“You will spin, you will crash.”
Drifting can be a tremendous amount of fun, and dangerous if you are not careful. Attempting to drift without the right components in your vehicle may cause insurmountable damage. Not only my choice for drifting, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage ranks high in the category, and I’ve listed a few ways that’ll boost the drifting experience, performance, and safety.
“You will spin, you will crash.”
Upgrade Your Brakes
Even if you feel your brakes are fine, it is important to remember that what works for your daily commute is not appropriate for extreme drifting conditions. First and most, the ability to stop on a dime is crucial when approaching an obstacle. Upgrade your rotors and pads, and consider using stainless steel brake lines to prevent expansion.
Invest in a New Suspension System
What goes up must come down. If you try drifting with your stock suspension system, your body will absorb the hit when the tires hit the ground – that hard hit can take a serious toll on your vehicle, too. The right suspension system will help maintain control over your vehicle, critical to drifting. After all, the basic concept of drifting is that you lose control of your vehicle, then quickly regain control of it. Cat-like reflexes required.
Boost Your Car’s Overall Speed
Taking your Aston Martin V8 Vantage to fast speeds necessary to properly drift might require adding a few aftermarket upgrades. Speak to an experienced mechanic familiar with drifting to figure out the suitable components to meet your needs. Some common options include using lighter engine parts, installing a turbo- or supercharger, and replacing your air intake and exhaust systems with higher performance options.
Purchase Performance Tires
You are going to be drifting on your tires, so you had better be sure to have a capable set. With each drift, your tires go through an extensive beating, here is where a rugged set of tires that can take some serious long-term wear and tear come into play. If your Aston Martin V8 Vantage is being set up primarily for drifting, installing different front and rear tires is beneficial. The “right” tires directly affect a clean drift line – take this step very seriously.
Other Parts
You will need a heavy duty clutch for drifting. Find one that can take a pummeling, ideally a double or triple plate clutch, or one made from rugged ceramic or brass. New catalytic converters are another fantastic addition that improves throttle response, boosts acceleration, and gives your vehicle a powerful, throaty voice. Check the condition of your steering rack, and make sure there is no play. The wheels should be straight when in default mode. Many drifters prefer larger steering wheels, so know there are options if yours might be too small.
Setup Your Vehicle for Safety
First and foremost, before you even attempt to drift your Aston Martin V8 Vantage, preparation is everything. A helmet and fireproof suit are a must. A fire extinguisher in your vehicle ready for use. Also, install a roll bar or cage for protection in the event the car flips. Secure your bumpers with cable ties in case they are ripped off. Reminder, practice drifting on legal tracks never pushing beyond your abilities. Remember, “inevitably you will spin and crash, so take these and more crucial precautionary measures. You will be glad you did.
Talk to a Pro
The best way to get started drifting your Aston martin V8 Vantage is to talk to a seasoned expert. You could call a company like Enjuku Racing that sells performance parts, or just go pay a visit to your local shop and see what the people there have to say. You can never be too careful when it comes to extreme driving, so take those initial steps to educate yourself first. Always remember that safety is your priority, and that you should never attempt to drift until you are 100% confident in your abilities and in your vehicle.
By Andrew Hoffman. Andrew’s a freelance writer and journalist from Los Angeles, CA.
