Noob here and in need of some help

[TC4Drifter]

I love drifting my r/c car so I was thinking about getting into the real thing. I am thinking about getting a S13 but I don't know what engine I want for it. How much horsepower is ideal? 200? Also, what RPMs am I mostly going to be in? I know that the suspension is the biggest thing when it comes to mods, so what do you guys suggest as the first few mods? Oh, and for tires, I was thinking about getting some cheap rims and buying the cheapest tires I can find. Will these work or do I need drift specific tires? Sorry for my noob questions.

[cfrost]

Originally Posted by TC4Drifter

I love drifting my r/c car so I was thinking about getting into the real thing. I am thinking about getting a S13 but I don't know what engine I want for it. How much horsepower is ideal? 200? Also, what RPMs am I mostly going to be in? I know that the suspension is the biggest thing when it comes to mods, so what do you guys suggest as the first few mods? Oh, and for tires, I was thinking about getting some cheap rims and buying the cheapest tires I can find. Will these work or do I need drift specific tires? Sorry for my noob questions.

here's a few answers for your questions:

I am thinking about getting a S13 but I don't know what engine I want for it.
Stock engine will work more than fine for a beginner--just keep your KA24, but when you're buying a car look out for a twin cam


How much horsepower is ideal? 200?
Don't worry about horsepower at all until you've already got some coilovers and an LSD in the back (not welded diff, a real 2-way LSD)


Also, what RPMs am I mostly going to be in?
All the motors redline at a different RPM, but mostly you'll be at the very top ones


I know that the suspension is the biggest thing when it comes to mods, so What do you guys suggest as the first few mods?
First suspension mod should be coilovers. Be prepared to spend $800+ on these, don't skimp out and get shocks and springs. If someone tells you it's the same they don't know what they're talking about, just get coilovers.



Oh, and for tires, I was thinking about getting some cheap rims and buying the cheapest tires I can find. Will these work or do I need drift specific tires? Sorry for my noob questions.
While this will work, it's really not recommended. Most people start this way and regret it when they realize how important a good tire is to drifting. The better the tire is, the more control it gives you. It's all a matter of picking a good amount of grip and the correct width for your car's power and suspension. There's not really such a thing as a "drift-specific tire," but that doesn't mean that some tires aren't better for drifting than others.

I'd recommend at least picking up some decent tires for your first run out--especially in the front. As you progress you'll learn the importance of a good tire and end up running good tires all the way around.

Keep in mind that all of these things aren't necessities for drifting, but they will make it so you can learn drift your car a lot faster.

Beyond the importance of getting mods together, make sure you do it on the track and keep it off the streets, there's lots of organizations that put on great events all across the usa (especially socal) which will help you learn a million times more in a day than you will night after night on the streets.

[TC4Drifter]

How much horsepower is ideal? 200?
Don't worry about horsepower at all until you've already got some coilovers and an LSD in the back (not welded diff, a real 2-way LSD)

I just want to have a engine that, I can easily upgrade till I get the amount of horsepower I want/need. And I am only going to get a 1.5way lsd because this is probably going to be a daily driver.

Also, what RPMs am I mostly going to be in?
All the motors redline at a different RPM, but mostly you'll be at the very top ones.

Ok, im thinking that I will get a CA18 because those things can rev really high (9k rpm) and the higher the RPM the more power from a turbo right?

Beyond the importance of getting mods together, make sure you do it on the track and keep it off the streets, there's lots of organizations that put on great events all across the usa (especially socal) which will help you learn a million times more in a day than you will night after night on the streets.

Oh, I know that. Are there any track locator's that I can use?

Oh just remembered. Why get a sohc and not a dohc?

[cfrost]

CA18's are crap, don't even consider it.

You are a beginner, which means you don't need power. Get the KA first, then move up to SR later.

If you post up where you're from or search on google, it'll help you find an organization easier.

Also read up on the differences between a 1.5 way and a 2-way LSD, you might change your mind and end up getting a 2-way.

Hi cfrost, why CA 18 engines are crap? in what sense...

a)easy to blow?
b)Not torquey enuf?
c) ______________

Thanks bro

[cfrost]

just my opinion of course....

but I'd never run one when I had the opportunity to run an SR (just save a little longer if your tight on cash, you can do it)

there's more aftermarket support, there's more parts locally available on boards, and they're proven to be pretty stable motors for the chassis' that we all run (mine has anyway)

just look at what all those pro guys are using in their cars--or the majority of them anyway. Those guys should know better than any of us do.. that's the way i see it

[drifting-s14]

Originally Posted by TC4Drifter

I love drifting my r/c car so I was thinking about getting into the real thing. I am thinking about getting a S13 but I don't know what engine I want for it. How much horsepower is ideal? 200? Also, what RPMs am I mostly going to be in? I know that the suspension is the biggest thing when it comes to mods, so what do you guys suggest as the first few mods? Oh, and for tires, I was thinking about getting some cheap rims and buying the cheapest tires I can find. Will these work or do I need drift specific tires? Sorry for my noob questions.

drifting is mostly about balance. not power. the KA is balanced fine for a beginner and has plenty power potential for you. as for rpms you will mostly be in the tip top of them. mods? i wouldnt waste to much money on it until you are sure thats what you want to get into. and rims, just get a nice strong but light rim. and if you arent going pro a good way to go with for tires is go put some of those used tires to good. they are cheap and need to be burnt!


hope this helps!

Originally Posted by drifting-s14

drifting is mostly about balance. not power. the KA is balanced fine for a beginner and has plenty power potential for you. as for rpms you will mostly be in the tip top of them. mods? i wouldnt waste to much money on it until you are sure thats what you want to get into. and rims, just get a nice strong but light rim. and if you arent going pro a good way to go with for tires is go put some of those used tires to good. they are cheap and need to be burnt!


hope this helps!

I agree with everything you just said

Btw, do you guys know how to like subsribe to a thread so you can easily check back on it later if it had any more comments/replies to it?