Can you drift a focus? - The Ford Focus Forum

**chavezx2** · 02-25-2009, 10:24 PM

i didnt think you could until i saw this video on you tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwNF0xy1qxY

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 02-25-2009, 10:26 PM

Ask O2designs about drifting a Focus, he can do it with his fwd wagon.

**zetec-j** · 02-25-2009, 10:34 PM

that's an awd ... you can drift fwd for a little but the rear will straighten out pretty quick

**sleeperlove** · 02-25-2009, 10:37 PM

You can't drift a FWD in the traditional sense but you can certainly get one in a big ass out slide for a second or 2 if you do something wrong in a turn.

**chavezx2** · 02-25-2009, 10:38 PM

has anyone state side ever converted to awd or rwd other than the v8 conversion guys?

**sleeperlove** · 02-25-2009, 10:40 PM

I personally haven't seen any.

**ClintB1321** · 02-25-2009, 10:47 PM

damn, open front diff ftl

**MrBirdman330** · 02-25-2009, 11:06 PM

I know of a company in Canada that does the RWD conversions on Foci. I don't know if anybody state side has done a true AWD conversion. One of my former bosses at U-Haul told me about a friend who did a RWD conversion to an Escort and took it to drag strips. I do like to do power slides in the parking lot at work when its icy with my Focus.

**sleeperlove** · 02-25-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBirdman330

I know of a company in Canada that does the RWD conversions on Foci. I don't know if anybody state side has done a true AWD conversion. One of my former bosses at U-Haul told me about a friend who did a RWD conversion to an Escort and took it to drag strips. I do like to do power slides in the parking lot at work when its icy with my Focus.

FWD cars are not capable of powersliding. Power sliding requires making the rear step out with power to the rear wheels. E brake slides are quite fun though.

**MrBirdman330** · 02-25-2009, 11:23 PM

Try left foot braking techniques. Anybody can pull an ebrake slide.

**Rockefela** · 02-25-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chavezx2

has anyone state side ever converted to awd or rwd other than the v8 conversion guys?

The guys formerly known as PhaseX have two mid engine RWD Foci, one street and one track car.

Should find alot in a search...

**Random Select** · 02-26-2009, 12:14 AM

ass drag that ****!

**chavezx2** · 02-26-2009, 12:58 AM

ive seen people in europe do it with skid plates under the rear tires and the ebrake in a constant on position

**BRZX3R** · 02-26-2009, 07:12 AM

I drift around every corner using the e-brake and my left foot when it snows. I have also seen the 03 Cobra powered SVT Focus do some crazy drifts and spins in the rain at an autocross.

**tallguy2.3** · 02-26-2009, 07:15 AM

People ask me fairly often if I know how to drift, alluding to my focus. Seeing as it's FWD I tell them no, I could slide it but I couldnt drift in the truest sense of the term/sport.

**Spatakula** · 02-26-2009, 08:24 AM

Powersliding is much different than drifting.

-spatakula

**BRZX3R** · 02-26-2009, 09:52 AM

Powersliding is what I do with my Mustang when I get on the gas too quickly and too hard coming out of a corner when autocrossing. Good for a giggle, terrible for the stopwatch. My brother usually does it while hitting cones with the door.

**CrUziN4L** · 02-26-2009, 09:53 AM

i love when people use terms like drifting and powersliding and have no idea what they actually are.

yes u can 'drift' a focus, in the snow, sorta but still not the same.

o man, someone brought up "skidplates"

i personally like Denny's food trays better

**BRZX3R** · 02-26-2009, 10:43 AM

Until YouTube came along, I never believed the stories about kids "drifting" their FWD cars on lunch trays.

Even "drifting" in the snow is not the same as "drifting" in the sense that the D1GP guys do with very high powered rwd cars. They drift in tandem, and can hold opposite lock for a good distance. To attempt such things on public roads, in the snow, with a focus would be stupid. Going around the snow with the e-brake pulled is basically just a way to get the car pointed in the right direction after trying to go around a corner. There is no opposite lock, or barely any, and the sideways motion is very short. You can't hold a "drift" in a FWD car for more than a few car lengths. The car deaccelerates too quickly with the e-brake pulled in the snow, and when you attempt to add power, the rear steps back into place. It is also not done for "show" in the snow, but rather an attempt to allow the front tires to dedicate more of their available traction to moving the car forward and less for turning. Drifting in the snow is really closer to what rallye drivers do on gravel or snow, or possible tarmac. I would not consider that drifting in the same sense that people consider drifting from watching D1GP on Speed.

