Im a noob!! Flame me!!

[SiI40sx]

Ok now that I got all you flamer's attention I do want to admit that Im a track virgin. Ive never been to any event or have any track experience. With all this hype of the 240sx I honestly want to keep my car off the street and on the track (I live in Los Angeles) Yes I plan to turbo my car. Ive recognized the number of amount of track drivers that this forum has and I ask you experienced racers, how did you start off? If you could do it over what would you change about your car? Is there a right way to get into motorsports racing? I only plan to do this as a hobby when Im financially ready because for a while now Ive been getting more and more interested and excited about track racing. So I ask you fellow zilvians, how should I start? I have a completely stock s13, is that ok? What should I do to it before I go to my first event? How do I get into the events? Thanks a bunch in advance for all your advices.

[blu808]

I think out of all the post about newb track advice i have ever seen you are the man.

You allready have the right idea. When you goto the track just go out there and play around, dont think that since you are on the track you have a better handling car, just go out there and slowly push yourself until you know the grip limitations.

I know that if i had never been on a track before and i was to do this all over again, I would take a stock 240 out threre and just mob it. Dont have any hopes (worries) about looking good and getting sponsored. Just go out there and have fun. If your love of cars has taken you this far, then just keep doing what you are doing.


Also. Dont let the better guys at the track make you feel like you have to push yourself. Because if you feel like you have to impress other people then you wont have fun or learn anything. I am in orange county here for awhile. if you ever want to invite me out to a track day i would be willing to come be your pit crew/helper. no joke.


Now lets all pos rep the crap out of this guy for being real, and down to earth.

[TurK]

uh oh there you go man. hes all you need.

[HaLo]

If I had one thing I would change of my track 240sx, it's getting rid of the turbo. The turbo is not friendly at all for track events, endurance, or anything similar: it overheats and prevents you from pushing your car fully.

Take a stock car, drive it till you can't learn on it anymore, then mod it. Taking a modded car will only slower your development..

[itsmeviet]

hey, im very new to motorsports and all that good stuff too. Some of the guys here recommended doing HPDE's, http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html i just signed up for the next event at willow springs(probably a little over 100mi away from you). They provide you with an instructor too, so it sounds like a very good learning experience, fun too.

[Yuri]

Yeah, just start with your stock car, just make sure you have the basics taken care of: decent tires in good shape (preferably a fresh set for ease of mind), fresh fluids and filters, and clean out the interior as much as you can. The last thing you want to happen at the track is something breaking or coming loose and flying around when you can prevent it. But you probably already knew that. :bigok:

[SpeedMonkeyInc]

Glad to hear you are gearing up for the track! It takes being a car enthusiast to a whole new level. You will enjoy owning and driving a car you like 10x more than before! As well as gives purpose and meaning to any modifications you do.
Personally, I started out autocrossing. You can ask for instructor ride alongs, and timed laps will really show you the improvements you are making. Its a very low pressure and low risk way to learn some basic driving techniques, but its a little boring unless you are competing.
If I did it all over again, I would have spent less time at autox and more time doing HPDEs. Also, I am with HaLo, no turbo. Its just been a pain in my ass despite how awesome boost/horsepower is.
Just be sure your car is in good shape mechanically and well maintained and you are good to go! Have fun!

[KA24DESOneThree]

Upgrade pads and fluid.

Drive the crap out of the car. Don't worry about being slow, or being on the right lines; worry about being smooth. When you're smooth, focus on lines. Once you have lines down, focus on braking and acceleration points.

I would recommend your first track day be at the Streets of Willow. It's a tight, technical course without very high speeds so you're relatively safe. You can focus very hard on lines without worrying about spinning off the track at 130, although I would not recommend flying off the Bowl even at 40.

Once you have all that down... drink a couple root beers and empty your bank account on suspension and braking parts.

[kognition]

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be like the next guy out there on the track. It's like school and you are there to learn, and there is ALOT to learn.
Turbo isn't everything, it just makes it easier to go fast without using skills. If you learn NA then you will really hone your skills. Then down the road, turbo.
I never thought i would be doing my own engine work! I got a D in Auto Shop in H.S. It is a great journey to take if you just keep an open attitude about it, and
just have fun for now.

