newbie and a auto

[JonnySlick]

i have a friend that wants to start drifting and is looking at getting an auto S14.

anyone got any pros or cons ....

***btw*** i'm urging my friend try to find a 5 speed (just b/c i personally don't think it will be that good to get the auto), but honestly i've never drifted or attempted to drift in an auto. so i have no experience to offer. just wondering if anyone has and REAL drifting experience .. not internet talk.

[JonnySlick]

i dug up this old thread too on the subject:

http://www.drifting.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1624

[FC3slider88]

Well, maybe if the s14 had a lot of horsepower and torque then it would be easier with auto because you could just break loose any time in any gear. I have drifted an automatic SUV in the snow and rain before and it was really easy. It's just that after a while the transmittion was starting to break and plus you have a little bit less control with an auto because you can't upshift, downshift, or use the clutch to control your drift.

[zdss14]

rock on! that was very well put together

[HasNoTiresLeft]

My 14.5 is an auto right now.... and i HATE IT. While i can drift with it... its so much better with a 5 speed. (had a s13 with a 5 spd)

I havent had much time to work on it being as how ive been on and off of active duty with the marines. But now that im done for a little while, (and i have a little extra cash) im doing the swap.

Biggest thing for me... the lack of control of the engine. and having the throttle response of a 5 spd helps alot.

[JonnySlick]

My 14.5 is an auto right now.... and i HATE IT. While i can drift with it... its so much better with a 5 speed. (had a s13 with a 5 spd)

I havent had much time to work on it being as how ive been on and off of active duty with the marines. But now that im done for a little while, (and i have a little extra cash) im doing the swap.

Biggest thing for me... the lack of control of the engine. and having the throttle response of a 5 spd helps alot.

cool cool. i'll let my friend know. i was thinking the same thing, but like i said i have no experience to offer since all my cars have been MT's....

[CrazyHawaiian]

I drift auto, weight transfer and feint are effective.

[Tercel_Drifter]

like crazy said. you gotta love the trail braking, and lift of techniques

[brainfood]

My s14 was an auto car that I converted, now that the car is dailed in I use very little clutch kick anyway and for most practice days like drift day... ect. you arent shifting mid corner anyway most of the time the course is all done in 2nd and if you can link the course there is only the need for 1 initiation. Lift throttle and fient are my 2 main techniques, then clutch kick. I like braking on the street but on the track it slows me down too much with my little ka.

[silver_beast]

i drifted a 92 camaro rs and there realle aint much diffrence except for the changing gears part but it can be done i preffered feint it just sucked reaching over to the other side for the e-brake on that car

[Pennyman]

looking at getting an auto S14

Stop him now.

If he's already bought it, then I'm sure he'll do ok, but by default, I have to recommend a manual.

Being able to select where in the powerband you are with a car with just enough power to spin the wheels is vital. With an auto, more engine is better, hence, domestic auto drifters (CH). They have the power to spin as will, but an auto S14 is just gonna be frustrating.

Just my opinion though.

[JonnySlick]

Stop him now.

If he's already bought it, then I'm sure he'll do ok, but by default, I have to recommend a manual.

Being able to select where in the powerband you are with a car with just enough power to spin the wheels is vital. With an auto, more engine is better, hence, domestic auto drifters (CH). They have the power to spin as will, but an auto S14 is just gonna be frustrating.

Just my opinion though.

n'ah SHE ended up getting a S13 with a 5 speed. this original post was for an older lady that's looking into drifting, but yeah ... she got a 5 speed S13 .... so ... this thread is done pretty much. we're now working on her car and getting it set-up!

but that's all for those that have actually drifted auto. cars for your advise.