Hey guys! Ever wondered about tearing up the virtual asphalt in a legendary AE86 on Street Legal Racing: Redline? Well, you've come to the right place. This guide is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about building, tuning, and dominating the streets with this iconic drift machine.

Why the AE86 is a Legend

The AE86, also known as the Toyota Corolla GT-S or Sprinter Trueno depending on where you're from, isn't just another car; it's a cultural icon. Made famous by anime like Initial D, the AE86 embodies the spirit of drifting and grassroots racing. Its lightweight chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and responsive engine make it a dream for any aspiring virtual racer in Street Legal Racing: Redline.

In Street Legal Racing: Redline, the AE86 retains its legendary status. It's a versatile platform that can be built for various racing disciplines, from drifting and grip racing to drag racing. However, its true calling is undoubtedly drifting. The game accurately captures the car's nimble handling and allows you to fine-tune it to your exact preferences.

Getting Started: Acquiring Your AE86

Alright, first things first, you need to get your hands on an AE86 in Street Legal Racing: Redline. There are a couple of ways to do this:

• The Junkyard: This is the most common and budget-friendly method. Scour the junkyard for a beat-up AE86. Be prepared to spend some time searching, as the availability of specific cars can be random. Once you find one, remember it will likely need a lot of work.
• The Used Car Dealer: If you're looking for something a bit more presentable, check out the used car dealer. Cars here are generally in better condition than junkyard finds, but they'll also cost you more in in-game currency. You might even find a slightly modified one if you are lucky!
• The New Car Dealer: Although less common, sometimes you can find a brand new AE86 at the new car dealer, depending on the mods and the version of the game you're running. This is the most expensive option but guarantees a pristine starting point.

Once you've acquired your AE86, take it back to your garage. This is where the real fun begins.

The Build: Turning a Wreck into a Drift Machine

Okay, so you've got your AE86. Now, let's transform it into a drift-ready beast. This involves a lot of wrenching, replacing parts, and tuning. Here's a breakdown of the key areas to focus on:

Engine Swaps and Upgrades

The stock engine in the AE86 is decent, but if you want serious power for drifting, you'll need an engine swap. Some popular choices include:

• 4A-GE (Upgraded): Sticking with the original engine family, an upgraded 4A-GE with performance parts can deliver a significant power boost while maintaining the classic AE86 feel.
• SR20DET: A popular swap from the Nissan Silvia, the SR20DET offers a good balance of power and reliability. It's also relatively easy to find parts for in Street Legal Racing: Redline.
• 1JZ-GTE/2JZ-GTE: For those who want maximum power, the Toyota JZ series engines are the way to go. These engines are capable of producing insane horsepower, but they also require extensive modifications to the chassis and drivetrain.

Once you've chosen your engine, upgrade its components for even more power. This includes things like:

• Turbocharger: Forced induction is your friend when it comes to drifting. A turbocharger will dramatically increase your engine's power output.
• Intercooler: Keep that boosted air cool with a high-performance intercooler. This will prevent your engine from overheating and maintain optimal performance.
• Fuel System: Upgrade your fuel pump, injectors, and fuel lines to ensure your engine gets enough fuel to handle the increased power.
• Exhaust System: A free-flowing exhaust system will help your engine breathe better and unleash even more horsepower. And it will sound awesome!

Suspension Tuning

Suspension is crucial for drifting. You need to be able to control the car's weight transfer and maintain grip when sliding sideways. Here's what to upgrade:

• Coilovers: Replace the stock shocks and springs with adjustable coilovers. This will allow you to fine-tune your car's ride height, damping, and rebound.
• Camber Plates: Adjustable camber plates allow you to dial in the perfect amount of camber for drifting. More negative camber in the front will improve grip when turning, while less camber in the rear will make it easier to initiate and maintain drifts.
• Sway Bars: Stiffer sway bars will reduce body roll and improve the car's responsiveness.
• Adjustable Arms: Upgrading to adjustable control arms and trailing arms will allow you to fine-tune your car's alignment and suspension geometry.

Drivetrain Upgrades

To handle the increased power from your engine, you'll need to upgrade your drivetrain:

• Clutch: A stronger clutch is essential to prevent slippage and ensure that all that power gets to the wheels.
• Limited Slip Differential (LSD): An LSD is a must-have for drifting. It will help distribute power evenly to both rear wheels, making it easier to initiate and maintain drifts.
• Driveshaft: Upgrade to a stronger driveshaft to handle the increased torque from your engine.
• Transmission: Consider upgrading to a transmission with closer gear ratios for better acceleration and control.

Wheels and Tires

The right wheels and tires can make a huge difference in your car's performance. Choose wheels that are lightweight and strong, and tires that offer good grip but are also predictable when sliding.

Tuning: Dialing in Your Drift Setup

Once you've upgraded all the necessary parts, it's time to tune your AE86 for drifting. This involves adjusting various settings to optimize the car's handling and performance. Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Suspension Settings: Experiment with different camber, caster, and toe settings to find what works best for your driving style. Generally, more negative camber in the front and less in the rear is a good starting point for drifting.
• Spring Rates and Dampening: Adjust the spring rates and dampening on your coilovers to control body roll and weight transfer. Stiffer springs and higher dampening settings will generally improve responsiveness.
• Gear Ratios: Experiment with different gear ratios to optimize acceleration and top speed. Shorter gear ratios will improve acceleration, while longer gear ratios will increase top speed.
• Turbo Boost: Adjust the boost pressure on your turbocharger to fine-tune your engine's power output. Be careful not to overboost, as this can damage your engine.

Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering the Art of Drifting

Building and tuning your AE86 is only half the battle. To truly master the art of drifting, you need to practice. Find a safe and open area to practice your skills. Experiment with different techniques, such as:

• Clutch Kicking: Use the clutch to abruptly break traction and initiate a drift.
• Power Over: Use the engine's power to break traction and initiate a drift.
• Braking: Use the brakes to transfer weight to the front of the car and initiate a drift.
• Weight Transfer: Use weight transfer to control the car's balance and maintain a drift.

As you practice, pay attention to how the car responds to your inputs. Adjust your tuning as needed to optimize the car's handling and performance. With enough practice, you'll be drifting like a pro in no time.

Conclusion: Embrace the AE86 Life

The AE86 in Street Legal Racing: Redline is more than just a car; it's a symbol of passion, skill, and dedication. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to building the ultimate drift machine and dominating the virtual streets. So, grab your wrench, fire up the game, and embrace the AE86 life! Have fun, and remember to always respect the game (and your virtual car!). Now get out there and shred some tires!