Suggestions For Suspension For Drift

[ToF]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my suspension but I'm not sure what to get even after reading through many old posts.

My application is mostly street but I will be attending drift nights. Having said this you probably think I am looking for soft comfortable springs but I actually don't mind a bit of a rough ride as I used to drive a S13 Silvia with Tein HAs. Street comfort isn't really a big concern if it means I am getting the right shocks that perform well.

Basically I am asking what would you guys recommend for a shock and spring combination that will be suited to drift but can also grip when needed. Is it actually possible to have suspension that has a balance of drift and grip (I don't really want the back to be kicking out everywhere in the rain on the street).

From what I've gathered, I'm guessing the Bilstein/Whiteline package from Sydneykid doesn't really seem suitable for drift applications??? But then again I am also aware that Sydneykid does not recommend Jap coilovers due to "poor design". So I have no idea where to start

[ToF]

No one has any suggestions?

[Roy]

Try and go for a ride in a few R32s and see what you like the feel of. If your not ultimately too worried about maximising grip/traction, tyre wear and all those pain in the ass things then just grab a set of Jap coil overs.

Just dont buy 2nd hand.

[Sydneykid]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my suspension but I'm not sure what to get even after reading through many old posts.

My application is mostly street but I will be attending drift nights. Having said this you probably think I am looking for soft comfortable springs but I actually don't mind a bit of a rough ride as I used to drive a S13 Silvia with Tein HAs. Street comfort isn't really a big concern if it means I am getting the right shocks that perform well.

Basically I am asking what would you guys recommend for a shock and spring combination that will be suited to drift but can also grip when needed. Is it actually possible to have suspension that has a balance of drift and grip (I don't really want the back to be kicking out everywhere in the rain on the street).

From what I've gathered, I'm guessing the Bilstein/Whiteline package from Sydneykid doesn't really seem suitable for drift applications??? But then again I am also aware that Sydneykid does not recommend Jap coilovers due to "poor design". So I have no idea where to start

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I reckon the kit would be OK for your purposes (99% road and 1% drift). I can specify suitable stabiliser bar rates, you just need to adjust them while you are changing tyres ready for the drifting.

cheers

[ToF]

If your not ultimately too worried about maximising grip/traction, tyre wear and all those pain in the ass things then just grab a set of Jap coil overs.

Just dont buy 2nd hand.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well I do care about grip and traction, I won't be drifting all the time. I want the car to grip and handle well when I'm driving everywhere else.

I reckon the kit would be OK for your purposes (99% road and 1% drift).  I can specify suitable stabiliser bar rates, you just need to adjust them while you are changing tyres ready for the drifting.

cheers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And will these settings make the suspension perform to a similar standard as jap coilovers, driftwise of course?

Also does your kit on the best handling height make the legal ride height level (100mm)?

Thanks.

[hrd-hr30]

Well I do care about grip and traction, I won't be drifting all the time. I want the car to grip and handle well when I'm driving everywhere else.

And will these settings make the suspension perform to a similar standard as jap coilovers, driftwise of course?

Also does your kit on the best handling height make the legal ride height level (100mm)?

Thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

not all jap coilovers will make your car into a drift machine. believe it or not, some of them are actually setup to make your car handle really well. I just got 3rd outright in last weekend's mountain straight hillclimb at Bathurst, and there's nothing done to my suspension except BuddyClub coilovers and adj castor rods. The bump rate (not the springs) is far too high for them to be comfortable on the road though, and infortunately the fronts are not adjustable...

trying to make your car handle well on the road and be setup for drift on the track at the same time is a big ask. They really are opposite goals. I'd say just set the suspension up to handle, and get another set of wheels for drift days, with normal road tyres on the back and semi slicks for the front. That will mess up the balance enough to turn it into a tail happy piece of crap!

[Sydneykid]

1. And will these settings make the suspension perform to a similar standard as jap coilovers, driftwise of course?

2. Also does your kit on the best handling height make the legal ride height level (100mm)?

Thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Suggestions to your questions follow;

1. I guess it depends on what "Jap coilovers" you are comparing to. It will certainly give you better response to input and will be adjustable (via the stabiliser bars). Whereas "Jap coilovers" will give you no adjustment in spring/antiroll rates.

2. Legal height is tricky, what is legal (at 100 mm) with a 2.5" exhaust is totally illegal at 62 mm with a 4" exhaust. That's one of the reasons why I specified the Bilsteins with extra circlip grooves, so you can set the height to make sure it is legal. Best handling height is around 350 mm front and 340 mm rear, a 3" exhaust is usually legal at that height.

Hope that helps

cheers