Need some recommendations for handling and suspension
 

I was wondering what I should be looking for to help upgrade the ride of my RX7? I want to be able to "drift" per say and have good control over the car while sliding. What are the first things I should look into getting? I have a 87 n/a that was a SE but I converted it to a 5 lug and installed supension from a GXL.

Thanks..........

I guess I'll be the first one to say something about the driver being the most important piece of the car.... Seat time will lead to car control no matter what you have done to the car. I don't drift but I can drift a car and more roll stiffness in the rear will make it easier to get the tail to hang out. So bigger rear sway bar and/or stiffer rear springs.

Where are you drifting?
How much experience do you have?
horsepower usually works... LOL....


marcus

Get some good tires (well for the front anyway), get a LSD if you don't already have one, and if you do, it probably needs a rebuild (clutch type) or a replacement (viscous). Poly bushings are a good idea, and DTSS bushings. Then sway bars, coilovers, and some bracing. Make sure the breaks are working at 100%, then once you have all that, then get more power, in drifting you don't need huge hp, but huge hp on a stock suspension can be dangerous and very difficult to control.

The driver is the most important part. Practice where it's safe to do so (no obstacles, NO PEOPLE!!!). If you're doing it in an empty parking lot somewhere late at night don't stay long or you'll get visitors that'll want to give you tickets (police).

jgrewe got it right. you don't *need* to upgrade anything so as as what you have is in proper working order. even crappy tires will work until you get good at car control and controlled slides.

some people think you have to spend money on all kinds of performance crap in order to drift, autox or attend track days, but all you really need is a car that is in good mechanical condition and a driver that can learn.

Wow.....that was alot of info to take in.......thanks for your recommendations.

I couldn't agree with you more about how the driver is the most important aspect of the car. I believe that. I think it's funnie when people say, "my car is faster" yadda, yadda, yadda. But it doesn't matter how fast your car is, its whose the better driver and ultimately that person will have the better outcome in the end.

I have some property that I play around on so I don't have to worry about people or cars getting in my way.

As for experience....I would consider myself intermediate. Racing has been in my family since I was born (over 25 years) and have been to just about every kind of racing event and I try to take in all I can to learn about them. Now I am trying to learn about the RX-7 and what all I can do with it.

Now about the horse power......what all can I do with out spending thousands of $$$$? From what I have read here and there......you gotta spend lots of money to get a decent horsepower gain out of these rotary's.

I figured the sway bar would be the first step I take. Where do you guys recommend I buy it?

I currently have yokohama tires on a set of 16" OZ racing wheels. Are these good or is there a particular tire that may be better?

Thanks again for all your input!!!!!!!

For tires I would go Falken once you have chewed through those Yokes.... If you are loaded. Drifting and sticky tires don't mix, get the cheap shitty tires because you will peel through tires quickly and don't want to drain your wallet. They are also easier to get the rear to slide out.

For the front tires you may want something with some grip so you can have more control.

Ted