89 240SX Drift Setup Help

[Simon Tibbett]

I have a 89 coupe with cut springs , intake, and exhaust. I was wondering about setup. Would removing the front or rear sway bar help get the car sideways at all? I can get it sideways but it likes to understeer a lot before I can. Also the e-brake, I know it is stupid to use, but I am learning I admit I am not the best. I have been road racing for years and raced karts since I was 5. I am looking to be as cheap as possible. Thanks!

Simon

[91gst]

well to get rid of some of that understeer, take your front bar out but be careful because once you do this the car will be really tail happy. also if you get some weight off of the rear that will also help. they are both free so give them a shot and let us know how it feels.

[Liquidus]

I wouldn't take that front sway bar off. Its not so good for drifting as it is for snap oversteer. The best bet is for an LSD, but if it must be cheap weld the diff. Then buy some used coilovers for cheap.

If thats too expensive then your basically just left with e-brake. Thats what you should use, don't be ashamed

Just ebrake it into the corner so its sideways and then steer. You won't really be able to drift any other way on stock suspension (cut springs don't really count) with an open diff. Even just an LSD/welded diff would be a great help.

If your just left with e-brake spend $5 on one of the spin turn knobs that disables the ebrake lock. That way you can just pull and let go and focus on steering.

[Simon Tibbett]

hey, ok i'll try all that. but my e-brake wont lock my wheels, just slow the car a little. what can i adjust? thanks!

[naed240sx]

well to get rid of some of that understeer, take your front bar out but be careful because once you do this the car will be really tail happy. also if you get some weight off of the rear that will also help. they are both free so give them a shot and let us know how it feels.

HORRIBLE IDEA.

To the creator:

Ebrake works fine for initiating. Yank it hard at the same moment as turn in, and then start feeding throttle. It is hard to lock up the rear wheels when going straight, but if you do it at the same time as turn in, it is easy.

Clutch kick works great as well.

Bottom line: Go to some events, ride along with people, and get some instruction.

[s14 2510's]

got understeer get front tenshion rods. The factory ones lose there jell filling once they crack and they sag.

[Simon Tibbett]

ok cool will give it all a try. i did take my front sway bar off to see what it did and it did take all understeer away, it is very lose though.

[gundamx_105]

ever watched a video called drift bible? (I did not too long ago) everyone interested in drifting should definatly check it.

I drive the same car(but with sr20de, exhaust & intake, nismo mounts...ya thats all) I have been wanting to try drifting for a long time and after watching db I think that "anycar could be drifted". I think you need to reem the sht outta that ka24e to get enough power, but be careful and I would not recommend over revin' the ka! also go out and drift right after it rains if possible! an lsd would be a very good investment.

your car should be great for drifting, the ka makes it more front heavy and the coupe is light in the rear(take out the spare, subs, dead bodys, etc) one time I did a 180 coming off an exit in light rain(didn't thinkroad was too wet) put it in 2nd alittle too soon. didn't even see it coming.....no damageI've had afew of those close calls, the s13 seems to want to drift as badly as you do

[Frank@TotalFunction]

Drifting can be done with your setup. One of the drivers at our (Traction Optional)'s events has an S14 with KA motor... cut/heated springs, KYB shocks, and exhaust, can drift the mess out of his car (linked drifts).

But what he has different is an LSD.. so if you don't have an LSD you will need one (looks like you dont have one)... he is using a VLSD... VERY cheap option. $150-200 or maybe even less depending on where you find one.

Additionally, you WILL need e-brake on your car since well you don't have alot of power nor nice suspension work, so e-brake and clutch kick will be your two main initiators. So get your e-brake adjusted.

So yes just get a VLSD if you are looking for cheapest possible (welded diff is cheaper but I personally just don't like doing that)

[Simon Tibbett]

Been doin some work and got the ebrake working...BIG difference. I also ordered some small parts like a header and new suspension bushings, thanks for all the help!