DOES WELDING A DIFF REALLY HELP DRIFTING?
As in all forms of performance modifications that you can do to your car, there are always going to be moments where you will have to decide whether you want to do it the right way or the cheap way to get the results you are looking for. But, if it does the same thing, then why not?
In the peculiar sport of drifting, you want to achieve the right balance between ability and easiness to slide your car 'oversteer', and maintaining utmost control while doing so.
So, if you're intending ton do some mad skids, then you obviously want a rear-wheel-drive car as a start. A manual gearbox will help you stay in control and a handbrake lever will be beneficial too, which is not a given these days!
The only issue is that your car is most likely fitted with a fancy traction control system that you can't fully switch off, as well as a limited-slip differential.
Don't get us wrong, an LSD is undoubtedly lifesaving, but it doesn't help when your primary goal is to lose control. A limited-slip diff supplies equal torque to both wheels when driving in a straight line, but in the event that one wheel was to spin faster, such as when you slip on ice or water, the diff will then send more power to the wheel with more traction to help maintain control.
When you weld a diff together, you are ensuring that both wheels receive power and rotate at exactly the same speed, regardless of whether or not you are taking a corner. This significantly increases your chance of oversteer.
So our recommendation is that, if you are intending on building a dedicated drift car to be used exclusively on the track, then weld that sh!t up! But, if you're a naughty boy and want to still drive to church on Sundays, rather keep that diff in its virgin state!
Take a look at the video below by the YouTube channel, Cameron Alford, on 350Z Welded Diff: How to and testing at Drift Track!
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