[S13SilviaGirl]

My first event was a DD at irwindale. It was fun, mostly stock minus the suspension, exhaust and a VLSD.

Go out, have fun....ASK for instructors to ride with you and give you all the pointers you can handle. Ask them to ride with you until they are sick of you. BUT, it is why they are there. Take Luke up on his offer...not many people are willing to do that.

Also, what type of motorsports do you want in on? Drifting set up is totally different from drag racing wich is opposite of grip. Knowing what you want your car built for is key to saving money and doing it right the first time.

I agree with Halo. I almost want my SR out and go back to my KA. It was a mix of s13 and s14 parts...had WAY more torque than the SR and was much more responsive (imho). Hope that this helps ya out some too.

[Kn1ves]

HPDE @ streets of willow, they had acouple of events the past few months. I believe Infenion is doing something with the s2k members august.

but ya helmet + oil change + $$$$$$

[HaLo]

I agree with Halo. I almost want my SR out and go back to my KA. It was a mix of s13 and s14 parts...had WAY more torque than the SR and was much more responsive (imho). Hope that this helps ya out some too.

That is partly why I want to VQ my Vert. :D

[JaeTea]

Suspension, suspension, suspension!!

I can take turns and feel more comfortable in my slow ass SOHC than in my 300hp WRX.

Also tires are really important. Spend the extra money for good track tires. The last thing you want is to be taking a turn in third gear and feel like the car is gonna leave the track!!

Oh and brakes. Track driving is NOTHING like driving on the street. Brake fade is seriously scaring shit when your diving into a turn.

HPDE's are definetly worth it. You DO NOT need a dedicated track car. Almost everyone that goes to HPDE's drives their car 2-3 hours to the track and runs it.

How much hp you have doesn't really matter.

Now if you plan on drifting you only REALLY need 3 things. Good coilovers, LSD, seat.

[OptionZero]

Whatever event type you plan to do (AutoX, road course, drift), get as much seat time as possible. Before driving yourself, i find that its useful to ride along and talk to drivers (even talking as you ride) to get a feel for the course and what the car is doing, as well as what the driver is doing to get his car going.

After that, throw yourself into it and drive. Come back, listen to your instructor/helper person.

Above posters are right, just try to be smooth, learn the layout of the course or track, focus on controlling the car.

Things you can do off track are practicing heel-toe and being smooth and confident with your shifting. You don't want a jerky shift to upset the car on the track.

If you're committed, get a bucket seat and helmet of your own (you dont want to rent).

[Irukandji]

Don't stress too much on upgrades just yet. Just make sure your car runs great, and do routine maintenance so you aren't stuck at the track if something breaks. But of course, things WILL break, crack, rub, etc... you just have to fix these problems as they occur, since most are unpredictable.

Always remember to let your car cool down every once in a while, and check all your fluids and what not just to make sure you'll be able to drive back home!

[Neejay]

Wow...good information guys. Reading this makes me a little more at ease about not having turbo. I've really been thinking about just rebuilding a ka.

I think I've delayed going to track/autox because I dont have a manual. I also have minimal 5sp skills (I can drive it fine, just haven't had a lot of practice...especially on the streets). Maybe one day I can either get a 5sp 240, or do a 5sp conversion.

I'd assume there really isn't a point to going out there with an automatic? :(

[JaeTea]

I'd assume there really isn't a point to going out there with an automatic? :(

You can, but its lame as fuck and you'll never be able to drive as fast as you could with a 5 speed.

If I were you I'd do a 5-speed swap ASAP.

[S13SilviaGirl]

having an auto for road racing is fun...you don't have to worry about shifting. You can concentrate more on the course.

also http://www.dromo1.com/ is good for getting seat time and fun. Plus you don't have to worry about your car being in track condition.

[downshift_sideways]

Damn Cesar, I figured you've has some seat time, considering you've been through a good amount of 240's. I myself have only been to 3 track events.

