Friday
Sliding a 350z : My Review
So Ive been driving for 8 years and sliding for about half of that. Ive driven many different chassis' and had various opinions on each. I would consider myself exeperienced in many forms of motorsports, beginning racing go-karts when I was just a little trouble-maker. I used to tear the streets up in my cart and run from anyone who tried to stop me. I learned various lessons of vehicle dynamics and physics all while having a blast. Driving cars was natural for me.
When I began sliding, I learned everything in my 240sx. The car was pretty damn perfect for a young kid. Enough power to get sideways, but not really enough of anything else to get hurt. It was predictable, easy to drive, and most important slow. Naturally, my skills outgrew the car in its former state and I was ready to start driving something with more potential.
When I began sliding the 350z things changed. This chassis is great. The vehicle has enough torque to get sideways with a pretty mild clutch kick. The powerband is phenominal for drifting and the stock VLSD does a nice job of locking when it should. The powertrain needs very little work to tackle medium speed corners, especially when paired with a lightweight set of wheels and tires.
The suspension on the 350z is also great. Although some people complain about harsh ride quality its actually a little soft for my taste. The car is highly predictable and the steering feel is heavy, but nice. Countersteering can be a bit of a chore with such a huge stock wheel, but the steering feel allows drivers to control the car in a slide very well. Once the car gets sideways, it is very twitchy and small driver adjustments make rather large impacts on the vehicles angle. Throttle control is highly important as small changes really snap the car in various directions. The short wheelbase is the cause of this issue.
All in all the 350z is a great car to drift. Although it takes a while to get used to its twitchiness, the car has great potential to become a serious street/track weapon. The only thing I need to get over is the fact that if I make a mistake, Im putting twenty grand into a wall, curb, or dumpster. Plus, the car belongs to my father who has a particularly low tolerance for wrecked possessions. Damn.
Heres a picture of my dads car, thanks to Nackers for the pic.
When I began sliding, I learned everything in my 240sx. The car was pretty damn perfect for a young kid. Enough power to get sideways, but not really enough of anything else to get hurt. It was predictable, easy to drive, and most important slow. Naturally, my skills outgrew the car in its former state and I was ready to start driving something with more potential.
When I began sliding the 350z things changed. This chassis is great. The vehicle has enough torque to get sideways with a pretty mild clutch kick. The powerband is phenominal for drifting and the stock VLSD does a nice job of locking when it should. The powertrain needs very little work to tackle medium speed corners, especially when paired with a lightweight set of wheels and tires.
The suspension on the 350z is also great. Although some people complain about harsh ride quality its actually a little soft for my taste. The car is highly predictable and the steering feel is heavy, but nice. Countersteering can be a bit of a chore with such a huge stock wheel, but the steering feel allows drivers to control the car in a slide very well. Once the car gets sideways, it is very twitchy and small driver adjustments make rather large impacts on the vehicles angle. Throttle control is highly important as small changes really snap the car in various directions. The short wheelbase is the cause of this issue.
All in all the 350z is a great car to drift. Although it takes a while to get used to its twitchiness, the car has great potential to become a serious street/track weapon. The only thing I need to get over is the fact that if I make a mistake, Im putting twenty grand into a wall, curb, or dumpster. Plus, the car belongs to my father who has a particularly low tolerance for wrecked possessions. Damn.
Heres a picture of my dads car, thanks to Nackers for the pic.
Thursday
To those before ME
When it comes to the car game, Im in so deep I often feel overwhelmed. I look around at those that have done this before me and wonder if I will ever really be happy with my car. I just keep grindin' and keep my head to the sky and hpe that one day my car will join the others on this list. What Im about to present to you, my good freinds, is a short synapse of everything that has inspired me over the years. If I had to make a list of all the cars that have influenced my car style this post would be longer than the internet itself. Im going to keep it simple, and list the top three cars that have molded me and my automobile extention into the beings that we are today. This list is in no particular order, because all of the cars have equally changed me. To list one above another would be a true injustice to Creation.
Joels C's Garage s13 coupe. This thing defines radical. I hate yellow cars more than I hate dirty sneakers. And my god do I love my shoes clean. But this thing changed my opinion. This thing made me like the crazy styled, wacked out track machines. This thing just recently jumped on my radar and became one of my fav's.
Next up is another creation from the boys in Australia. Adams purple people eater 180sx. Since I have the same platform this car brings me oodles of inspiration. The wheel fitment, the paint color, this car defines perfect for me. Plus its driven hard as shit and has the style to prove it.
