help with swap

[RebekahI]

I just got a 1995 318ti. It's leaking oil from the timing chain covers, oil filter housing, breather pipe and head gasket. It needs steering rack, sway bar links, control arms, ball joints and tie rods. As well as the torque converter is binding and failing to release. The shop told me I would be better off swapping the engine and transmission. I want to rebuild it into a drift car. I was told I should get a ls1 and 6 speed out of a late model f body. I have no idea where to start or if that's the right kinda swap.

[BimmerBum]

You want to have confidence, a budget, and a plan before you set off on a swap. A V8 would certainly work well in a ti for drifting but the swap will not be cheap, especially if you have to pay someone to do it.

[RebekahI]

I should be able to do most of the work. But drift cars are new to me, so what am I looking at for a budget? Like parts wise.

[BimmerBum]

Originally Posted by RebekahI

I should be able to do most of the work. But drift cars are new to me, so what am I looking at for a budget? Like parts wise.

Impossible to say. There are WAY to many variables. 5k-200k? I know we have some drifters on this forum, maybe they will chime in.

[Bluebimma]

Not a drifter but the ls swap cost me about 5-6k after rebuilding it from scratch, custom driveshaft, handmade headers, etc.

[96318ticali]

How much heavier is the V8 from the stock engine? What suspension mods are required to handle the added weight?