We Build Your Ultimate Drift Car
A custom, high performance, reliable, and immaculate drift car. And it’s all yours…
We build only 6 premium custom drift cars per year for students and clients, shipped anywhere in the world. Our team has three decades of experience building race cars, Formula Drift cars and a fleet of drift school cars. We have a relentless commitment to quality and only build drift cars that are high-performance, reliable and custom-tailored to our client’s driving needs. See some footage building a client’s car here and some pictures here…
Some of the Texas Drift Academy fleet headed for a day in Houston!
Inside one of our Stage 3 builds.
A 350z with a V8 LS engine swap we built for Westen Champlin video. Now part of our fleet.
We will deliver a high-performance drift car that makes you proud, maximizes your seat time and minimizes downtime. It will be a transparent and seamless process. And, we will share your passion along the way.
The Car
A custom built 350z before the wrap
We start with the versatile Nissan 350Z (HR) or 370z, a platform we know inside and out. Whether we source a used Z for you or you provide one, our deep expertise and the extensive availability of parts allow us to fine-tune every build to perfection. Our thorough testing ensures that each component works within a whole system, providing unmatched reliability and performance.
“We’ve clocked more hours on these cars than Nissan did before their release. They endure extreme conditions—from -17°F in Minnesota to 110°F in Texas—and still perform exceptionally.” – Josh Robinson, Formula Drift Pro, Co-owner Texas Drift Academy
Packaged Builds
Everything is custom, down to your name etched on the steering wheel. But these are starting points for our conversation…
Stage 1 – The Essentials
Approx. $28,000
Ideal for daily drifters, this package transforms a relatively stock 350Z into a street-legal, seat-time machine with heat and A/C. Perfect for those who want to drive to the track and drift for miles of fun, this package includes a locked differential, angle kit, drift suspension, and hydraulic handbrake, all with a proper alignment to get you ready to go.
Stage 2 – Weekend Warrior
Approx. $40,000
For those seeking a more robust setup, the Weekend Warrior package builds on Stage 1 by upgrading essential components for drifting. This includes race seats, safety harnesses, oil and power steering coolers, front and rear bash bars, an upgraded fueling system, and extra wheels for the track.
Stage 3 – Competition Car
Approx. $60,000
Taking your 350Z to the extreme, the Competition Car package includes all Stage 2 upgrades and adds a Formula Drift spec roll cage, body kit, and a 70-degree steering angle kit. This package removes all interior components for a full competition-ready setup.
Our Build Process
1. Car Purchase
We can source the 350Z platform for you, ensuring it is free from systematic issues that could impact reliability. This service includes pre-purchase inspection, transportation, negotiation, and purchase. If you provide your own car, we will thoroughly inspect it before starting the build.
2. Tear Down
Our skilled mechanics begin by removing stock components to make way for performance upgrades. We check all systems and common failure points, ensuring a solid foundation for your drift car.
3. Build
Starting with the rear, we swap out the differential and bushings, replace OEM rear arms with adjustable ones, and install BC Coilovers and an FDF angle kit. We also add essential cooling components and complete interior modifications, including handbrake installation and bucket seats.
4. Testing
Each build undergoes a rigorous break-in procedure at our private race track to ensure all systems function perfectly. Only when we are completely satisfied do we move to the final stages of wrapping or painting.
5. Delivery
We offer worldwide shipping or you can pick up your drift car from our Austin, TX, headquarters. For remote clients, we provide a detailed video overview and tutorial of your new car. U.S. delivery costs range from $1 to $2 per mile.
Some of Our Components
- BC Coilovers: Prioritizes proper spring rates with optimal compression and rebound valving.
- Grip Royal Steering Wheels: Custom options for comfort and driver preference.
- Action Clutch: Engineered to withstand the demands of drifting.
- Sparco Seats and Harnesses: Comfortable, FIA-sanctioned for top safety.
- Cooling Systems: Enhanced cooling for optimal system performance.
- KBD Body Kits: Virtually indestructible materials for durable body panels.
- Cage Kits Roll Cage: Pre-cut and pre-bent for quick installation.
- Custom Wraps: Designed by AWS and printed by Vichn Visuals for a unique look.
- And much more. We’re not sharing all our secret sauce!
FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Why do you use a 350Z/370Z? We choose the 350Z/370Z because of our extensive experience and the abundant availability of affordable, high-quality parts. Our 30 years of combined experience building and testing these cars ensures that we can create reliable and high-performing drift machines.
Where can I drive my car? Our builds are typically transported on trailers but can be registered and street-driven. In Texas, we recommend events with Lone Star Drift or River City Drift. You can also drive on private property with asphalt or on tracks that offer private or member days. Additionally, you can drive your TDA-built drift car at our home track for a small fee in connection with a course, with a 10% lifetime discount on Texas Drift Academy courses.
Do you do engine swaps? Yes, we offer various engine swap options depending on your needs. Contact us to discuss the best solution for your application.
Do you offer track support? Yes, we provide comprehensive trackside support services, including transportation, repairs, coaching, spotting, setup changes, and hospitality, to ensure you have an excellent track experience.
How long does it take to build? Stage 1 and Stage 2 builds can be completed in as little as one week once work begins. Stage 3 builds, due to required fabrication, can take up to a month.
Do I need a cage? The Nissan 350Z has a robust frame, and most sanctioning bodies do not require a cage for track driving or tandem drifting. However, if you’re competing on high-speed tracks like Texas Motor Speedway or aiming for a Pro License, we recommend installing a cage for added safety.
Why not buy a pre-built car? Pre-built used drift cars can be cheaper and a starting point for many. However, in our experience (we look at a lot of them) they often come with subpar parts and shortcuts that require significant time and effort to correct, risking downtime and safety. Our custom builds focus on maximizing seat time, performance, and safety, ensuring you get a reliable and high-performing car from the start.
Do you repair or work on other OEMs or 350Zs with existing builds? Yes, we can. Our team has experience with various OEMs, such as BMW, Toyota, Chevy (Corvette) and other Nissan Platforms (ex: S14). We prepare clients for race days, and and can improve existing drift car builds.
What maintenance is required? Tires and fuel are the largest consumables. Regular servicing of engine oil and other fluids is recommended, and we can assist in managing these needs.
Ready to Start Your Own Engine?
We only build 6 custom drift cars per year. If you’re interested, text us at (512) 831-6547, or email drive@texasdriftacademy.com, or call (512) 831-6547 to get started.
First 3 minutes of this video, a happy client playing in their front yard…