**sleeperlove** · 02-26-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBirdman330

Try left foot braking techniques. Anybody can pull an ebrake slide.

Anyone can stab the brake with their left foot in the snow too. Try executing that LFB on a dry race track and successfully controlling a bit of ass out rotation of the car at high speeds.

**CrUziN4L** · 02-26-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRZX3R

Until YouTube came along, I never believed the stories about kids "drifting" their FWD cars on lunch trays.

Even "drifting" in the snow is not the same as "drifting" in the sense that the D1GP guys do with very high powered rwd cars. They drift in tandem, and can hold opposite lock for a good distance. To attempt such things on public roads, in the snow, with a focus would be stupid. Going around the snow with the e-brake pulled is basically just a way to get the car pointed in the right direction after trying to go around a corner. There is no opposite lock, or barely any, and the sideways motion is very short. You can't hold a "drift" in a FWD car for more than a few car lengths. The car deaccelerates too quickly with the e-brake pulled in the snow, and when you attempt to add power, the rear steps back into place. It is also not done for "show" in the snow, but rather an attempt to allow the front tires to dedicate more of their available traction to moving the car forward and less for turning. Drifting in the snow is really closer to what rallye drivers do on gravel or snow, or possible tarmac. I would not consider that drifting in the same sense that people consider drifting from watching D1GP on Speed.

yep, thats why i was careful and put drifting in quotes

**j20000** · 02-26-2009, 11:09 AM

This is REAL drifting...

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 02-26-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chavezx2

ive seen people in europe do it with skid plates under the rear tires and the ebrake in a constant on position

Thats the O2designs method, a couple "borrowed" fast food serving trays and a locked e-brake.

Certainly good for a laugh ;0

**o2_designs** · 02-26-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORDSVTPARTS

Thats the O2designs method, a couple "borrowed" fast food serving trays and a locked e-brake.

Certainly good for a laugh ;0

Yeah, word to the wise, fast food trays are not the best method for drifting...

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 02-26-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o2_designs

Yeah, word to the wise, fast food trays are not the best method for drifting...

LOL, I didn't know you had decent pictures of the tray.

We need to get you some steel plates to do it with, or if you really want to show off use magnesium

just make sure you have a couple good fire extinguishers on hand.

02-25-2009, 10:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
chavezx2 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: palmdale Posts: 643	Can you drift a focus? i didnt think you could until i saw this video on you tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwNF0xy1qxY

02-25-2009, 10:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
FORDSVTPARTS Premier Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 8,236	Re: Can you drift a focus? Ask O2designs about drifting a Focus, he can do it with his fwd wagon. __________________ To order from me just call 1-800-328-9552 and ask for Steve or use one of the methods below. Now accepting online orders here http://www.tousleyfordparts.com You can also find us here http://forums.focaljet.com/tousley-ford/ 2002 Silver SVT #2952 , custom CAI , Stage 2 throttle body, VF rear mount, FRPP 9mm wires, EAP/MACH HID's, Borla exhaust, K-W springs, FRPP UDP, Screamin Demon coil, Tuned by Mike at Unique Tuning in S.C.

02-25-2009, 10:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
zetec-j TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: washington Posts: 187	Re: Can you drift a focus? that's an awd ... you can drift fwd for a little but the rear will straighten out pretty quick __________________ 2002 focus svt. build# 3611/4788 purchased october 2008. Fun things fixed: sunroof alignment, hatch button, fuel gauge, headlight seal, wiper relay, alternator/regulator harness wire repair, horns waterlogged again (currently replaced with OOGA horn)

02-25-2009, 10:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
sleeperlove You wouldn't like me when I'm angry. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Apex hunting Posts: 9,823	Re: Can you drift a focus? You can't drift a FWD in the traditional sense but you can certainly get one in a big ass out slide for a second or 2 if you do something wrong in a turn. __________________ “Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” - Bruce Lee

02-25-2009, 10:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
chavezx2 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: palmdale Posts: 643	Re: Can you drift a focus? has anyone state side ever converted to awd or rwd other than the v8 conversion guys?

