engine rear drive (like the 550) as this layout rotates slower than a mid engined car (like like the 355).


As has been mentioned starting on a low traction surface is best - gravel or snow as you will start to drift much more easily and at lower speeds than on a high traction surface.

Have fun!

 

No need for a big, torquey V8. Best to learn without relying on the torque as that masks your talent .

I had a fantastic time in a little bmw 318iS. No torque, zero mods (came with LSD). 50 PSI in the rear tires and that was that.

Big power V8's or learning in dedicated machines may look cool (big smokey tires) but I'm sticking with my guns; learn in underpowered cars first, it gives you the best understanding of a car and how it is like to drift and technique and skill come into play when transitioning and holding a drift rather than power.