Since your car is still stock, Just have fun , and test the limits of grip of your car. When your upgrading ( suspension,torque etc.) you then notice that your limits will be increasing. Its a fun thing to watch your car progress.

but as everyone else says make sure you keep your car in tune.
there is always little things that will mess up. i PROMISE.

just remember the search tool is our friends hehe.

[94cc0rd]

I am also looking forward to my first track event. Somebody recommended I check out SpeedTrialUSA.com and they are having an event August 12 @ Buttonwillow. Have any of you guys been to a SpeedTrialUSA event? Would this be just as good as going to a HPDE event?

[S14DB]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006A9I2A/ref=wl_it_dp/002-8182650-5255248

[exitspeed]

Not that it hasn't already been said but:

Just start off with your car stock and learn to drive before you go modding your car. Suspension and power is great but if you don't know how to control it, it's pretty useless. The 240 is a very easy car to drive to it's limits. Most of all though just have fun. It seems like you have the right additude and your not in it to win, but to learn how to track your car.

With that said, quit reading our replies and get your ass out there!

[420sx]

let me tell you something.

i started tracking my car one a month a few months back.

the statement that was made about "i wish i kept my car stock" is VERY true. learn your car first, then upgrade later.

yes, its all about driver skill. BUT mods do help alot. and if u start out with alot of mods u become mod dependent. im going to my 3rd event this month and i already have a basic idea of future plans for my car, eventhough i really didnt have major ones. best bet - get another beater so u have something to back u up once shit breaks, and it will. if u as serious as i am taking track time, your money will go towards :
1) track fees.
2) gas to get there.
3) tires.
4) maintaince.
5) tires.
6) shit like water food etc.

then if u have left over cash mod ur car.

lets just say there is a reason im reverting back to mech. fan on my Sr s14 and selling altima fans.
im actually doing DE-tuning to make it slower so i can learn better (stock boost etc).


track time is what makes you a better driver. mods dont.

since im a still a track noob let me tell u about my first event.
dont pay attention to other drivers - most of them have more skill than you. dont try to impress anyone, forget everything, just go and practise and learn for yourself. its ok to fuck up and you will, everyone starts out there not like top drivers are born, they are made.
i took a pos s13 sohc with stock everything besides a welded diff.... it was a lil emberassing but i had lots of fun lol....
next even i took out my s14 sr.... mmmm.... i dont think i ever had that much fun.

[SochBAT]

the one problem with dromo is that you feel like a kid again, and wanna drift. I went there not too long ago, with a group of buddies. I was messing around the track rather than placing. Seattime is crucial. After a few tracks/events, you'll notice how retardedly insane common drivers are, and are way more alert. Nowadays, i keep the radio off when i drive, just in case.

Be one with the car, have fun.

[tacotacotaco]

You know what would be great if we setup a day, got some track virgins together and some more experienced zilvians together and have a track day. Great way for members to bond and share experience, insight, and advice. Also when your actually teaching and helping others you actually learn alot yourself. Ooooh!! its like a field trip with shapperones. (how do you spell chaperones?). But no seriously.

[HaLo]

You know what would be great if we setup a day, got some track virgins together and some more experienced zilvians together and have a track day. Great way for members to bond and share experience, insight, and advice. Also when your actually teaching and helping others you actually learn alot yourself. Ooooh!! its like a field trip with shapperones. (how do you spell chaperones?). But no seriously.

Would be absolutely great!!

But I live in CAnada, eh! :ugh:

[ep510]

Would be absolutely great!!

But I live in CAnada, eh! :ugh:

Well if you and the gang from Quebec want to come a little south to play.....

http://home.nycap.rr.com/patroonbmw/DriversSchool.htm --Trust me I can get you guys in

Off to Watkins Glen with the s13 next week.

Hey Oktay --We have been talking about trying to put on an event at Mt Tremblant again ( have not been there since Hilfiger bought it) ---If we did , Do you think there would be interest from your club or other clubs in the Montreal area?

DJ

Oh --and the comments about going fast in a slow car --All these guys are right on target. If you can make a slow car fast--then once you add the turbo it gets really fun.

[tacotacotaco]

So how about a so cal track day? Mid september sounds fun.

