Who drifts their E30?

[PJ Prendergast]

hey guys! i've had my E30 for a while now, and it's an awesome DD. i was going to sell it for an E36 m3 but the owner backed out, so i think i'm going to give my E30 the track treatment. I'm a part of the BMW performance club and i'm getting more into the performance driving school track days, but i want to get into drifting. i've always wanted to, since i go to all my local events, and i've tried a few times (not at these events) in my basically stock dopey 2.7L slug (either swapping out or slapping a turbo on it haha).

my question: what's an ideal suspension for this kinda setup? i've heard mixed reviews on the JOM's or whatever they are, and i think they'd be a decent mix for track and DDing, but i'm not sure. suggestions?

also, i've never honestly gotten how the hydro-handbrake works, my guess is it uses the actual discs instead of the parking brake orrrr?

thanks in advance for the input

[burlmays9]

Suspension wise you'll want thicker/stiffer sway bars and stiffer springs

Hydro handbrake uses the calipers, but not the stock ones, look around and you'll find adapter plates for aftermarket calipers. But ya don't use the E30 handbrake, the backing plate for the brake shoes can shear off and lock up the rear brakes

You can use the eta motor as it sits, an eBay chip wouldn't hurt though. Put on a lightened flywheel, six puck clutch, solid guibo, solid subframe bushings, LSD or welded diff.(if you're adventurous) you could do strut bars too

Remove whatever weight you can

[firefirefire90]

grount control coils baby

[burlmays9]

grount control coils baby

When you want suspension that costs more than your car

[kman_e30]

i drift my e30, my tips for you are
1. tighten your factory e brake
2. get an lsd or welded diff (i run a welded)
3. get some decent springs ( eibach pro or h&r race)
4. go learn how to drift

in my opinion since you are starting out, dont worry about building a "super setup" you have more then enough power to learn with, the stock e brake works pretty well once its tightened up. dont worry about horse power, or weight reduction, or a super stiff suspension setup. the thing you need is seat time! just do the basic shit and go drive! thats how i learned.

[firefirefire90]

When you want suspension that costs more than your car

what a silly excuse when you can buy a running/registered e30 for well under a 1000 dollars.

[AlarmedBread]

Coilovers or go home, they aren't much more expensive if you're already replacing the suspension and they are actually worth spending money on. Koni are good, but don't last long. AST is more money up front, but you'll be rebuilding the Konis atleast once a season if you run the car a lot so you spend the money either way.

[shiboujin]

I like to drift my E30 now and then.

[timninja]

Good advice!I'm hopping to get out this season too,I was also looking for a good clutch and flywheel but I don't know a good brand to go threw for e30s.

[VANOS714]

I drift my e30 here and there. Dont know any other car out there that handles better than a BMW.

[Texas Toast]

I wouldn't worry about a clutch right away. I don't know about you but I'm budget drifting.

I'd say get set up with good suspension, welded diff or LSD, a good bucket seat, and tons of seat time. Also a chip and injectors couldn't hurt.

Bushings would be a nice extra.

Replace clutch when it starts wearing out.

[shiboujin]

I like drifting

[Texas Toast]

I like drifting

who doesn't?


Commies, that's who.

[PJ Prendergast]

i drift my e30, my tips for you are
1. tighten your factory e brake
2. get an lsd or welded diff (i run a welded)
3. get some decent springs ( eibach pro or h&r race)
4. go learn how to drift

in my opinion since you are starting out, dont worry about building a "super setup" you have more then enough power to learn with, the stock e brake works pretty well once its tightened up. dont worry about horse power, or weight reduction, or a super stiff suspension setup. the thing you need is seat time! just do the basic shit and go drive! thats how i learned.

i have the 2.93 lsd out back so i'm good there, and i understand the concept from doing it so much in the snow just screwing around, i just have to figure it out under a "grip" situation. and i'm probably going to throw together a turbo kit for this car anyways: i have a 3000gt vr4, so a 127hp car is like death for me haha it'll be a cheap build coming up soon hopefully. thanks for the advice! i just gotta figure out where to source my suspension parts from for a decent price and i'm set.

[shiboujin]

2.93 is high for NA but in an eta I guess it'll work. Don't boost. Just get a good suspension and go. The car, especially with a good suspension will be way beyond your ability. no need to hit walls faster.