Rebuilding and Modifying a Nissan 350Z - Part 1

Welcome to our newest video series - The Drift Car Build-Off where we build a Nissan 350Z and BMW M3 and see which one makes the better skids!
Proudly Presented By:
KoyoRad: www.koyoradracing.com/
Spec Clutch: www.specclutch.com/
Support us and buy parts from our new SA Shop: www.speedacademy.shop/
Join Our KZbin Community: goo.gl/n4m3Ez
Our Patreon page: / speedacademy
Our Merchandise page: speed-academy.myshopify.com
Favorite Tools:
Astro LED Work Light: amzn.to/2r70JUu
LED Bay Shop Light: amzn.to/2HHBw9D
Milwaukee Ratchet: goo.gl/2Cvuzm
Milwaukee Impact: goo.gl/kxnJTg
Miwaukee Sawzall: goo.gl/Sbw5FC
Fluid Transfer Pump: amzn.to/2ILVP9u
Uvex Face Shield: amzn.to/2jgZttO
Astro Rivnut Tool: amzn.to/2HAZN51
Rivnuts: amzn.to/2Fse0v8
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/2HAQ9PT
Canon Lens: amzn.to/2HD4Pd7
Rode Microphone: amzn.to/2FsGeGa

[@Blyatarina]

Nice to see a Z on the channel that isn't a unicorn! (Sasha's) For your drift car I would highly recommend paying attention to a few stock bushings that fail prematurely (mentioned below), and upgrading the diff cover to a Z1 finned cover. Bushings to attend to: -Compression arm bushings (new OEM or SPL spherical only, all poly bushings fail very quickly) -Front lower control arm inner bushings, once again SPL is a great choice, otherwise your run of the mill poly type will do fine. -subframe and diff bushings will greatly tighten up the subframe. I suggest either Z1 collars, or Whiteline poly with solid diff bushings (minimal nvh transfer). Otherwise full solid will sound like a total track car and be very annoying for daily driving. Z1 motor and transmission mounts will also secure your engine and trans. Have fun and enjoy the new cars, guys!

[@mrclown7469]

Pete sacrificing his man card and going for the convertible to stretch the budget in to E46 M3 territory :o That's a bold move.

[@Prime.Era.]

MrClown looking forward to it

[@dirtslider1997]

if you were keeping motor to just basic bolt ons thats the way to go, if you were gunna go FI i would just get a 330 and save the money

[@t1mmy13]

He's not sacrificing his man card, he's flexing his man card

[@romancarp6427]

@ivebeen They were open top not convertible. Key difference

[@1paizart]

I can already tell this will be better than the donut media drift builds

[@tylerr7437]

true

[@2burning2turning]

Possibly less promos, ha ha.

[@KeopsTV]

The donut media build is 2% actual building and 98% bs. So disappointing.

[@ahmadtajy7178]

Anything is better than DM content

[@jovaanberkley3990]

They didn’t do a drift build they were comparing high quality parts to low quality parts and did more of a street car

[@Bimmer2047]

im not 100% on the e46 convertible but i am 100% on the coupe that you need to look into reinforcing the trunk floor between the shock towers and the rear subframe mounts under the car. if its like the coupes i can almost GUARANTEE they are cracked. ive seen the whole trunk floor rip out of those cars!!!!! food for thought.

[@hendrahendra]

*Warning danger to manifold*

[@MineZilla123]

Pbm just came out with a kit for this exact reason

[@dirtslider1997]

Bimmer2047 its verts too iirc but they aren't as bad

[@doctorlobsteroctopus]

Excited to finally see this unveil! Had quite the feeling that was a 350z under there :) Love the idea of seeing a drift build come together on here, I've always been focused on grip driving builds so I'm not even sure what all exactly comprises a good drift setup. You guys are making me want a 350 even more now, they're becoming such a cheap power platform.

[@BrandonK80]

I say fix the clear on the carbon hood or at least leave the vents carbon. Can't wait to see these builds progress!!!

[@jckblck]

Reddish Motorsport do the boot reinforcement plates too

[@renaldorosco]

This is such a great show to watch!! Always inspired to get tips from this show and created a channel too! Thanks Speed Academy, keep it up!!!

