Unleash Your Inner Racer: How to Drift a Subaru Forester
What To Know
- Replacing the stock tires with dedicated drift tires, such as those with a softer compound and a wider tread pattern, provides the necessary grip and slide characteristics for controlled drifting.
- Drifting should only be practiced in a controlled environment, such as a racetrack or a designated drifting area.
- Handbrake turns involve using the handbrake to lock the rear wheels, inducing a sudden oversteer and initiating a drift.
The Subaru Forester, known for its ruggedness and practicality, might not be the first car that comes to mind when thinking about drifting. However, with the right technique and modifications, even this seemingly unassuming SUV can be transformed into a sideways-sliding machine. This guide will delve into the intricacies of how to drift a Subaru Forester, exploring the necessary modifications, driving techniques, and safety considerations.
Understanding the Forester’s Drifting Potential
The Subaru Forester, despite its higher center of gravity compared to dedicated drift cars, offers some inherent advantages for drifting. Its symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides excellent traction and control, while the naturally aspirated engine, though not overly powerful, offers a linear power delivery that’s relatively easy to modulate.
Modifications for Drifting the Forester
To unlock the Forester’s drifting potential, certain modifications are crucial:
1. Suspension and Tires:
- Lowering Springs or Coilovers: Lowering the car’s center of gravity improves handling and reduces body roll, making it easier to maintain control during drifts.
- Stiffening the Suspension: Upgrading to stiffer sway bars and shocks enhances stability and responsiveness, minimizing unwanted body movement.
- Drift Tires: Replacing the stock tires with dedicated drift tires, such as those with a softer compound and a wider tread pattern, provides the necessary grip and slide characteristics for controlled drifting.
2. Engine and Drivetrain:
- Exhaust System: A performance exhaust system can improve power output and enhance the engine’s sound, making the drifting experience more exhilarating.
- Engine Tune: Tuning the engine’s ECU to optimize air-fuel ratios and ignition timing can boost horsepower and torque, enhancing the car’s ability to initiate and sustain drifts.
- Limited-Slip Differential (LSD): Installing an LSD on the rear axle helps distribute power more evenly to the rear wheels, improving traction and allowing for smoother, more controllable drifts.
3. Safety Equipment:
- Roll Cage: A roll cage is essential for safety, providing structural reinforcement in case of a rollover accident.
- Racing Seats and Harnesses: Upgrading to racing seats and harnesses ensures secure driver positioning and reduces the risk of injury during aggressive maneuvers.
- Fire Extinguisher: A fire extinguisher is a vital safety measure, especially when modifying a car for performance.
Mastering the Art of Drifting
Once your Forester is equipped for drifting, it’s time to hone your skills behind the wheel:
1. Find a Safe and Legal Location: Drifting should only be practiced in a controlled environment, such as a racetrack or a designated drifting area. Ensure the location is safe, with adequate space and no obstacles.
2. Practice Basic Techniques: Start by practicing basic drifting techniques on a closed course, such as the “clutch kick” and “handbrake turn.” These techniques help you understand the car’s behavior and build confidence.
3. Throttle Control: Mastering throttle control is essential for drifting. You need to apply just the right amount of throttle to maintain a controlled slide without spinning out.
4. Steering Input: Steering input is crucial for guiding the car through the drift. Use smooth and precise steering movements to maintain a balanced slide.
5. Counter Steering: Counter steering is used to correct oversteer and maintain control during a drift. This involves steering in the opposite direction of the slide to regain stability.
Pushing the Limits: Advanced Drifting Techniques
As your skills progress, you can explore more advanced drifting techniques:
1. Power Oversteering: This technique involves using throttle input to induce oversteer and initiate a drift. It requires precise throttle control and a good understanding of the car’s limits.
2. Clutch Kicks: Clutch kicks are used to briefly interrupt power delivery, causing the car to lose traction and initiate a drift. This technique is often used for initiating drifts in tight spaces.
3. Handbrake Turns: Handbrake turns involve using the handbrake to lock the rear wheels, inducing a sudden oversteer and initiating a drift. This technique is effective for initiating drifts at higher speeds.
The Forester’s Drifting Advantages
While the Forester might not be an obvious choice for drifting, it offers some unexpected advantages:
1. AWD System: The Forester’s symmetrical AWD system provides excellent traction and stability, making it easier to control drifts and recover from mistakes.
2. Naturally Aspirated Engine: The Forester’s naturally aspirated engine offers a linear power delivery, making it easier to modulate throttle input and maintain a consistent slide.
3. Spacious Interior: The Forester’s spacious interior provides ample room for modifications and safety equipment, making it a practical choice for drift enthusiasts.
The Final Drift: A Farewell to the Forester
Drifting a Subaru Forester is a unique and rewarding experience. It requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what this versatile SUV is capable of. However, remember to always prioritize safety and respect the limits of your car and your skills.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. What is the best Subaru Forester model for drifting?
The best Subaru Forester model for drifting is the 2.5XT, which comes with a turbocharged engine that provides more power and torque. However, any Forester model can be modified for drifting with the right setup.
2. Is drifting a Subaru Forester safe?
Drifting a Subaru Forester can be safe if done responsibly and with the proper modifications and safety equipment in place. Always practice in a controlled environment and prioritize your safety.
3. How much does it cost to drift a Subaru Forester?
The cost of drifting a Subaru Forester varies depending on the modifications and the level of commitment. Expect to spend a significant amount of money on suspension upgrades, tires, safety equipment, and potential engine modifications.
4. Is it legal to drift a Subaru Forester on public roads?
Drifting on public roads is illegal in most countries and can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Always practice drifting in a safe and legal environment.