[HaLo]

Well if you and the gang from Quebec want to come a little south to play.....

http://home.nycap.rr.com/patroonbmw/DriversSchool.htm --Trust me I can get you guys in

Off to Watkins Glen with the s13 next week.

Hey Oktay --We have been talking about trying to put on an event at Mt Tremblant again ( have not been there since Hilfiger bought it) ---If we did , Do you think there would be interest from your club or other clubs in the Montreal area?

DJ

Oh --and the comments about going fast in a slow car --All these guys are right on target. If you can make a slow car fast--then once you add the turbo it gets really fun.

Sorry... no can do next week: Canadian Nationals...

As for the Tremblant event, if you build it, they will come!

[rollhard]

There are advantages and disadvantages of both the ka and sr when racing. Yes, the turbo cars are going to heat up and youll suffer from heat soak and power loss. That has been a problem unless the car is set up right. As for tq, I have seen guys slap on huge turbos just so they can tell people or show them what they have. Its all bogus. Its all about set up. TC's car was here for about a month. He had overheating problems after about 11 laps at SoW. We made some changes with his tune and addeed W/I which got rid of the heat problem. I have talked to many racers just from the line of work I do and most of them recommend by reading a good driving book. They are a great source for driving technique, etc. I know its more boring to read than it is to go out and mess around, but if you are serious about track racing, that is what I suggest.

[fromxtor]

I wish that dromo 1 deal was on the east coast. +1 for seat time and HPDEs

[blu808]

I recieved some funny rep from this post.

FormulaD Pro-Am Comp :... 07-27-2006 07:15 PM
SNAKES ON A PLANE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im a noob!! Flame me!! 07-27-2006 06:54 PM
Willingness to help NEWB is awesome!!!

Im a noob!! Flame me!! 07-25-2006 09:40 AM
GoodJob. Wanna be my pitcrew/sexslave?

Im a noob!! Flame me!! 07-25-2006 09:33 AM
Werd -SpeedMonkey

[SiI40sx]

What if you THINK your already a good driver? Not professional level but maybe not entry level? I know my shifting point very well with my car and my braking limits on stock brakes, i kno what to do if they lock up on me and I can feel brake pad fade. I just feel like Im not COMPLETELY noob did you guys feel like that in the begining too? Ive also drag raced my old turbo s13 a few times =P So I know what its like to go on a straight track! :bigok:

[JaeTea]

I just feel like Im not COMPLETELY noob did you guys feel like that in the begining too? Ive also drag raced my old turbo s13 a few times =P So I know what its like to go on a straight track! :bigok:

Whatever you think you know about driving you can throw out the fucking window.

I remember when I went people were saying "Its totally different than driving on the road". I was like yeah right, how different can it be, I've been driving for 12 years.

Then I got out there......

You're shifting at redline at every gear, braking hard enough to throw yourself out of the seat, full throttle out of every turn, watching other drivers, watching for the flaggers, worrying about your entry so you don't miss that apex and understeer off the course...

[HaLo]

I recieved some funny rep from this post.

FormulaD Pro-Am Comp :... 07-27-2006 07:15 PM
SNAKES ON A PLANE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im a noob!! Flame me!! 07-27-2006 06:54 PM
Willingness to help NEWB is awesome!!!

Im a noob!! Flame me!! 07-25-2006 09:40 AM
GoodJob. Wanna be my pitcrew/sexslave?

Im a noob!! Flame me!! 07-25-2006 09:33 AM
Werd -SpeedMonkey


I got some rep too, but nothing as funny as yours!!! :bowrofl:

[AceInHole]

Sorry... no can do next week: Canadian Nationals...

As for the Tremblant event, if you build it, they will come!

Blah! Forgot all about Canadian Nats!! Is reg closed for that ?? (not that I have tires for it... killed mine at NEDiv's with a spin on my last run, saw DJ there tho).

[meshmasteryow]

Suspension! 12 charachter limit FTL!

[cfrost]

best thing to remember at the track is that it's not a competition, you do what you're doing for you...and that EVERYONE you see out there doing well...started out where you started. Spinning and understeering :)

good luck, have fun!

[ep510]

Sorry... no can do next week: Canadian Nationals...

As for the Tremblant event, if you build it, they will come!