[@abhirajkanwar5436]

Beyond excited for this series!

[@g-mane7497]

Yes thank you guys sooo much I love this!!!! I want that 350z sooo bad.

[@deano_s2k]

Stoked for this.

[@BradOnCars]

Fantastic! Can't wait to see the outcome!

[@steezosaurusrex]

stoked to have found this series, hi from ottawa!

[@daos3300]

i can tell you now which one is the better drift car. looking forward to the next ep!

[@superslowdaniel6297]

Anyone else miss the 5 day track build Civic? That series was great.

[@JCE10NYC]

They are finally here

[@scottm7706]

This series is going to be great!

[@kreparAZ]

Psyched for this guys!

[@EB240]

Bout time kids`! been waiting for this goodness

[@guvernator23]

Good stuff guys

[@nuisance_carl]

Good stuff! Two absolutely amazing chassis for drifting. I personally love how my E46 feels on track, but I'd imagine the m3 will be SOOOOO much better 👍

[@connormcneill9409]

DROP THE VQ AND REBUILD IT!! you guys always make amazingly detailed content, and maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think you guys have ever done an engine rebuild yourselves

[@TristianWrites]

I’m so happy you guys did this video. Especially about the Z’s wheels. No need to destroy a expensive set of wheels. Plus don’t believe the hype drifting is as much about looking cool as it is about drifting. Having a nice looking car is mostly the point.

[@AricYount]

I'm stoked for the E46 M3 drift build. I've been drifting mine for a year and the car is disgustingly reliable with plenty of power in a well poised chassis.

[@jkflorida]

Congrats on 200K!!!

[@ALifeWithCars]

Love the Z but man I love the Phoenix Yellow on the m3 The last ALifeWithCars turbo ek build, (not documented on the channel) had a bay painted that exact color looked amazing! Love the vids as always guys!

[@PirataSports]

I’ve got a feeling Pete is keeping that bimmer, not setting it on fire.

[@bobodamonk]

Yessssss about time!!

[@PK-R]

Smashed it ten times!!

[@drivingway2fast]

Stoked for this - just bought a Z33 myself, psyched to follow along boys. See you at TMP!? :D

[@anomamos9095]

When you have a long tail on a tie down ratchet strap you loop tie it on either side of the ratchet so that it not only gets rid of the excess but adds a safety factor in case the ratchet strips.

[@vongdong10]

Pete's gonna be drifting in style.

[@alwintheskateboarder]

200k!!! Been here since the Ad08r vid 👌

[@DriftingIsaLifestile]

Thats what i waited for all day 😂

[@thenjmway]

Adam LZ has a nice front bar set up that’s suitable for the 350 incorporating coolers apparently all bolt on too, might be worthy look

[@CyberScott86]

Almost 200,000 subs bros!

[@danistheman9055]

Please do more then Drifting with these toys!

[@JesseCarmichaelAutos]

Almost at that 200k!

[@89crxsidohczc]

😍 e46!

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!!!

[@BESIMXCARS]

OIL COOLER!!! Get one on the 350Z asap! VQ's boil oil like a kettle. Otherwise the car is pretty stout and can handle loads of abuse. Looking forward to seeing what you guys do! These cars don't need much to drift efficiently, mine does pretty well at events and I don't have any mods that make it drift any better than stock!

[@Aerospace001]

Amazing one thing you could have added a bash bar

[@Jeffball610]

Looks like you found a solid Z to work with for drifting. You'll be happy with the performance as a beginning drifter and it's a great platform to learn on. They'll continue to become more popular as S chassis get destroyed and the price of the Z continues to drop.

[@shadowxps]

I'm not even a huge fan of drifting but HELL FUCKING YEAH

[@TheShadowlord6661]

The best exhaust system must be the Tomei for the 350z, no doubt and I think the 350z is the way to go for drifting. The BMW looks like more of a daliy driven summer car. That's my personal opinion. I think Sasha who helped you with the FRS has a better answer. Good luck with the build fellas. :D

[@bergi85]

It's nice to see Ken again. Lol

[@GarielMotorsports]

Definitely I love 350Z I own one but mine is HR

[@bossvitorcunha]

every youtuber uses konig wheels now a days, i know its sponsored but come one... still great content to come yes yes we like it :)

[@nayybe]

4:33 ayyy ken is still alive!!!