Since my dad rocks a 350z, this car has always done it for me. Adafe has been pushing the limits of wheel fitment in the z33 chassis far more than anyone that comes to mind. This car rolls on new wheels every month and look cool as hell always. Its more of a showish car than Im used to, but it does it so right. Here it is sitting on a set of Weds that make my knees weak.
Joels C's Garage s13 coupe. This thing defines radical. I hate yellow cars more than I hate dirty sneakers. And my god do I love my shoes clean. But this thing changed my opinion. This thing made me like the crazy styled, wacked out track machines. This thing just recently jumped on my radar and became one of my fav's.
Next up is another creation from the boys in Australia. Adams purple people eater 180sx. Since I have the same platform this car brings me oodles of inspiration. The wheel fitment, the paint color, this car defines perfect for me. Plus its driven hard as shit and has the style to prove it.
Since my dad rocks a 350z, this car has always done it for me. Adafe has been pushing the limits of wheel fitment in the z33 chassis far more than anyone that comes to mind. This car rolls on new wheels every month and look cool as hell always. Its more of a showish car than Im used to, but it does it so right. Here it is sitting on a set of Weds that make my knees weak.
Perfectly good enough
http://broadfield.wordpress.com/2010/07/03/tuckn/
There are some people that cant leave well enough alone. My good freind Toby is the sining example of this fact. 300 wheel horsepower. Enough? Nope. 420 horse power and 350 foot pounds of torque must do. Thats some serious fricking power in a little car that weighs 2800 pounds. The damn thing loses traction in the top of fourth gear on the highway at 100 plus miles per hour. And hes running a 285 tire on an 18 by 11 inch wheel. The sad part is...hes building the motor. Thats right, hes putting forged internals on a car that already makes enough power to scare children for miles. This thing is going to break bones by the time hes actually happy with it.
The post before you is a prime example of Toby's anal-ness. Yeah, it all started with a small AC leak, but his engine bay used to be a prime example of everything clean and fresh. Polished, partially tucked, and down right beautiful. BUT not good enough for Mr Perfect (and I say that in a very rude, condiscending way).
Soooo, the post above you shows whats really good. Tucking the engine bay like a pro. I mean, the dude cut a hole in his transmission to run wires. Who does that? Only a psycho with all of the right tools and enough knowledge to write one thousand books. But I guess wires and Toby dont get along, after all he works with them 70 hours a week. So read his post, get inspired, and do something cool to your car. Even if it doesnt need it.
There are some people that cant leave well enough alone. My good freind Toby is the sining example of this fact. 300 wheel horsepower. Enough? Nope. 420 horse power and 350 foot pounds of torque must do. Thats some serious fricking power in a little car that weighs 2800 pounds. The damn thing loses traction in the top of fourth gear on the highway at 100 plus miles per hour. And hes running a 285 tire on an 18 by 11 inch wheel. The sad part is...hes building the motor. Thats right, hes putting forged internals on a car that already makes enough power to scare children for miles. This thing is going to break bones by the time hes actually happy with it.
The post before you is a prime example of Toby's anal-ness. Yeah, it all started with a small AC leak, but his engine bay used to be a prime example of everything clean and fresh. Polished, partially tucked, and down right beautiful. BUT not good enough for Mr Perfect (and I say that in a very rude, condiscending way).
Soooo, the post above you shows whats really good. Tucking the engine bay like a pro. I mean, the dude cut a hole in his transmission to run wires. Who does that? Only a psycho with all of the right tools and enough knowledge to write one thousand books. But I guess wires and Toby dont get along, after all he works with them 70 hours a week. So read his post, get inspired, and do something cool to your car. Even if it doesnt need it.
Wednesday
the good goods
So youre out driving, something breaks. Shocking right? Arent you tired of buying crappy parts that last about as long as it took them to get to your door? I know I am.
Im sick of buying brands. im sick of buying names. Im tired of buying things that simply dont work. I know many other agree. Its about time that a company produce parts that were built to withstand the crazy times that you undoubtedly dream about while youre at work. But the differance between you and them, is that you make dreams reality.
When youre out at a local spot slashing the streets up the last thing that should be on your mind is the parts you installed. You shouldnt be thinking about whether or not theyre going to last. You should be thinking about how to link turn 3 into turn 4 and getting as close to object X as possible (while maybe giving it a little love tap on the way out). Flashing Rights is more than just a blog, its also a one stop shop for everything drift. Suspension, chassis, interior. Everything you need to do work. Stop bitching about bad parts and start buying good ones.
