Importance of Steering Angle
Notice that Vaughn Gittin's Mustang is carrying significantly more angle in the bottom photo photo then our car. What is not apparent is the fact that our car has the steering maxed out to the point that the rim is grinding on the control arm. Vaughn still has a few degrees to play with. This is very important as it not only allows him to hold greater drift angle, it also gives the driver more ability to save the car and avoid spinning.
Here is a zoomed and enhanced view that allows you to see how different the amount of angle between the two cars is. For this reason we are working with Hotrods to Hell to develop a new control arm for both Fox and SN95 Mustangs that will allow for more steering angle.
Here is a basic sketch of the type of control arms that we will need. The red arms are stock and the black ones are the modified arms. They have a profile that is somewhat similar to the 'L' shape control arms found on the S197 chassis.
This is a typical after-market Fox Body k-member and control arms. Can you see how they will not allow for the angle needed for drifting?
Stay tuned for more!
About Geoff
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