Ideal Drift setup

[SLEEPYDUB]

I am in a pickle. I am trying to find a good example of a well setup e30 for drifting. Ive heard of people using E36 suspension components, E30 M3 components, E46 control arms, etc. I am just trying to find the best, or highly recommended way to setup my suspension.

Ive been drifting for quite a while now, but this is my first E30. E30 has a 2JZ in it so Ive got the power aspect covered, just need to go to suspension now. Ive had 5 240sxs and know them like the back of my hand, but I cant say the same for an E30. I just need to know what you guys recommend, and when searching theres no definitive answers, just a lot of bickering back and forth.

I want to be competitive, but Im not quite sure If I want to shell out the dough for wisefab, or just make my own high angle setup?

First thing Ive been looking into is the Z3 steering rack for the 2.7 L2L. But, I also want to be able to get as much angle as possible, and Ive heard that the E36 rack will allow for more angle than the Z3, how much truth is there to that?

Next will be Coilovers, but I dont want to buy E30 coilovers if I need to swap my suspension over to E36/46. This is my biggest dilemma at the moment. I need coilovers asap because Im on cut lowering springs and they feel like shit (previous owner did this). But If I do coils now, then later if I need to go to a different setup I may not be able to use the same coilovers and just end up screwing myself.

Heres the big question. Is it really worth it to switch to e36 suspension components? I cant find a good answer to this question. I mean what are the pros and cons to swapping? I need as much angle as I can get, and If I dont have to swap to e36 suspension I dont want to.

Help me out guys, its really hard to find good answers to these questions.
Thanks!

[Danny]

The only advantages to swapping to 5 lug is different wheel selection, big brakes up front and a much easier to change shock in the front. The rear stays pretty much the same. If you don't need larger brakes, I would suggest you stay 4lug and get yourself a nice stiff coil over setup from Ground Control.

[SLEEPYDUB]

So the only reason people swap to e36 parts is for the 5lug? Hmm...

I really like the BC Racing line. I can run custom rates on those and I've used them before with great success.

So there's no advantage to swapping e36 suspension on unless I want bigger brakes and 5lug? There's no added track or caster or anything else that's relevant?

[Danny]

http://extradrei.com/5lug.html

Here ya go dude, read up!

[bimmerteck]

I really like the BC Racing line. I can run custom rates on those and I've used them before with great success.

Ground control uses standard Eibach ERS springs, they can likely get you whatever spring rate you want or you can order compatible springs from nearly any race suspension vendor.

[jaywood]

http://extradrei.com/5lug.html

Here ya go dude, read up!

Nice link! Thanks ;)

[coreyw]

The Z3 steering rack actually decreases steering angle. The '95 e36 m3 steering rack has the shortest lock to lock ratio without decreasing steering angle, but I don't think it increases it much, if at all.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Look at Erick's car, Look at E-rich's car. Read their threads.

[SLEEPYDUB]

Thanks guys

So Z3 rack decreases steering angle. Thats good to know, thanks. Im going to look into a regular e36 rack as they are supposed to be linear turns vs progressive rate on the M3. That just screams disaster for drifting.

[Ian Bowers]

You're going to start rubbing against your framerails with pretty much any non-z3 rack. I have a Z3 2.7t rack, and you do lose some steering, but the Stock E30, stock E36, and 36/M3 racks all rub the frame rails at full lock, and can cause the front wheels to lock up intermittently. (I think I've actually seen my Z3 rack cause this on hard transitions, TBH.)