Drift Spec Tuning

Drift spec tuning is an emphasis on making the car go sideways in a controllable state. The car needs to have a lower centre of gravity and be able to spin up its propulsion wheels with ease. This makes the car look good whilst going sideways.

Suspension:	Setting is primarily for high grip in the steering wheels and low or no grip on the propulsion wheels. Steering inputs need to be sharp and precise. Use of quick rack or longer steering arms recommended. Spring/shock rates usually err on the hard side. This gives the car low grip levels hence the ability to slide.
Brakes:	Low-mid temperature brake pads recommended for front to give good initial bite which aides in weight transfer to the front making the rear propulsion tyres light thus being able to spin up. Handbrake cable adjustment with ultra high grip disc/drum pads are used to lock the rear wheels.
Performance:	Top end (high RPM) response and power is required to hold the drift through the corners. Power tuning up top is highly recommended together with engine reliability. Large radiators and oil coolers are essential to combat over heating with the engine spinning at continuously high RPM level.
Summary:	Tuning of this level makes a very responsive and very maneuverable vehicle, with a twitchy characteristic. Power and braking levels is also high, with a very hard suspension setting.

Circuit Spec Tuning

Circuit tuning is car setup primarily for racetrack/circuit use. This tuning spec is targeting production racing and supersprints. The car is setup for ultimate grip and stability through corners with good top end power and response.

Suspension:	usually coilover systems a must but can be done with a top level spring/shock package. Setting is for a neutrally balanced car with ultra high levels of cornering grip on flat, even surfaces (racetrack). There is no compromise for ride comfort.
Brakes:	high temperature brake pads maintain consistent braking performance lap after lap. Slotted racing rotors cleans pads whilst increasing bite by expelling gasses through the slits. Stronger and larger brake rotors and calipers are also recommended.
Performance:	Engine tuning emphasises more on top end (high RPM) response as full throttle is used most of the time. Engine reliability is also emphasised with protection from overheating so that the engine can perform at its peak level lap after lap. Use of oil coolers and larger/thicker radiators is a must.
Summary:	tuning of this level makes a very temperamental, highly responsive driver which is quick off the line and through twisty corners, but will not handle bumpy roads and less than perfect surfaces. A good track car needs to be able to perform at maximum power levels, for long periods at a time, and at reliable levels. Balance is essential for a good track car - balance in handling, power levels, power delivery, etc.

Touge (winding road) Spec Tuning

Touge (winding road) tuning or high performance street tuning is an emphasis on total response street tuning. The car is setup to respond highly to the driver's steering and throttle inputs.

Suspension:	spring/shock kit or full coilover systems are recommended. Set primarily for street use with adequate spring travel and damping rate. This allows the car to ride road undulations without pitching or bouncing, hence higher grip levels.
Brakes:	simple brake modifications consisting of high performance street pads that have low operating temperatures. This gives good initial bite for sharp braking manouvres.
Performance:	tuning of engine to give sensitive throttle response primarily in part to full throttle situations (low to mid RPM ranges). This gives good punch (torque) out of corners.
Summary:	tuning of this level makes a very high responsive day to day driver which is quick off the line and through twisty corners.

Drag Spec Tuning

maximum traction and maximum power to propel the car from standstill to the timing marker in the shortest possible time.

Suspension:	setting is primarily for ultimate traction on take-off. Softer spring rates and shock damping is used to aid weight transfer to the propulsion wheels (front wheels for FWD, rear wheels for RWD). This gives maximum traction on take-off. Steering stability to keep car in a straight line is also needed.
Brakes:	Generally street pads are recommended due to their good initial bite and good braking performance at low temperatures. This is to ensure that your car can stop adequately after each run.
Performance:	engine tuning is for ultimate power with no consideration to reliability of parts. The engine needs to perform at its peak only for the giving time period it requires to cross the timing marker. Weight reduction is taken on a large scale to the get the optimum power to weight ratio.
Summary:	Tuning of this level makes a very powerful car, oftentimes at the cost of reliability as maximum power is the primary aim. Handling is not of utmost importance, with grip and traction taking a higher place than cornering ability, hence the softer suspension setting. All out drag cars also do not make good street cars, although this is not a rule of thumb.