Used the search function but couldn't find anything on this subject.

So it's late december, and large amounts of snow have been piling up in my area. I was wondering if doing snow drifts and doughnuts in a big, empty parking lot causes harm or strain to the Ralliarts transmission or differentials. Also, do any of you use the e-brake to swing the rear end of the car around? Is it safe to do so on a AWD car?

I did some for about 15 mins tonight, and this thing is a absolute beast in the snow. So much fun to drive.

 

I do recall that the centre diff disengages as soon as you apply the handbrake ("e-brake" to you ).

Rich

 

I do about 10 e-brake turns every day, every other weekend during snow season in Tahoe in my RA SB.

Did the same in my 05 EVO (ACD equipped as well)

No issues other then big grins on my face and big **** rooster tails o' snow out the back of the car.

 

I can't wait for a good dump of snow here. Snow Tires on and waiting!
I usually turn off traction control as well.

 

pulling the ebrake is best if used to supplement a turn that you already commited to. in my experience, driving on dirt and snow you want to start the turn BEFORE braking, then tap the footbrake. this should shift your CG toward the front of the car, then you pull the ebrake to ease the *** end around and relase it right before you're lined up to exit the turn then you mash the gas to pull you out. it's fun as hell once you get the hang of it, but make sure you have a crap ton of space if you don't know what you're doing yet. oh yeah, the ralliart doesn't like when you pull the ebrake with traction control on....bad stuff happens.

 

also before you try to go an a winter hooning session, don't confuse snow with ice. snow acts like dirt does to an extent, ice will kill you.



EDIT: completely missed the question you asked, but am too lazy to delete my posts

 

Just make sure that, if we are going to discuss this stuff, we are all talking about doing this stuff on PRIVATE PROPERTY and not anything that would violate any laws (which is against forum rules...)

Breaking the RA loose in the snow is a blast, but it needs to be done safely. For those more seriously interested, i encourage you to look up local race clubs that offer ice racing and snow rally racing at the grassroots level, its super fun!

 

It is safe if you know all the parts are working in good condition. However, you need to prepare for braking something at any time whenever you drift especially with e-brake. Even the rally EVO, which has a stronger parts, would break something during rally race drifting. Plus the fact that the they has a team to back up the car and to repair any part right after the driver broke anything. Your car is only a street version~