Good luck at Nationals!

Actually the link was for Sept 23rd at Lime Rock Park in CT. Probably 5-5.5 hours from Montreal.

I need to see if they have any available dates at Tremblant for next year.

[SiI40sx]

Whatever you think you know about driving you can throw out the fucking window

damn y so angry?

[OptionZero]

He's not angry- he's right.

[ep510]

damn y so angry?

I think he means come in with an open mind. Many people go to drivers schools/ track days thinking they are going to tear up the track and teach the old dogs new tricks. it can be a very humbling experience for many people when they find out what it is really like.

going 100+ down a straight highway is nothing compared to the track. You may get top speed at some point, depening how much speed you carry onto the straight---but the real fun is braking, turning and trying to carry as much speed as possible through the corners --without hitting the pretty guardrails and tire walls at the same time.

Learn to drive the line --then learn to go fast. Getting the max out of whatever way your car is set up is really fun. i have a buddy who still tells stories about passing a Ferrari at Lime rock in his FSP AutoX BMW 320i --maybe 100 HP.--Needless to say the Ferrari was not driven to its fullest.

Have fun!

[HaLo]

Blah! Forgot all about Canadian Nats!! Is reg closed for that ?? (not that I have tires for it... killed mine at NEDiv's with a spin on my last run, saw DJ there tho).

REgistration is not closed for that event..
www.autoslalom.ca

[VROOOM]

when i got my license i started autocrossing, its a great way to find the limits of your car in a controlled enviroment. you cant really hurt your car, unless hitting a few orange cars bothers you. if you live in LA i know there are some places where they autocross. i havent done it in a about 4 years but they used to do it at hollywood park across from the Forum. oh yeah its only like 10 or 20 bucks to race too. get comfortable in your car doing autocross then move up to some track days at willow springs.

[TurDz]

Take it from me. I've tracked my car occasionally for two years in stock trim. I would still keep doing it, but my stock shocks are going (just have that feeling) and I wouldn't mind taking advantage of free lowering springs I was given (thanks OptionZero).

Anyway, It really is a hubling experiencing being out there. People out there, while the culture emphasizes to have fun and learn, are out to show off and look fast. Don't buy into the hype. Seriously just try to feel the car and learn how it reacts with certain inputs. The 240 is a great learning car, not twitchy and exhibits the characterisics of a balanced RWD layout car.

I am proud to say that before any track events, I tried my best to reserach the most correct way to shift, learned heel-toe, etc. I can say it really helps on the track since it is 2nd nature almost.

I crashed part of my front bumper at Infineon because I tried to hard to keep up with my instructor's Porsche Carerra. Don't do that.

Last but not least, have fun and don't put pressure on yourself! I think if you read too many posts after this, you'll miss the enjoyment of just throwing yourself out there on the track. Take care.

[OptionZero]

Yes, if you are comfortable with heel-toe and hard braking, it helps.

Do not, however, even think for a second that aggressive street/freeway driving prepares you for the track.

"Handling" a nice 80 sweeper on a freeway does not compare to taking an 80mph sweeper on a track...that leads into a blind, off camber turn.

The lateral forces you're going to experience are shocking, and trying to shift, brake, and watch where you're going while being thrown about are eye opening. Go in cocky, go home in a taxi (or worse).

This is not to say you can't do it; it means you should go in ears open, receptive to advice, and knowing it's better to back off than to push too far.

If you don't have a bucket seat (i'm assuming you don't),...good luck managing to keep your ass in place.

[SochBAT]

Luke, the SexSlave was me. haha, damn.

Tracktime, technique time, don't be a hardass and think you're the shit on the track to be fast. Everyones got a different learning curve. I've noticed people that just jump right in pick it up fairly quick, but their wallets kicking their asses in repairs and parts. Slow and steady wins the race. Or in this situation, knowledge.

Video the next time you hit a track up. I'm sure we'd all like to see.

[JaeTea]

Do not, however, even think for a second that aggressive street/freeway driving prepares you for the track.


Thats the point I wast trying to make.

