Drifting has evolved from a niche motorsport into a global phenomenon, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts, professional drivers, and racing fans alike. Whether it's the smoke from tires sliding across the pavement or the heart-pounding precision of navigating a corner at extreme angles, drifting is all about controlled chaos. But what exactly is drifting, and what does it take to master this high-octane skill?
In this blog, we’ll break down what drifting is, how it’s done, and the tools you need to perfect the craft, including the importance of components like low profile car ramps, angle kits, toe plates, and performance upgrades such as carbon fiber shift knobs. We’ll also dive into the drifting legacy of some of the most iconic platforms like BMW, Corvette, and Porsche models.
What is Drifting?
At its core, drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers the car, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control through the corner. Instead of the tires gripping the road, they slide sideways, creating the signature "drift." The goal is to maintain this slide with precision, controlling the car’s direction and speed as you exit the turn.
Drifting requires a unique combination of balance, throttle control, steering precision, and vehicle setup. It’s not just about speed; it’s about style, technique, and control.
The Essential Tools for Drifting
To drift effectively, having the right equipment is crucial. From angle kits that provide extra steering range to toe plates for precise alignment adjustments, here’s a look at the key components every drifter should have in their arsenal:
1. Low Profile Car Ramps
When working on performance cars, especially those with lowered suspensions, getting under the vehicle for maintenance or adjustments can be a challenge. Low profile car ramps are essential for drifters who need quick access to the underside of their car for suspension, exhaust, or differential adjustments.
- Low profile car ramps offer a gentle incline, making them perfect for cars with low ground clearance, ensuring that even the lowest drift cars can be safely elevated without damaging the bodywork.
2. Angle Kits
An angle kit is one of the most important upgrades for any drift car. Stock steering systems don’t allow for the extreme steering angles required in drifting, which is where angle kits come into play.
- Angle kits increase the maximum steering angle, allowing the front wheels to turn further, enabling the driver to maintain control during wide-angle slides. This is especially important for popular drift platforms like the E30, E36, and E46 BMWs, as well as 350Z and Corvettes.
3. Toe Plates
Accurate wheel alignment is critical in drifting. Toe plates help drivers make quick adjustments to the toe angle (the inward or outward direction the tires point) to optimize handling. Proper toe settings can enhance the car’s response in a drift and prevent uneven tire wear.
- Toe plates from SLRspeed provide easy-to-read measurements in multiple units, allowing for precise alignment on the fly. These are especially useful when fine-tuning setups for competition or track days.
4. Carbon Fiber Shift Knob
Every drift driver needs a good connection with their car, and that includes the shift knob. A carbon fiber shift knob provides a lightweight yet strong grip, making shifting quick, easy, and smooth.
- The SLRspeed carbon fiber shift knob is designed for both comfort and performance, offering excellent tactile feedback and a sleek, high-performance aesthetic.
Drifting Iconic Cars: From BMW to Porsche
Drifting isn’t exclusive to one type of car—many platforms are known for their drifting capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular drift platforms and how they excel in the sport:
E30 Drifting
The BMW E30 is a legend in the drifting world. Its lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive layout make it an excellent platform for learning and mastering the art of drifting. With the right angle kit and setup, the E30 becomes a nimble and responsive drift machine, perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros.
E36 Drifting
The BMW E36 is another fan favorite for drifting, known for its balance and handling. The E36 offers great stability in high-speed drifts and is widely used in competitions. An E36 angle kit further enhances its steering capabilities, giving drivers the ability to push deeper into corners with confidence.
E46 Drifting
The BMW E46 is often regarded as one of the best drift platforms of all time, particularly in professional circles. With a powerful engine, a balanced chassis, and plenty of aftermarket support, E46 drifting is all about precision and control. Equipped with an E46 angle kit from SLRspeed, this platform can achieve extreme steering angles, making it a top choice for competitive drifters.
Corvette Drifting
The Corvette C5 and C6 have become increasingly popular in the drifting scene due to their powerful V8 engines and lightweight design. With an angle kit and proper setup, these American muscle cars can hold their own on the drift track, delivering massive power and torque to keep the rear tires smoking.
Porsche Drifting
While not as common as BMW or Nissan platforms, Porsche drifting is gaining traction, especially with models like the 718 Cayman. The mid-engine layout of Porsches offers a unique balance and control during drifts, making them formidable opponents on the track. With the right suspension and alignment tweaks, Porsche drifting can be incredibly rewarding.
Why Drifting is More Than Just a Sport
Drifting isn’t just about competing—it’s about style, technique, and pushing the limits of what your car can do. The combination of precision driving and vehicle control makes drifting one of the most exciting and visually impressive motorsports out there. Whether you’re sliding through corners in an E36, throwing a Corvette into a tight turn, or dialing in the perfect setup on a Porsche, drifting is about mastering the art of oversteer while staying in complete control.
Get Ready for Drifting with SLRspeed
At SLRspeed, we’re passionate about providing high-quality parts that help you perfect your drift game. From low profile car ramps to angle kits, toe plates, and carbon fiber shift knobs, we offer everything you need to build and maintain a drift-ready machine.
Whether you're competing in E46 drifting, pushing the limits of a Corvette, or refining your skills in an E30, our precision-engineered products are designed to help you achieve maximum control and performance.
Explore our full range of drifting components at SLRspeed.com and get ready to dominate the drift scene with confidence.
