How to upgrade an M3 for drifting with turbo and injectors

TL;DR

The M3 received a comprehensive upgrade focused on drifting performance, including a larger turbo, upgraded M5 injectors, an oil cooler, front intake, full exhaust, and a drift-oriented ECU map. The project also addressed the crank hub and suspension, with planning for Alcantara interior and future aero parts. Results show increased wheel horsepower and torque suitable for sideways driving.

Transcript

I'll show you guys the new CVJ color. Man, as I mentioned at the beginning of the video, we came to pick up some projects that were finished, and for the first time, the M3 is coming home. The turbo had some smoke, some fire, it was already on vacation, right? I have to stop doing this crap. My car is pink , you know, bro? It's the best money I've ... Read More

Key Insights

• The M3 was upgraded with a larger turbo to increase power while preserving drift friendly torque.
• The upgrade path included a move to M5 injectors to improve fuel delivery and reliability at higher horsepower.
• An oil cooler was added to protect the engine during sustained drifting and performance use.
• The car received a full front intake setup to improve air flow and sound.
• A new exhaust system was installed, including a full stainless steel rear section with a valved setup.
• Tuning focused on drift performance rather than straight line speed, with maps to support drag only if needed.
• Wheel and tire management were adjusted by switching to 18 inch wheels and considering a later 19 inch setup to avoid rubbing.
• The project includes ongoing improvements and parts planning, such as Alcantara interior updates and possible billet manifold upgrades.

Questions & Answers

Q: What upgrades were performed on the M3 to enhance drifting capability?

The M3 received a larger turbo, upgraded M5 injectors, an oil cooler, front intake, a complete exhaust system, and an ECU map tailored for drifting. These changes increase power while maintaining torque for sideways handling, and they reduce the risk of engine stress during aggressive drifting sessions.

Q: Why was the crank hub upgrade performed on the M3, and what risk does it mitigate?

The crank hub upgrade was performed because it is a known ZF issue that can destroy the engine if not replaced. Upgrading the crank hub protects the engine from potential failure under high load and high RPM conditions common in performance drifting and track use.

Q: How did the team approach wheel sizing and rubbing issues on the M3?

They initially used 18 inch wheels and then encountered rubbing, which required grinding the backing plate and caliper. For a long term solution, they planned to switch to 19 inch wheels to avoid rubbing and improve fitment, enabling better tire choices and overall performance without interference.

Q: What is the focus of the current tune for the M3, and how does it differ from a drag map?

The current tune is drift oriented with lower turbo pressure to keep the turbos safe and generate ample torque for sliding, rather than maximizing straight line speed. A separate drag map exists that can be uploaded if needed, but the main emphasis remains on drifting performance and reliability.

Q: What future interior and aesthetics updates are planned for the M3?

Plans include replacing leather with Alcantara for the steering wheel, and potentially updating the handbrake boot and other leather components inside the cabin. These upgrades aim to improve grip and the interior feel while maintaining a cohesive color and style.

Q: What other cars are mentioned in the video and how are they related to the M3 project?

Other cars mentioned include a Golf with a forged engine undergoing calibration and performance upgrades, and the group’s activities involve swapping wheels and testing on various projects at Alien, GSB, and VPR. These related builds demonstrate the broader performance tuning ecosystem around the M3 project.

Q: What power and torque figures were achieved on the M3 after upgrades, and how do they compare to the stock baseline?

After upgrades, the M3 dynoed with a map around 590 wheel horsepower and approximately 70 kg of torque, with a conservative setup for drifting. The exact stock baseline is not provided, but the improvement is described as significant enough to enhance drift capability and stability.

Q: What are the present and future maintenance tasks mentioned for the M3?

Current tasks include finishing the wrap details, tidying the interior, and potentially upgrading to a 19 inch wheel to improve fitment and performance. Future maintenance also includes ongoing cosmetic updates and potential further performance parts like a billet manifold and new exhaust enhancements as the project evolves.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video documents picking up a finished M3 project with a new color and upgrades, preparing it for drifting.

• Key mechanical updates include a bigger turbo, M5 injectors, oil cooler, and a redesigned exhaust and intake system to support higher power while prioritizing drift performance.

• Future plans involve interior touches, additional wheels, and potential aero parts to complete the build and optimize drift capability.