Let us be the first ones to say, we’re big into Formula Drift. It’s a racing event that is like no other. Not to say that we’re not fans of the other racing events, or that they’re all the same. What we’re getting at here is that there’s just something about an 840 horsepower, naturally aspirated, 410 cubic-inch Roush Yates V8 drifting around a track that really appeals to us. The video brought to us today from Engineering Explained on YouTube features one of Vaughn Gittin Jr’s formula drift built Mustangs, and explains the kind of engineering that goes into Vaughn’s car.
What we really like about this video is that it’s very informative in regards to setting up a vehicle for drifting. Engineering Explained addresses the common assumption of how cars that are built for drifting utilize stiff rear suspension, stiff rear tires, and higher tire pressure. He explains that assumption is far from the truth in the world of professional drifting, where teams use softer springs to increase mechanical grip, and larger anti-roll bars and new shocks and struts to balance the car while drifting.
We have to admit, Vaughn’s Mustang is probably one of the coolest we’ve seen in professional racing. What’s not to like about a car that only weighs 2,830 pounds with 840 horsepower being sent to the wheels?