Are you into motorsports? If so, you might be wondering how to get your car ready for drifting. The good news is we are going to give you a ChrisFix video. We are also going to give you some invaluable text that tells you everything you need to succeed. So, let’s get started!
How do I get my car ready for drifting?
Once it passes its tech inspection and you understand the rules, remove all loose items so they don’t become a hazard. Then, install tow hooks, a fire extinguisher, add a heat shield around the master cylinder, and wear an approved helmet.
This is just a quick overview of how to get your car ready for drifting. But keep reading, and we will give you a text version with more information in addition to this video.
What You Need to Do Before You Begin
Your car has to pass a tech inspection. This is where a qualified person at the track looks over the car before you go onto the track. The tech inspection is to make sure the car has all the required safety equipment and that it is, in fact, safe to be on the track.
First, print the safety requirements, rules, and regulations for the club you will be racing with and read them over. These are extremely important and are there to save your life. So, read them over and don’t take shortcuts even if you don’t think they are necessary.
Prepping the Car Before Proceeding with the Modifications
When you get the car, take an oil sample. This will tell you how the car was taken care of. It will also help find potential problems with the engine. Then send that sample to the lab (ChrisFix uses Blackstone Labs).
Next, remove anything that’s loose inside the car, such as the front and back floor mats and everything in the trunk, so they don’t become a hazard.
Then you can install the required fire extinguisher. You will need to read the safety requirements and buy a fire extinguisher that meets those exact requirements. You can’t use the mount that comes with the fire extinguisher. You have to use one that is metal and has a quick release latch.
To mount the fire extinguisher, sit in the driver’s seat and put the seat belt on. Then you can mount it anywhere within reach. Chris shows you in the video how he prefers to mount his fire extinguisher.
Making the Modifications for Drifting
Here are the modifications needed to get your car ready for drifting.
1. Installing the Tow Mounts
Some cars come with factory tow mounts already built into the front bumper. So, all you have to do is screw them in. If your vehicle doesn’t have them already built-in, you can use some tow straps rather than tow mounts if you want.
Either way, you are going to have to find a spot behind the bumper to mount it. That means you will have to take the bumper off. Next, you will need to install the rear tow straps or hooks.
Chris likes to use a trailer hitch rather than a tow strap or hook for the rear of the car. Why? This is because, with motorsports, you have to haul a lot of equipment (tires, tools, jack stand, etc.). So, you will need to get a trailer to haul all your stuff.
When you get to the track, you can unhitch the trailer and put the tow strap on. Chris shows you exactly how to install the front and rear tow hooks and trailer hitch in the video. This is quite involved.
So, we recommend that you watch the video a few times. He also gives you some great tips that will help you along the way. And when we say great tips, we mean exceptionally great tips. These tips are truly invaluable and will make the job a whole lot easier.
2. Determining If You Need a Heat Shield for the Master Cylinder
The regulations say if your master cylinder is on the same side as the exhaust, you need to install a heat shield.
When you are drifting or participating in any other motorsports, you will be pushing your engine to its limits. This will heat up the exhaust more than usual. So, you don’t want the brake system to absorb that heat. If that happens, it could heat up the brake fluid, cause it to boil, and you could lose your brakes completely.
If you can’t find a heat shield that is made specifically for your car, you can easily make your own.
3. Customizing Your Own Heat Shield
You can customize your own heat shield using a sheet of aluminum. Start by getting a piece of cardboard so you can make your initial design. This way, you can avoid cutting up your piece of aluminum. So, if you mess up, you just get another piece of cardboard.
The ChrisFix video shows you exactly how to design your heat shield starting with a cardboard design.
The video also shows you how to test fit it as well. Another thing Chris does is to use some foam-backed insulation tape. This provides an extra layer of insulation for the master cylinder.
Again, Chris gives you some invaluable tips on how to bend and fit the heat shield, so it fits perfectly into place. There is a lot of test fitting and cutting and test fitting and cutting. You will do this until you get it the way you want it. But again, Chris’s tips will make all of this a whole lot easier.
4. Buy a Certified Racing Helmet
Lastly, Chris emphasizes the importance of a high-quality racing helmet. Be sure to get one that meets certification. For example, in Chris’s case, when he recorded this video, he mentioned a Snell, SA-2015, or greater. But as time goes by, as is the case here, you would need an SA-2020 or greater, etc.
And remember, a motorcycle helmet that is DOT rated won’t be good enough. This is because motorcycle helmets are made for a different type of impact. Also, make sure you get one that fits perfectly. You can find out online how to do this. But whatever you do, don’t go cheap when buying a helmet. Your life could depend on it.
What’s Next?
If you would like more information about your car, you can check its VehicleHistory for free. This will tell you everything you need to know about any known issues with your car.
Click here now for an instant, no-obligation, no credit card-required free vehicle history report.