I'm not angry..:D

[SiI40sx]

what speedzone dont count???? lol yea Ill definately tape my first track event

[S13SilviaGirl]

what speedzone dont count???? lol yea Ill definately tape my first track event
Slick track at speedzone is hella fun! Especially with a ton of other 240 owners crashing into you!

[theicecreamdan]

I am also looking forward to my first track event. Somebody recommended I check out SpeedTrialUSA.com and they are having an event August 12 @ Buttonwillow. Have any of you guys been to a SpeedTrialUSA event? Would this be just as good as going to a HPDE event?


my first track day was with speedtrialusa... you get time on a racetrack, and you can get people to ride with you. :rawk:

[94cc0rd]

did most of you guys go to your first track event alone or did a friend(s) come along with you guys?

[VROOOM]

my friends parents have autocrossed for about 30 years, they made us go out and try it

[S13SilviaGirl]

did most of you guys go to your first track event alone or did a friend(s) come along with you guys?


90% of my friend were already driving track events, I kinda went along with them.

[94cc0rd]

damn... well i'm dumb. The track event for speedtrialusa.com is held at Buttonwillow and I got it mixed up with Willow Springs. I was just about to register for the event on August 12 and checked maps.google.com and noticed that Buttonwillow is a good 2.5 hours away while Willow Springs is just about 1.5 hours.

Do you guys think it's worth the drive for my first track event or should I just wait for another event at Willow Springs or Irwindale Speedway? I'm about 10-15 minutes from Irwindale btw.

The only reason why I wouldn't want to make the drive to Buttonwillow, besides the fact that I would have to leave around 4am, is in case something happens to my car at the track, I have AAA 100 mile tow service and the track is about 150 miles away from me. Or just the fact that I have to drive 2.5 hours after a full day of hard driving...

ALSO, I checked out NASA/HPDE for their event at Willow Springs August 5 (this sat) and it says group 1 is sold out. Does that mean, as a beginner, I cannot register for group 2, 3, or 4?

[AceInHole]

REgistration is not closed for that event..
www.autoslalom.ca

blah... forgot that it was this weekend. just bought some Hoosier's too, but def wont be able to get the time off from work now >.<

[Vatche]

i totally agree with this thread and the support its getting. i have been getting my car ready for the track for 3 years and everytime i get close i get major set backs. good tires, brakes, and suspension are key. and making sure everything is in working and good order like everyone said. i reccomend hawk hp plus pads as they were excellent when i used them. but i am down to do an event in mid sept, i would love to go out to an event with a bunch of 240sx enthusiasts and have a good time. but probably the most important part about this thread is to really drive for yourself. and not show off to other people, you dont have to win in these scenarios. you are supposed to be enjoying yourself. and you want to bring your car home afterwards :)

[blu808]

i have to commend everyone that has posted with helpful advice with mad positive rep. I am suprised this hasnt turned into a flying poo storm about newbs, and mad jdm stuff.

I hope we can help people out. because if we take this sooooooooooooo seriously that we take our expierience pridefully we just end up sucking on 14 ft polish dogs all day.


Helping people out FTW !!!


BTW FWT= :-), Fyi FTW + lol= Lmao+ Rolf= Zilvia

[94cc0rd]

Welll, i just got back from my first drift event with justdrift at the willow springs oval. it was an AWESOME experience. the people there were SO nice and I got to sit in with some good drivers. Definately had a great time although it got kinda frustrating cuz I kept spinning out :(

I was kind of able to finish the drifts towards the end of the day but it was not smooth at all, very jerky and all over the place... but i had uber fun!

the instructor who drove my car said my viscous lsd was useless..lol
time to get a welded diff, bucket seat, and drift spin knob :P

[Flybert]

time to get a welded diff, bucket seat, and drift spin knob :P

Sounds like a dude who knows his priorities. Good to hear that you had a fun time.

EDIT: I read someone's post above that mentioned learning from a book to drive better. That will definitely not help a newcomer as much as sitting in with instructors. I remember doing a speedtrial event at Streets of Willow and jumped in a slow ass civic on race rubber with a really experienced instructor. He asked me if I really wanted to go with him in that car because he knew my car was fast. I was like, hell yeah I wanna go in this car. Little civic with RA-1's? How could I not want to get into that thing. When we started catching up to EVO's and FD's on the downhill sections, I knew what it was all about because I learned to take a slightly different line that made my laps even faster when I got into my car. For HPDE driving, I learned that driving smoother rather than more aggressively helped me go faster around the course.