[@ravynx]

Just when I thought the 240 intro music was awful then I hear the drift car intro music... a new low bar has been set people! Yeeesh. I am curious to see the 350Z build though, the E46 not so much.

[@100marlonjr]

My car was at that shop the day you guys went!!!!!! 😭 I wanted to meet y’all but Carlos said no cause y’all were filming 😭😭

[@eltigreandthewalrus]

I wanna see a budget C5R or C6R track build now, especially after you guys drove that vette a few vids back.

[@killsalot78]

yall better be stretchin tires boi howdy

[@The_True_]

I'm no euro car guy, but the M3 is known to be a good drift choice so buh bye haters. Lol. 350Z speaks for itself, a great drift car and one lucky drift racer who could actually sell it for 5k with a dead motor. That's no easy feat, Speed Academy making dreams come true eh? Not a bad starting point for drift, this way you guys can hone those skids and work up to that big K swap S chassis excitement later on, the temptation will be too real at that point not to slide that beefed up ride! 😝🚗💨💨💨

[@clonecaptian]

E46s are some of the fastest budget drift cars buuuuuttt convertibles aren't used for a reason heavier less rigid chassis looks trash etc

[@elvetost]

You really wanna plan to have the rear subframe mounts reinforced on the E46... Check out redish motorsports on the tube for ideas. They make a kit too I thinks.. Hey good luck with both! Looking forward to more content off you guys! Cheers!

[@richardtaylor2449]

great job i love drifting but cannot afford tires... 350z is so cheap and the best imo but the lairy sickness yellow BM is great to both 6 cylinder noises from the Angels :)) thanks guys from the UK and i bet the 350 was a very cheap parts car lol not BMW tax!

[@imSchwaggy]

aww, you guys shudda bought my z lol im mad I missed that post about you guys looking for drift cars.

[@Z33Garage]

Gents how much do you think it would be for me to transplant those buddy club coils to florida for my Z33??

[@andrestnt]

Feels like every youtube car channel has a 350Z driftcar now.

[@0ttoman]

can you guys give more information on importing cars from USA to Canada?

[@_Greasyzoku_]

I think the M3 will be a better drift car overall but the Z probably has better aftermarket support.

[@LenierEusoj]

Dont sell the wheels on the Z!! Keep em so u can use them on a future car or simple swapping between the other cars!

[@xXNissanDriftXx]

The bumper looks like its the KBD Ings style bumper

[@Ragnarok043]

whats Ken doing lurking around in the background hahaha

[@hkn_r34]

Are they already salting up there? :O

[@KyleD25354]

S54 engine

[@sup3rd]

Ken Wagon the surgeon spotted 7:09

[@ghettoflyer]

After seeing that muffler... and the obvious amount of abuse this car has gone thru... A series on rebuilding a posi diff mite need to be in order. It would be nice to see what maintance/ rebuilding a posi entails.

[@MrWuWatt]

You got a pretty good Z there. What size are those RE30's?

[@2401vernon]

You guys should go drifting with Adam lz and taylor ray

[@speedacademy]

That would be RAD

[@orkboy59]

Just go ahead and LS swap the 350Z. Uncle Rodney is going to pay a visit with the VQ.

[@1one3_Racing]

Hey! It's Ken the surgeon! What's he up to in the new shop?

[@macberry4048]

These guys are such Adam Lz fans. I wouldn't be surprised if their next project car is a four door Nissan R32

[@SeanPhelps-qh2eu]

What brake calipers are on the z? Swap the motor from sasha's z33! Its funny I was just reading the article on your old g35 build yesterday lol.

[@heyhayhay247]

They look like StopTechs

[@riyaadryklief4220]

JAPAN FTW

[@s300123]

Z is the best.Go for it.....

[@jamest5149]

Should be some good builds. One question, isn't there an engine in the bronze accident damaged car you have got for the interior? Why buy the second engine?