02-25-2009, 10:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
sleeperlove You wouldn't like me when I'm angry. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Apex hunting Posts: 9,823	Re: Can you drift a focus? I personally haven't seen any. __________________ “Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” - Bruce Lee

02-25-2009, 10:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
ClintB1321 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Culver City, CA Posts: 5,364	Re: Can you drift a focus? damn, open front diff ftl __________________ Boost Camel Racing...when you don't care how rice you look in the name of speed :)

02-25-2009, 11:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
MrBirdman330 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: At a U-Haul Center near you. Posts: 1,472	Re: Can you drift a focus? I know of a company in Canada that does the RWD conversions on Foci. I don't know if anybody state side has done a true AWD conversion. One of my former bosses at U-Haul told me about a friend who did a RWD conversion to an Escort and took it to drag strips. I do like to do power slides in the parking lot at work when its icy with my Focus. __________________ Everybody says you can't make money off small cars. Well, you'd better damn well figure out how to make money, because that's where the world is going. - Alan Mulally

02-25-2009, 11:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
MrBirdman330 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: At a U-Haul Center near you. Posts: 1,472	Re: Can you drift a focus? Try left foot braking techniques. Anybody can pull an ebrake slide. __________________ Everybody says you can't make money off small cars. Well, you'd better damn well figure out how to make money, because that's where the world is going. - Alan Mulally

02-26-2009, 12:58 AM	#13 (permalink)
chavezx2 TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: palmdale Posts: 643	Re: Can you drift a focus? ive seen people in europe do it with skid plates under the rear tires and the ebrake in a constant on position

02-26-2009, 07:12 AM	#14 (permalink)
BRZX3R Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Grand Haven, Michigan, USA Posts: 3,411	Re: Can you drift a focus? I drift around every corner using the e-brake and my left foot when it snows. I have also seen the 03 Cobra powered SVT Focus do some crazy drifts and spins in the rain at an autocross. __________________ 2003 Pitch Black SVTF 3-door EAP #1339 of 3985 Tuned by FocusSport Fiesta Movement Agent-2010 Magenta Fiesta Titanium Agent Profile http://www.fiestamovement.com/drivers/view/22 www.racetech0722.com

02-26-2009, 07:15 AM	#15 (permalink)
tallguy2.3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: AZ Posts: 6,791	Re: Can you drift a focus? People ask me fairly often if I know how to drift, alluding to my focus. Seeing as it's FWD I tell them no, I could slide it but I couldnt drift in the truest sense of the term/sport. __________________ ST -Cosworth-FSWerks-Quaife-Exedy-KW-Momo Sounds faster than it is.

02-26-2009, 08:24 AM	#16 (permalink)
Spatakula Stoned Scorpion says, "GET OVER H.....OOhhh! Brownies!" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Rälëigh, NC Posts: 10,689	Re: Can you drift a focus? Powersliding is much different than drifting. -spatakula __________________ CAPS LOCK IS CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL.

02-26-2009, 09:52 AM	#17 (permalink)
BRZX3R Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Grand Haven, Michigan, USA Posts: 3,411	Re: Can you drift a focus? Powersliding is what I do with my Mustang when I get on the gas too quickly and too hard coming out of a corner when autocrossing. Good for a giggle, terrible for the stopwatch. My brother usually does it while hitting cones with the door. __________________ 2003 Pitch Black SVTF 3-door EAP #1339 of 3985 Tuned by FocusSport Fiesta Movement Agent-2010 Magenta Fiesta Titanium Agent Profile http://www.fiestamovement.com/drivers/view/22 www.racetech0722.com

02-26-2009, 10:43 AM	#19 (permalink)
BRZX3R Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Grand Haven, Michigan, USA Posts: 3,411	Re: Can you drift a focus? Until YouTube came along, I never believed the stories about kids "drifting" their FWD cars on lunch trays. Even "drifting" in the snow is not the same as "drifting" in the sense that the D1GP guys do with very high powered rwd cars. They drift in tandem, and can hold opposite lock for a good distance. To attempt such things on public roads, in the snow, with a focus would be stupid. Going around the snow with the e-brake pulled is basically just a way to get the car pointed in the right direction after trying to go around a corner. There is no opposite lock, or barely any, and the sideways motion is very short. You can't hold a "drift" in a FWD car for more than a few car lengths. The car deaccelerates too quickly with the e-brake pulled in the snow, and when you attempt to add power, the rear steps back into place. It is also not done for "show" in the snow, but rather an attempt to allow the front tires to dedicate more of their available traction to moving the car forward and less for turning. Drifting in the snow is really closer to what rallye drivers do on gravel or snow, or possible tarmac. I would not consider that drifting in the same sense that people consider drifting from watching D1GP on Speed. __________________ 2003 Pitch Black SVTF 3-door EAP #1339 of 3985 Tuned by FocusSport Fiesta Movement Agent-2010 Magenta Fiesta Titanium Agent Profile http://www.fiestamovement.com/drivers/view/22 www.racetech0722.com

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