Love at first slide…

The car has finally become drift ready, and I had a chance to take her and myself out for the first time. Loved it! I made it out to my first ever drift event (as a driver) with Justdrift.com. They had a clinic scheduled on a Sunday, but because of low attendance, they switched it to Saturday, which happened to coincide with their Top Drift Battle Round 3. I started with small donuts, bigger donuts, small figure 8’s, bigger figure 8’s, then finally a J-turn initiated by clutch kicking. I wish I got more practice time learning the J-turn’s and also initiating with the e-brake. The organizer, Charlie, encouraged me to enter the competition so that I can get some seat time. I came in last place! But it was awesome nonetheless.

Penny thoughts about going drifting for the first time:
- Tech inspect your car, or at least thoroughly inspect your car. Make sure it’s ready to be tossed around.
- Start slow and with the basics first. I went from donuts (small then big), to figure 8’s (small then big), to J-turns.
- Use the instructors, if available. Have them drive your car to get some input on your setup, limitations, etc. Also watch carefully at how he drives the car. When I first started doing donuts, I was slipping and sliding in circles, not doing donuts. But after carefully watching what the instructor was doing, I was able to get it. The instructor also informed me that I had too much pressure in my tires (50 psi) and I was sliding all over the place. I deflated to 30 psi, and it was much better. Feedback was really important for me in getting to know my successes and failures.
- Don’t mind the people around you. Everyone who’s drifted/drifting started at the exact same place as you. Just have fun.

One of the best things that was fixed on the car is the AC – and it blows pretty cold! For some reason the AC condenser was not getting any power through the fuse circuit. So my friend wired it directly to a power source and it started to work. You don’t understand what a world of a difference it makes to drive that car with AC – I love it!

Here’s a list of installs/updates:
- AC fixed (fixed it by directly sourcing power from the battery via a relay & switch; otherwise it stays on constantly and drains power)
- Fixed some vacuum leaks
- Installed water temperature sensor, Defi gauge, and Defi control unit
- Purchased a set of 350z track rims and installed my old Kumbo Ecstas (these are very slippery but long lasting, fyi)
- New tires: used Advan Neovas in front (235.40.17) and Michelin somethings in rear (245.40.17)
- Alignment (though not much was able to be done)
- Installed new welded differential (hat’s off to my friend who did the install by himself)

Next to-dos:
- Battery relocation
- Install amp/sub (wondering if I should do this…)
- Complete boost leak test & fix leaks
- Fix fender (passenger side is rubbing when I open the door)
- Install SR fan shroud
- Purchase oil pressure gauge (maybe oil temp too), then install oil cooler kit
- MBC – maybe?

My friend gave me some good perspective on some of my recent purchases: intercooler, wideband, and track rims. Why do I need them? Unless I’m looking to get serious about building a track car, it’s unnecessary. I should spend that money on track time and tires. I think that’s great advice.