[@genesisesparza911]

Ugh I need help rebuilding mine /: LA area

[@1VETaLEK2]

Take them down to hoonigan after you are done with them!

[@alk3myst]

what size/offset wheels and tires on that Z?

[@bryanwarnecke_cf]

Stock engine you will want 225 or 235 on the rear drifting a Z

[@Greyseason519]

Hey guys, I work at a bodyshop in Dunnville. I know your from the area, although not sure where. Id love to help you guys with these 2 projects! let me know

[@speedacademy]

Thanks Josh, shoot us an email and if there is anything we can work something out. [e-mail]

[@andrewfox96]

I’m surprised they didn’t do the LS swap.

[@qotsa1]

Rock a koyorad on my spec b

[@traxxasslash95]

Would you be willing to ship the seat cushions off the parts car to Michigan? If so, I'll buy them off you!

[@Biwaqu]

Is Ken moving in? Or is he cleaning the shop in the background 😆

[@shiftyrx7]

Biwaqu just working on connie :)

[@laxdude7]

Props on the new series. One thing I would say is recommending SPEC clutches is one of the worst possible things you could do. Paul and the whole team were probably some of the worst people I’ve worked with. SPEC is selling a clutch and flywheel for a fiat 500 Abarth that does not fit properly. This is after numerous phone calls with Paul getting confirmation that it does fit. Seems a bit odd to even ask that question when the product is sold for this specific vehicle but hey, I’m fastidious. I’m not going to recoup the cost Paul and his team have cost me after it was all said and done. Weeks in the shop only to have no solution from Paul and ending up going with a completely different clutch/flywheel setup. Huge shout out to EC in New York. TL;DR Buyer beware of SPEC clutches unless they’re sponsoring your videos. We mortals should find a more reliable company.

[@killsalot78]

and straight pipes on both cars

[@lb9gta307]

Please no. Neither sound decent straight piped. And I hear a lot of BMWs and Zs straight piped at drift events.

[@killsalot78]

get a better set opinions then loser, VQs sound great. You probably just have corn in your ears

[@boblast5582]

you guys should auction it off and then set it on fire just as the winner shows up to pick it up. best of both worlds :D

[@TABRO284]

What is Dr. Ken upto?

[@pFbSpecV]

Dang awesome!!! Is the rev up motor a de or hr vq??

[@lb9gta307]

I believe it came after the de and befor the hr

[@clonecaptian]

Its a de hr has two throttle bodies de has one and there isn't such thing as one that came inbetween^

[@lb9gta307]

@@clonecaptian I guess technically true. The rev up is a de but it's not the same as the non rev up de that came befor it. www.carthrottle.com/post/we49mmx/

[@pFbSpecV]

@@lb9gta307 yea your right for sure! The rev up motor is a de but a lil different.

[@itchyonion3559]

@@clonecaptian there is and it’s a rev up

[@DannyChikoo]

What diff is in the 350? Can’t find the vid where it is covered

[@speedacademy]

OS Giken 1.5WAY

[@ldadol]

What brakes are on the Z?

[@rustler1999929]

Tell me please , have you ever ran EBC brakes? or do you know anything about these ? Thanks

[@lb9gta307]

I had their Green Stuff pads on my car. They were a good pad for a stock replacement upgrade but they were bad for dust and that's their low dust pad.

[@rustler1999929]

Thanks, for info, I am thinking of getting Yellow stuff as I am looking to do some Touge in my MRS :) just heard mixed opinions about them and don't know what to choose...

[@alexs2k75]

wheel specs on those wheels on 350?

[@AlexA-bx8jr]

damn, didn't think you could get an e46 m3 for that kind of money. It's got a manual right? lol

[@darvindiaz5302]

I see Dave already has picked the loser and the winner. Watch his body language @13:31-13:41 :D

[@gsppuffer]

How old is this video or is it cold already in the North?

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Was hoping to see a Fatass2000 lol

[@hobotechMASTER]

sikky tour link didnt show. yay

[@heyhayhay247]

You didn't even mention StopTech calipers!!!