As for drifting, find someone who drives the most aggressive, goes the fastest and says screw it to manji initiating BS, gets the most sideways, initiates the earliest, dirt drops like it's going out of style, and has a lead foot. Get in that persons car and realize what it is all about and do your best to copy them. Work your way on up to that point because you don't want to wreck your car but absorb the style, the line, and the skills. I learned from dorifto_slut back at buttonwillow a couple years ago and I still drive the same way. I still learn from other drivers now but I don't rely on ridealongs as much any more due the amount of experience I have. Oh yeah, and get your self on film. If you like what you see, keep it up. Otherwise, start getting crazier.

When you develop more experience, that is when you can learn from books or hearsay on how to improve your driving in my opinion.

[94cc0rd]

I rode along with a guy named Steve. (dunno if he's on zilvia) He drives a green s14 kouki with a KA, upgraded clutch, tomei 2way lsd. He was really nice and explained basic stuff.

One thing I got the hang of towards the end of the event was to stay on the throttle with the KA.

The instructor told me to try using the e-brake method and so everytime I pullled up the e-brake, i would forget to let it down so it screwed me up. So another guy, Mike with the white cressida, ghetto rigged my ebrake with 2 zip ties and some tape so that it would just fall down when it was pulled up... Helped a lot since I didn't have to focus on putting the brake down but I definately need to get a drift spin knob.

As for the camera, I had my camera with me and half way to the track I realized my battery was still on the charger at home... I really hope someone posts up a video of todays event and I can catch some of my spinning out action! lol

[95zilvia]

This is gay, my car is gonna be all "fixed up", but it'll only be my second track event on the 19th, lol, don't laugh at me :(

[Flybert]

Having a fixed up car when you are just starting is fine. I don't know why you'd ever want to drift with a car that doesn't have stiff suspension. As for the motor, I think it's better to learn on a low power car because it helps you perfect your line, teaches you to be a leadfoot, and forces you to learn the balance of your car to intiate drift rather than relying on power to kick the rear end out.

[94cc0rd]

i definately learned the importance of initiating the drift.. i got the hang of that. i had a lot of trouble counter steering and pointing my front tires the direction i wanted to go...

[Flybert]

i had a lot of trouble counter steering and pointing my front tires the direction i wanted to go...

Yeah, that comes with repeated practice. I remember when I first started, I learned to chuck the wheel into a countersteer as soon as I felt the rear kick out. That helped me out a lot. Eventually you just develop a feel and things start to happen naturally.

[kris]

Having a fixed up car when you are just starting is fine. I don't know why you'd ever want to drift with a car that doesn't have stiff suspension. As for the motor, I think it's better to learn on a low power car because it helps you perfect your line, teaches you to be a leadfoot, and forces you to learn the balance of your car to intiate drift rather than relying on power to kick the rear end out.


I dont know I started out with a 240 that was crap (so rusty it now resides in a junk yard). Everything was stock-even the mushy suspension. This really helped me in the long run to learn to overcome the inconsistencys of a crappy machine and really helped my skill, plus the fact if I crashed I did not care too much-while trying to drift:blah: I think this goes for auto-xing too start slow and move up

I do agree starting out with power and no suspension is not the best of ideas, suspension should be first unless you just like to drag, but even then suspension will come into play eventually. First things I bought for my current car was suspension and I have had the SR in it for about 3 yrs now and finally just today I ordered a bigger turbo.

[94cc0rd]

what are the cheapest tires that are easiest to spin... obviously ones that don't chunk or whatever..

JD just announced that the Top Drift Rd. 4 is postponed to Sept 23. and the practice round is open to all levels on Sept. 9 @ the Oval.

So I'm looking for some cheap tires that are easy to spin... I was planning on getting some federal 595s cheap but i hear they are pretty grippy..

