Sidesweep

Hey guys, figure I might as well ask a few questions now so I can figure out where I wanna head with all this. I'm in the market for a 5 spd SC300 atm, and (seemingly like everyone else) I'm thinking of getting into drifting with it. I've searched to find what I can before I began asking any questions and I understand the different ways power can be had by going NA-T or going with the 1jz-gte (or even a 2jz-gte) swaps. As a novice, I figure I'm going to hit the wall without a doubt at some point, and I realize the Lexus (and even Toyota? correct me if I'm wrong) namebrand probably means expensive replacement parts. I do realize all the necessities of drifting and how it works (driving experience, coils, and LSD are basics among other things: practice and handling before power)
Would a Mk3 supra be a better choice as a starter because of better part availability and lighter chassis, or no? And if I do end up starting with an Mk3 and choose to do a 1jz or 2jz swap, are the swaps compatible between the Mk3 and SC300? (I know I'd like to be able to transfer parts over once I make the transition to the SC3 at some point). Thanks guys, I've been around for a little while and it seems like a great community, hopefully you can help me out .

kez

iTrader: (4)

Driftmotion.com has all u need but in my opinion if u want a mk3 go for it but if u want a timeless drift machine/luxury sports car get the SC

Sidesweep

i mean regardless i'd like to make the switch to the SC300, but as far as a learner i figure a Mk3 would be cheaper and easier to fix, but i'd still be keeping it in the Toyota family.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

get both!! haha

timber1426

Hey man i started with an mk3. Loved it. I didn't get into the whole drift scene but got in plenty of trouble. I am now driving a 97 sc3. I would say it is still expensive with the mk3. I sunk close to 15000 in my mk3 and it still needed things. I would say get what you want forget the learning curve. Start driving what you will end up driving if you can afford it.

Klaus

iTrader: (1)

A luxury drift car is pointless as the luxury features only apply to street driving and drifting on the street makes you an a-hole. So I would look at both as being pure bred race cars. Between the two I think the MKIII would be the better choice- people nearly throw out body parts for those cars. There is a guy locally who is literally giving away a straight mkiii chasis. Building any race car will be expensive, however the MKIII will be cheaper especially when it comes to repairs. But you don't need a lot of money to have a fun drift car. Strip the chasis, get a decent seat, a stock 7m-GTE with an r154 behind it, coilovers, wheels and tires, and you'll be 98% there. Get experience on that setup then decide where you want to go from there.

Sidesweep

exactly what i was thinking Klaus. i wouldnt even bother keeping the SC as is, more than anything i enjoy the looks of the car. Mk3 as a learner would probably do the most good for me and my wallet .

vietunit

iTrader: (5)

Klaus nailed it.

YeA 2jZ

iTrader: (15)

x2 on what klaus said MKiii pure race car or SC street non drifter

Sidesweep

thanks guys, wasn't sure which route would be the most cost effective, great community here

RedPhoenix

iTrader: (10)

to beat on, i would take the mk3... i have both... one is my beater...

LEXXIUM

iTrader: (1)

Had 2 mk3s, 1 n/a the other 1 was a turbo, loved them both, they are still heavy pigs though. As far as swapping for 1j or 2j engines you will need to move firewall a couple of inches back, to fit the engine, it will be a pain in the butt to do the swap compared to sc, and will involve more $$ than you think or plan. I would use z30 chassis platform for drifting rather than ma70
Good luck

Jmo

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I agree with Klaus! He basically summed it all up. If you have the money, get both cars!

JakeBreyck

iTrader: (1)

The mk3 is a heavy car if you roll it off the lot and think your going to do some aggressive driving with it, But allot of weight is very easily removable, and i mean a lot. Ive got my supra stripped down about as far is it will go, and it feels like a S13 or ae86, its very light feeling and responsive, so if you want to slide Ide say get the mk3, put a 1uz into it you will have a blast.

joewitafro

mk3 weighs the same as an sc pretty much.

I'd get the mk3 for starter drifting assuming that you might wreck it. Mk3 parts are cheap and plentiful.

I Would not want my first drift car to be a nice sc. Much more expensive to replace parts, used and new.