Is 2JZ good for drifting?

The 2JZ engine, a legendary inline-six powerplant from Toyota, is often considered an excellent choice for drifting applications. Its robust design, high-revving capabilities, and tuning potential make it a popular option among drifting enthusiasts.

The 2JZ Engine: A Drifting Favorite

The 2JZ engine, found in iconic Toyota models like the Supra, is renowned for its exceptional reliability and impressive power output. Its inline-six configuration and large displacement (2.997 liters) allow for significant tuning potential, making it a favorite among drifters who seek to extract maximum performance from their vehicles.

One of the key factors that make the 2JZ engine well-suited for drifting is its ability to handle high levels of boost from turbochargers or superchargers. This allows drifters to significantly increase the engine's power output, enabling them to maintain high-speed, controlled slides through corners.

Advantages of the 2JZ for Drifting

• Robust Design: The 2JZ engine is known for its sturdy construction, with a cast-iron block and forged internals that can withstand high levels of stress and abuse, making it well-suited for the demands of drifting.


• High-Revving Capabilities: The 2JZ engine can rev to high RPMs, allowing drifters to maintain power and control during prolonged drifts.


• Tuning Potential: The 2JZ engine responds well to various modifications, such as turbochargers, engine management systems, and suspension upgrades, enabling drifters to fine-tune their vehicles for optimal performance.


• Aftermarket Support: The popularity of the 2JZ engine among drifters and enthusiasts has led to a vast ecosystem of aftermarket parts and support, making it easier for drifters to find the necessary components to build their dream drift cars.

While the 2JZ engine is not the only option for drifting, its combination of power, reliability, and tuning potential make it a highly sought-after choice among drifting enthusiasts. Its reputation for delivering exceptional performance and durability has solidified the 2JZ's status as a legendary engine in the world of drifting.

Is the 2JZ engine good for drifting?

The 2JZ engine has become a popular choice for drifting because of its impressive power and durability. Drifting is a motorsport that requires a lot of power and torque to initiate and maintain drifts, and the 2JZ engine is able to provide that power reliably.

What is the ideal HP for drifting?

The 250-400 HP Range – The Sweet Spot for Most Drifters
For most drift cars, 250-400 horsepower is the ideal range for both grassroots and pro-am levels. Some cars in this range include: BMW E36/E46 M3 (240-340 HP)

How much HP can a 2JZ handle?

A stock 2JZ-GTE can handle about 500−700500 minus 700500−700 hp reliably with proper supporting mods, while with a fully built engine, it can handle over 1,0001 comma 0001,000 hp and even upwards of 2,0002 comma 0002,000 hp with aftermarket billet blocks. The engine's durability depends heavily on whether the internals are stock or fully forged and the specific supporting modifications, such as fuel systems, turbochargers, and tuning. 
With stock internals

• 500−700500 minus 700500−700 hp: It is possible to reliably reach this power level with supporting modifications and careful tuning. Exceeding this with a stock bottom end can lead to premature failure, especially if torque spikes early in the powerband, notes Real Street Performance.
• Over 700700700 hp: Pushing beyond this with stock internals is risky and can reduce long-term reliability, though some builds have achieved more, according to TREAD Magazine. 

With a fully built engine 

• 1,0001 comma 0001,000 hp and above: With upgraded internal components like forged pistons and rods, the 2JZ-GTE can reliably produce over 1,0001 comma 0001,000 hp. 
• 2,0002 comma 0002,000 hp and beyond: Engines built with components like billet main caps and other racing parts can handle over 2,0002 comma 0002,000 hp. 
• Record-setting power: Custom, high-end builds using aftermarket billet blocks have been built to produce even more, with some approaching or exceeding 3,0003 comma 0003,000 hp. 

Which engine is good for drifting?

The best engine for drifting depends on your goals, but popular choices include the GM LS V8, the Nissan RB series, and the Toyota JZ series due to their power, availability, and tuning potential. For a budget-friendly and high-power option, GM LS V8s are highly recommended because of their low cost, lightweight aluminum blocks, and wide availability of parts. For those seeking a more classic or tunable inline-six, the Nissan RB and Toyota JZ engines are also excellent choices, especially for those who want a specific sound or are building a classic Japanese drift car. 
This video discusses the top engines for drifting: 1mHaugen RacingYouTube · May 18, 2020
Top contenders for drifting engines

• GM LS V8:
  • Pros: Readily available and inexpensive, lightweight aluminum blocks, and a vast aftermarket for upgrades and parts. They are easy to tune for high horsepower and are a reliable choice for high-level competition. 
  • Cons: They can be heavy compared to some four or six-cylinder engines, and the weight distribution needs to be considered. 
• Nissan RB Series (e.g., RB25DET, RB26DETT):
  • Pros: Iconic sound, highly tunable, and a great fit for classic drift car builds. The RB25DET is considered a good balance of power and cost. 
  • Cons: Parts can be more difficult to find and more expensive than for GM LS engines. 
• Toyota JZ Series (e.g., 1JZ-GTE, 2JZ-GTE):
  • Pros: Known for being powerful, durable, and offering great mid-range torque, making them a fantastic choice for drifting. 
  • Cons: Modern JZ engines can be expensive to acquire, and finding parts can be challenging. 
• Toyota 4AGE:
  • Pros: A high-revving four-cylinder found in the classic AE86 Corolla, it's a great option for those looking for a lightweight and agile drift car that rewards driver skill. 
  • Cons: Limited power compared to V8s or turbocharged inline-sixes unless significantly modified. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the Nissan SR20DET engine: 43sV2 DriftYouTube · Oct 4, 2022
Other notable options

• GM 4.8/5.3/6.0/6.2 truck engines: A cheap and plentiful option with a huge potential for power upgrades. They are a great starting point for those on a tight budget. 
• Honda K-series: A four-cylinder engine that is a popular swap for those looking for a high-revving, tunable, and lightweight option. 
• Toyota 1UZFE: An all-aluminum V8 that is relatively lightweight and loves boost. They are known for being nearly indestructible. 

This video shows a full competition LS build for Formula Drift: 1mThe Horsepower MonsterYouTube · Jan 5, 2025