So as those of you who've seen my build thread know, for the last year I've been drifting my S550.
Just wanted to share an observation, as I suspect there may be some applicability to traction in "grip" driving as well.
For those of you not familiar with drifting, despite what it may look like, just like in traditional car setup you want as much grip as you can get, the only difference being that in drifting your grip ceiling is power limited. Its possible to generate more rear end traction than you have the power to overcome to keep the wheels spinning.
Since starting down this path a year ago I've been wanting more rear grip as I've had more than enough power to spin my 305's in all situations through 3rd gear. I still want to go as fast as absolutely possible. I've pulled rear camber out to get even camber wear, removed rear bar, and softened rear springs and all have increased traction ever so slightly. But I left toe in at my historical spec about 1mm toe in per side. I was leaving additional toe in for last as it obviously accelerates tire wear. However, after my aforementioned changes I still did not have as much rear grip and "sidebite" (forward drive in drift) as I wanted, so increased it to 6mm toe in per side before my last event. Which for road racing is probably excessive, though certain pro drifters run as much as 3/4" toe in per side.
BOY HOWDY did it increase rear end grip and forward drive in drift! More than all other changes combined and then some. I now have as much rear grip as I have power to overcome, and its FAST. I've not yet checked bump steer on the rear of this car, but have heard from someone that has, that these cars toe out significantly in bump. My findings indicate that may well be true.
I still think toe in should be a last resort to try and find the rear end grip you're looking for, but food for thought if the rear of your S550 is looser under power than you want and you've checked all the other more likely culprits first.
Curious if anyone has found this to be true in a road racing/grip application as well?
Just wanted to share an observation, as I suspect there may be some applicability to traction in "grip" driving as well.
For those of you not familiar with drifting, despite what it may look like, just like in traditional car setup you want as much grip as you can get, the only difference being that in drifting your grip ceiling is power limited. Its possible to generate more rear end traction than you have the power to overcome to keep the wheels spinning.
Since starting down this path a year ago I've been wanting more rear grip as I've had more than enough power to spin my 305's in all situations through 3rd gear. I still want to go as fast as absolutely possible. I've pulled rear camber out to get even camber wear, removed rear bar, and softened rear springs and all have increased traction ever so slightly. But I left toe in at my historical spec about 1mm toe in per side. I was leaving additional toe in for last as it obviously accelerates tire wear. However, after my aforementioned changes I still did not have as much rear grip and "sidebite" (forward drive in drift) as I wanted, so increased it to 6mm toe in per side before my last event. Which for road racing is probably excessive, though certain pro drifters run as much as 3/4" toe in per side.
BOY HOWDY did it increase rear end grip and forward drive in drift! More than all other changes combined and then some. I now have as much rear grip as I have power to overcome, and its FAST. I've not yet checked bump steer on the rear of this car, but have heard from someone that has, that these cars toe out significantly in bump. My findings indicate that may well be true.
I still think toe in should be a last resort to try and find the rear end grip you're looking for, but food for thought if the rear of your S550 is looser under power than you want and you've checked all the other more likely culprits first.
Curious if anyone has found this to be true in a road racing/grip application as well?
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