Built by true professionals and con-a-sooooors, flashing rights shop provide you with everything you need to get sliding. And then some. So stop buying cheapo crap made in Taiwan and start getting the American built goods that your street-machine deserves. Trust me, you wont regret it for a minute. Stop on by to see what the fellas have cookin' for you, the aroma alone will not dissapoint.
http://flashingrights.webs.com/
Im sick of buying brands. im sick of buying names. Im tired of buying things that simply dont work. I know many other agree. Its about time that a company produce parts that were built to withstand the crazy times that you undoubtedly dream about while youre at work. But the differance between you and them, is that you make dreams reality.
When youre out at a local spot slashing the streets up the last thing that should be on your mind is the parts you installed. You shouldnt be thinking about whether or not theyre going to last. You should be thinking about how to link turn 3 into turn 4 and getting as close to object X as possible (while maybe giving it a little love tap on the way out). Flashing Rights is more than just a blog, its also a one stop shop for everything drift. Suspension, chassis, interior. Everything you need to do work. Stop bitching about bad parts and start buying good ones.
Built by true professionals and con-a-sooooors, flashing rights shop provide you with everything you need to get sliding. And then some. So stop buying cheapo crap made in Taiwan and start getting the American built goods that your street-machine deserves. Trust me, you wont regret it for a minute. Stop on by to see what the fellas have cookin' for you, the aroma alone will not dissapoint.
http://flashingrights.webs.com/
Australia state of mind
http://csgarage.wordpress.com/
By far one of the coolest crews in the drifting game right now comes from the land down under. C's Garage, comprised of some of the baddest drift cars on the planet, is definately one of my most visited blogs on the daily. Adams purple 180sx is by far my favorite car in the world at this moment. His brother Joel has the yellow coupe that convienently sits at number 2 on my all time favorite list. These guys are simply killin' it in all aspects.
Not only do they have great car style, but they have plenty to blog about. The guys beat the hell out of their machines and constantly post cool updates on the progress. The drifting game in Australia has a neat little quirkiness about it. I can just imagine what the general public thinks when they see these rocket-sleds cruising the streets of the giant Island. They have one hell of a workshop, one hell of a team, and one hell of a blog. Everyone agrees.
Again, Im not the only one thats one their jock. Many folk around the internet are loving the product that C's Garage is putting out. Its safe to say that these guys have one of the coolest drifting/car style blogs on the intrawebs at the moment. Im sure the hotness will continue to spew for quite some time. C's Garage, here a toast to you, for all the awesomeness you supply us. Keep up the good work gentlemen, you are truly appreciated.
http://csgarage.wordpress.com/
By far one of the coolest crews in the drifting game right now comes from the land down under. C's Garage, comprised of some of the baddest drift cars on the planet, is definately one of my most visited blogs on the daily. Adams purple 180sx is by far my favorite car in the world at this moment. His brother Joel has the yellow coupe that convienently sits at number 2 on my all time favorite list. These guys are simply killin' it in all aspects.
Not only do they have great car style, but they have plenty to blog about. The guys beat the hell out of their machines and constantly post cool updates on the progress. The drifting game in Australia has a neat little quirkiness about it. I can just imagine what the general public thinks when they see these rocket-sleds cruising the streets of the giant Island. They have one hell of a workshop, one hell of a team, and one hell of a blog. Everyone agrees.
Again, Im not the only one thats one their jock. Many folk around the internet are loving the product that C's Garage is putting out. Its safe to say that these guys have one of the coolest drifting/car style blogs on the intrawebs at the moment. Im sure the hotness will continue to spew for quite some time. C's Garage, here a toast to you, for all the awesomeness you supply us. Keep up the good work gentlemen, you are truly appreciated.
http://csgarage.wordpress.com/
Tuesday
my Stance on things
In the sport of drifting control is sort of an odd thought. After all, drifting is essentially the controlled loss of control. Making it look like you know what you’re doing when things are milliseconds from ending in disaster. Controlled chaos, havoc with style.
The most important piece of the puzzle when setting up a proper drift car is the choice of suspension components. In the case of the ever-popular Nissan 240sx, there are countless amounts of suspension components to choose from. Cheap to expensive, mass-produced to one-off, even knock-offs and name brands. The list of possibilities is virtually endless.
Coilovers are by far the most important suspension component on a drift car. The matching of a proper spring and damper is critical to successful suspension harmony. There are countless brands of coilovers that all offer various levels of adjustability, ride quality, ride height, and even cool little gizmos such as cock-pit adjustability. Some coilovers are sold purely by the name associated with them. Some truly work.
When it comes to coilovers there is only one brand that I will ever endorse; Stance.
