--E36 Drift Project--

[///power]

Hello guys,

So I've been thinking to build a drift car since last year. I would like your input guys on what's best to go with... Keeping in mind that the cheapest the better.

Here is what I have currently:

- E36 325i (1992) - auto :(
- e39 M5 6 speed trans with clutch and flywheel.

I thought about swapping a manual trans and turbo charging the 2.5. I also thought about swapping a ls1 with a T56 trans. Currently thinking about swapping a 4.4 BMW engine and using the 6 speed manual that I have. Which idea do you think the best and WHY?

I plan to keep this thread as entertaining as possible so please guys, help a brother out!

[mahmoud_bedewi]

get a Japanese car and save yourself the hassle and money :)
get yourself and old nissan silvia or 180sx, this should be a proper drifting platform

[///power]

I would if I could. The thing is we don't have these cars available in Saudi and importing is impossible! The 325i is just setting and BMW love is what makes me consider turning it into a drifting machine.

May I ask why you think a Japanese car would save me the hasstle though? If you take a look at King of Europe drifting cars this year, most of them are bmw's 3 series, 1 E500 biz, 1 skyline and one 240sx. One of them if not both the skyline and the 240 have v8 bmw engines which I find funny, lol!

[INFAMOUS]

no way to the e39.... Use the e36, do a 5 speed swap, remove all the luxury from the car and make it as light as possible. Do the same clutch/flywheel setup with a 3:91 LSD and be on your way.

[Bruno]

A japanese car is a better base for such a project

[ahmad.alkhalil]

I agree with Infamous on not using the e39... waaaaaay too heavy!

turbo charge, LSD, lightweight and hydrolic handbreak should be all you need...

[Bruno]

i think he ment that he wants to put the e39 components into that e36 shell. it works! do it. there are many drift cars done that way, have a look at the green e30 m3 that had this set up and won the championship.

[///power]

Yes guys, as Bruno said. I have no other choice than using the e36. It's what setup should I go with. Since I already have a 6 speed trans, I just thought about getting a m62b44 and call it a day. These are tourqey not like the 2.5.

Infamous: I think my body has a 5 speed tray lying down but the thing is will I get enough power out of NA 2.5. Going the turbo route is kinda tiring, not alot know about turbo setups here including myself not to mention the reliability!

Now my question is: Will the e39 trans fit the m62b44 engine?

[///power]

A japanese car is a better base for such a project

A beat up 350z would make a good project even though it's on the heavy side. But this would require raising the budget at least 40,000!

E36 is begging me for a project :p

[Ayham]

BMWs make a better drifting platform out of the box. The mods required compared to JDM platforms, hence the costs, prove this. Engines from BMW in general need torque modifications, i.e. FI or stroking. LSDs ar readily available in scrap yards, and hydraulic handbrakes.

If you want to build a proper, easy-to-drive drift car, then the investment should go into suspension and tires, and without saying weight shedding. Yes, tires. Using used tires is no longer a wise choice as we have learned from our last circuit drift event. Believe it or not, you still need grip when drifting, but from a different perspective.

[INFAMOUS]

Infamous: I think my body has a 5 speed tray lying down but the thing is will I get enough power out of NA 2.5. Going the turbo route is kinda tiring, not alot know about turbo setups here including myself not to mention the reliability!

Yea I hear you on the Turbo bit... LSx swap would make it easy on you :cook:

[///power]

Coilovers, hydraulic handbreak and extra lock are must to have. Must have the perfect size tires also otherwise car will be hard to control. Just like when you miss up with the tire sizes, you get abs and traction lights every now and then.

I plan on doing a roll cage and gutting it completely.

[Bruno]

whats your budget?

what you just mentioned is way over 50K... you are better off buying the car with these specs ready for drifting

[///power]

Yea I hear you on the Turbo bit... LSx swap would make it easy on you :cook:

Yeah, the ls1 is the most reliable but the engine and the t56 trans run for around 14000 riyals vs. Around 3000 riyals for a m62 and use the m5 trans.

The only benefit of the ls1 is if I want to go 400+ in hp which I think I don't need.

So bottom line, it's the budget what controls me. I don't want to spend a lot of money on it which I'm afraid I will!

Please keep the info and ideas coming guys :)

[///power]

whats your budget?

what you just mentioned is way over 50K... you are better off buying the car with these specs ready for drifting

Ha 50k??! How? please explain.

I plan on spending 20k max. I'll be doing the work!