Drift Mustang

I have been building cars since about 1996 when I bought a 1966 Chevelle Malibu and modified it. My first exposure to drifting was back in 2004 when the shop (Hotrods to Hell) that I worked at was commissioned to build the 1969 Camaro that was campaigned in the 2005 Formula D series. In order to get a better idea of what the Camaro needed to be capable of I went to the Formula D Irwindale event and was instantly hooked.

My approach to car building is methodical. As you watch along with our build you will notice that we only make a few changed between each episode. I do not believe in throwing a bunch of parts at a problem and hoping it will be solved.

When you are developing a chassis for the first time you need to take you time and establish what I call a "vocabulary for the car." Basically what this means is that you need to learn what impact different parts and modifications will have on the car and on each other.

My roadmap for the Mustang was first to address the inconsistency in the car. The coilovers, panhard bar, and rollcage have done wonders in that direction. Then since this is a drift car, we need to make some drift specific modification, steering angle and LSD. The next move is to fine tune the car, getting the right spring rate, finding alignment settings that work well, trying different sway bars.

If you have any questions for me or suggestions for the car, you can make a post in the forum.

-Geoff

Like most people I became interested in performance cars started around the time I got my license. I can still remember first learning about drifting online back in 2003. Though it took me a while, I eventually managed to buy and maintain a 1986 (AE86) Toyota Corolla specifically for drifting. Slowly, and with lots of practice, I was able to grow my skills. Finally, in 2006 I was invited to the Formula D Pro-Am Nationals where I took home the title of National Champion/Formula D Pro in my mostly stock Corolla.

When Geoff started talking about drifting a Fox-body I was concerned, "aren't those heavy, poor handling economy cars?" Then I remembered; I've been driving a light, underpowered economy car. Our first time out at the track was frustrating but, as we improved the car it got really fun and it was clear that the car had potential. So we've set out to make more than just a drift car, but a recipe so anyone can cook up their own Drift 5.0. I think this project appeals to grassroots drifters like myself. Over 2.6 Million Fox's were sold in the US and that means cheap affordable cars and parts are available anywhere. In short, it's a car you can drive around, take to a drift event and not break the bank. If you have any questions for us check out our forum.

-David