So I'm really an autocrosser/track day guy but I'm making some big HP numbers with a v8 and I'd like to come out to a drift practice day or two just for fun. (Really I'm trying to get more comfortable having the rear end step out at speed.)

That said, my car is in pretty damn good shape and I'm really not looking to get it all banged up other there. Zip tied bumpers just aren't my thing. That said, I know we've got some serious dorifto's here on the west forum so it seemed like a good place to ask for advice. I did a bit of searching but didn't find anything tailored to newbies.

Who runs the best events for beginners around Los Angeles? (FYI I live in Pasadena). I'm assuming I'd be looking for wide open parking lots as opposed to tracks w/ curbs and the like to get started. Are there any groups out there that offer instruction?

Thanks,
Joel

PS For Eddie (edblt7), you say you'll come flog that "Best FC" with me. I'm hoping to give you a chance to try it out in a months here. You've got a little window because I need to get my new clutch broken in.

 

Inland Drift Joel. Highly recommended with plenty of space to practice. Off the 60fwy. My first time there was a huge learning experience, with DK's help too I built the confidence needed.

 

Yo Ed, how's it hanging man? You back on the road yet?

A few more questions: Do you plan to waste a set of tires every time out? (IE should I pick up some spares?) How much runoff did you have? What'd you like and what do you think could have been improved?

 

inland drift... like ed said... cool spot

 

What up Joel...nah man, not back on the road yet. Probably wont be, getting a daily driver and tracking the FC. Tired of the police hassle.

Waste tires? Yes. Buy used tires...I know a place on Glenoaks blvd in Sun Valley that have good/cheap deals.

Pick up some spare's too, stock wheels are good, remember this is just practice. Tear up those OEM wheels ( if you have them) rather than running your nice street wheels. Down the line, pick up some cool wide 17in one's designated as drift rims and run em hard.

Inland drift has awesome staff and they made my experience a memorable one. Lot's of help and very informative. You'll have so much fun. As far as runoff, you mean runway space?

No improvements at all come to mind Joel. Every thing was really cool.

 

Joel, hell yeah I'm down to thrash this beauty around with you

Thats what it's meant to do not sit around winning trophies. If I break something, I'll just fix it. As for drift... sign up for drift events. There are some hosted by slide assasins, 626 Drift crew, Top Drift, and Drift Day. Wide open areas and plenty of NOOBS to be a part of. Actually you might wanna contact Adam on here (DarkEvilDrfiter) he hosts a lot of events. Awesome guy

 

^ well i say start off at adams or inland... 20 bucks an hour isnt bad to just start off.... but going to the 626 events wouldnt be bad either...

 

Adams it too tough to just learn the basics and it's set course were as Inland can be either a giant parking lot or a set course by cones. yes bring a spare set of tires. I blew out to pairs in like 30 minutes last time I went for slide practice. but for a set course I said you would only need 1 spare pair as a precaution.

20$ an hour at inland drift
70$ for a half day (9 hours I believe)

 

The pavement at inland is awful and you won't want to drive home on the tires you came with, that's for sure.

 

But I did lol. there were rumors going around that it was repaved. but someone has yet confirm this.

 

i like adams...

 

when i went to inland it was pretty easy on my tires. i ran for a good hour and drove home with plenty of tread left. but with that v8.... 3 sets FTW!(2 to run and one to drive back home on)

 

How well do front tires hold up? When you guys are talking "se" of tires is that 2 or 4?

Does front/rear cornering bias matter at all (IE is is loco to run sticky 255s up front and crap 205s rear)?

 

Joel if I were you, I'd seriously try a track event. There are lots of coaches, smooth pavement, tow trucks, and lots of pro drifters to help you. Last thing you need is to get all mixed up in your driving style cause noone can offer good help. Yeah Adams is cheap but its also just to go blow some tires and have fun. A big event will be more to helpful for knowledge.

For your power... I say get used tires that are most common = cheap.

I'd run a 235 up front and 255 rear. With your power, you'll be able to spin them and control your car better. You dont wanna switch tire and rim sizes just cause they're your spares. this will make you inconsistent and you wont learn much. stick to one good set up and keep going until you feel need for change.

 

Status quo mustang wheels sound like they might be a good fit... I think I could run my 225/45/17 track tires up front with the mustangs standard 245/45/17 rears (tall but otherwise OK). Normally I just run a square fitment so that keeps tuning f/r balance easy.

Unfortunately most mustang wheels aren't going to fit in front for me due to the big brakes, hence the question about mixing and matching.

 

Joel,

I'll go out to a drift day with you, I've been wanting to try out the same thing. Keep me posted.

 

Ah man the stang wheels are a fav amongst us FC owners. If you have 4 of those you're set. Front tires will last all day and then some

 

im down... someone make a se date for drift practice haha

i got some old supra rims i can beat up, do they have a tire mounting machine there or do i have to bring them mounted???

 

Halloween Drift bash @ Inland drift !

 

Doubt I'll have the clutch broken in by Halloween, but maybe. Sure is a heck of a lot more fun to do crazy 'ish with friends around though.

 

if anything just come on by and watch to see how it's done. We are planning to BBQ and **** there so that will be fun

 

Do they allow ride alongs at drift days?

 

yep.. 5$ for admission or 10$ for ride along pass (all day long) or 20$ per hour and that includes ride along all day. @ Inland Drift

Not to mention one of our rx7club members is an instructor there

 

interesting...

 

I wonder if stang fr500 wheels will fit the bbk in the rear? I've been wanting to do this too.