I have 1 pair of z32 n/a wheels on my rear right now with hankook ventus hrII with about 70% left and another pair of z32 n/a wheels that need tires...

I have 225/45/17 yoko es100 on 17" 350z wheels on the front of my car with plenty of tread left so I don't want to waste those... so i need something less grippy than the es100s. also, the z32 n/a wheels don't clear my megan coilovers up front so putting the 17"s on the rear and smoking those up are not an option.

[Flybert]

94ccord, go get some 205/55/16's for your z32 NA wheels that need tires or 205/50/16's if you don't mind some extra wheel gap at the track. The federals will work fine in that size for you. What size tires did you use out back at the last event and did you have a hard time spinning them?

[Id RaThEr DrIfT]

hey i never been to a track eithere and i really wanna go but what do u guys think about goingg with an open diff?
i have an sr basickly stock ...
if someone would envite me or go with me that would be great ! thanx guys! sometime in september sounds great ! lmk guys ill be looking foward to it

[Flybert]

I would not go to a drift event with an open diff. It will piss you off big time and it will be very hard to drift. Get yourself a welded diff or a 2-way before you go out to a drift event. I was selling welded diffs to local drifters for a while but my dad (welder by trade) hurt himself in the backyard and is temporarily out of commission right now. He should be ok in the next few weeks though so hit me up if you need one.

[94cc0rd]

94ccord, go get some 205/55/16's for your z32 NA wheels that need tires or 205/50/16's if you don't mind some extra wheel gap at the track. The federals will work fine in that size for you. What size tires did you use out back at the last event and did you have a hard time spinning them?

i was running 225/50/16 fm901s. with the es100 up front, the rears were grippier so i guess it made it harder but i couldn't really tell because i was too busy spinning out.. lol

the 205/50/16 federal 595s would be ok?

[downshift_sideways]

its always better to start with stock 240sx, get the road handle and feel of the car, then upgrade and adjust.

if you start with power, you end up relying on powering through corners and trns, and the fundimentals dont exist.

I'm a little track n00b myself. not that many events have I been too. but its always a learning process

[Flybert]

i was running 225/50/16 fm901s. with the es100 up front, the rears were grippier so i guess it made it harder but i couldn't really tell because i was too busy spinning out.. lol

the 205/50/16 federal 595s would be ok?

Yeah, 205/50/16 federal 595 will work great. They'll be more responsive than those 225's and they'll spin way easier since your probably struggling to keep the revs up high with those tires. You will have more wheel gap but that really doesnt matter at the track, especially when you are learning.

[cfrost]

I'd pick buying track time first over buying a 2way or welding your diff....drifting on an open diff with an S13/14 or ae86 isn't as hard as everyone says it is and overcoming it being harder to drift with will make you a better driver in the longrun IMO

[Flybert]

Learning to drift on a stock suspension/open diff car takes longer to learn on and leaves you with useless pairs of tire. Period. I did my first event (dd10) ever on open diff and coilovers. Frustrated me so much. I killed one tire faster than the other and ended the day faster than if i was spinning two tires. I came back the next event at buttonwillow with a tomei 2 way and my bride seats and drove so much better. Here is a pic from that event. This was in february of 2004 at the first official Just Drift event at buttonwillow in third gear at about 60mph on my second event. Stock KA on 195/55/15 es100's all around.

http://justdrift.ctuneracing.com/020704/DSC02174.jpg

A consisitant diff will give you a lot more confidence, make you learn quicker, and won't be gay to drift on. I'll try to get some more people to come in here and comment on this subject because I know that most experienced drifters agree with me on this one. Cfrost is experienced but I just don't agree with him at all on this one.

[94cc0rd]

how much do open diffs usually go for? are they common on the zilvia for sale section?

also, Aspec Logan says that the federal 595s dont come in 205/55/16. I'm assuming the 535s will be ok, probably easier to spin?

[dans]

My regards to the members of this forum.

I recently sold my VW and have just bought a 240 in the intrest of finding a car that lends itself better to being a street/track hybrid fun car. As such I have been looking around at all the forums that cater to 240s and like what I've found here.

I think much of the advice is simply spot on and shows some real world, hard core, no BS tudes. I like that.