Stance coilovers are by far the best that Ive driven on. The ride quality is fantastic and road feel is impeccable. 32 way dampening adjustability allows drivers to make fine adjustments at the track. The ability to go extremely low makes sure you look cool doing it. Mix the true features with the fact that they are sold, serviced, and rebuilt right here in the Midwest and you have a recipe for a damn good product.
After running numerous coilover setups on my s13 I have finally found one that works. If you don’t believe me, ask the countless amount of other Midwest drivers that also run Stance. Or just take my word for it and head down to Touge Factory to pick up a set. You wont regret it.
www.stance-USA.com
www.tougefactory.com
Mister Broadfield
Theres a very few amount of people that get me. Theres an even less amount of people that get my car style.
I first saw Toby’s s13 when I was riding a bus. That’s right, me…on a city bus. I can honestly say that’s the first and last time I ever rode the city transportation device. Oh how my freshman year of college SUCKED. A year without my car was like a fish without water. More like a fish trying to walk in the desert.
The crazy thing about Toby Broadfield is that we are so different, yet so alike. Hes married with one and one half children, established and a pretty calm dude. Im pretty much the opposite. Our cars are incredibly similar in essence yet amazingly different in execution. We both appreciate super clean, OEM styled automobiles with a few hints of wild here and there. No aero, no craziness, but a dash of something to make most people say “holt shit” when they actually pay attention. Except hes been doing this A LOT longer than me.
With that being said, heres a picture that captures the true essence of his s13. Mild mannered, yet so god damn beastly at the same time. Normal, plain, even boring to the people that don’t matter. Badass, cool, and flat out ridiculous to the people that do. Sitting next to a jet is about the only place that this car really belongs.
If pictures say a thousand words, than the picture before you just wrote a series of novels. This is some Twilight type ish. That big hunk of polished awesome cranks out 420 horsepower of bowel movement inducing madness. This thing is scary. Not like “boo” scary. Im talking sideways at 100+mph type scary. I can vouch.
I highly advise you to check out Toby's blog at http://broadfield.wordpress.com/
If you like fast things, you will like this.
I first saw Toby’s s13 when I was riding a bus. That’s right, me…on a city bus. I can honestly say that’s the first and last time I ever rode the city transportation device. Oh how my freshman year of college SUCKED. A year without my car was like a fish without water. More like a fish trying to walk in the desert.
The crazy thing about Toby Broadfield is that we are so different, yet so alike. Hes married with one and one half children, established and a pretty calm dude. Im pretty much the opposite. Our cars are incredibly similar in essence yet amazingly different in execution. We both appreciate super clean, OEM styled automobiles with a few hints of wild here and there. No aero, no craziness, but a dash of something to make most people say “holt shit” when they actually pay attention. Except hes been doing this A LOT longer than me.
With that being said, heres a picture that captures the true essence of his s13. Mild mannered, yet so god damn beastly at the same time. Normal, plain, even boring to the people that don’t matter. Badass, cool, and flat out ridiculous to the people that do. Sitting next to a jet is about the only place that this car really belongs.
If pictures say a thousand words, than the picture before you just wrote a series of novels. This is some Twilight type ish. That big hunk of polished awesome cranks out 420 horsepower of bowel movement inducing madness. This thing is scary. Not like “boo” scary. Im talking sideways at 100+mph type scary. I can vouch.
I highly advise you to check out Toby's blog at http://broadfield.wordpress.com/
If you like fast things, you will like this.
Thursday
blank canvas
White. Blanco.
The complete lack of color is powerful in so many ways. Theres no distractions or impurities. Nothing exists to deter from what your eyes intend to see, from what life intends you to capture. White is so plain, yet so freaking detailed in the same sense. What is really going on? Can there really be -nothing-?
Well yes, my friends, there can. What lies before you is something so simple that the untrained eye may simply pass it over. In a world of neons, bass-boat flake, crazy candy colors, and enough tacky hues to make a strong immune system sick, exists a color that is plainer and more boring than all. Or something like that. This year the wheels also morphed into something white. Maybe its just the freshness. Maybe its the fact that theyre damn near impossible to keep clean. Maybe Im just missing something that everyone else isnt. But hot damn does a white on white combo do it for me.
Ive always been a fan of white. Honestly, white is my favorite color on pretty much anything. A new pair of sneakers, vanilla ice cream, womens teeth, but most importantly my street slasher aka automobile. To truly capture the crispiness I surrounded the car with all things grunge. Abandoned buildings straight from Shutter Island, nasty ass dumpsters, and a dirty and tagged up water tower that hasnt been used since drinking water was brown. My car felt so at home in these pictures, amongst the filth that is the world. WHITE - Its the new black/lime-green/pink/whatever color you used to think was cool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)