Let’s Talk About This
So you want to get into drifting but you don’t have X90 money. Fair enough. Most people don’t.
The good news is you can build something proper for under 10 lakh. Something that actually slides, doesn’t break every other weekend (yes this is optional) , and has that long wheelbase that everyone seems to like these days.
The platform? Toyota Corona T140 or Cressida X73. They’re basically the same look. Still cheap because quite alot of them with baba G’s all around the country…Which works in your favor.
The Car Itself
Budget: 4.5 to 5 lakh
Go find a T140 or X73. They’re around. Check OLX, check the Facebook groups, or even look around in your city. The engine condition doesn’t really matter because you’re swapping it anyway. What matters is the body.
Check the usual spots. Sills, floorpans, where the rear suspension mounts. Surface rust is whatever. Holes are a problem. Also check if the chassis is straight. These cars are old, some have been in accidents. Walk away if it’s bent.
If the engine is dead, use that to bring the price down. 4.5 lakh is a good target. 5 lakh if it’s really clean.
Suspension
Budget: 50k
Stock suspension on these is soft. Like driving a boat soft. For drifting you need to control weight transfer. When you turn in, the car rolls. Stiffer suspension reduces that roll so the rear end breaks loose more predictably.
With 50k you’re not getting proper coilovers. You’re getting a budget set or a weld-on sleeve kit. That’s fine. It gets the car low and stiff enough to slide. Later when you have more money you can upgrade.
The Diff
Budget: Under 10k
Most of these came with an open diff. One wheel spins, the other does nothing. Can’t drift like that.
Welding the diff locks both rear wheels together. Now both spin all the time. Find a mechanic who knows how to weld diffs properly. If the weld breaks mid-slide, the car suddenly hooks up and you’re heading for a wall. So pay someone who’s done it before.
It makes the car chatter in tight turns and parking lots. That’s normal. On track it’s exactly what you need.
Gearbox
Budget: 70k
The W58 is the one to get. It’s a Toyota gearbox from the 80s and 90s, found in Supras, Soarers, some Cressidas. Strong enough for what you’re doing, cheap, and parts are available.
In 2026, a good W58 will cost you around 70k. Make sure it shifts clean. Check for noise. If you can, have someone who knows these boxes look at it before you buy
Engine
Now this is where you have choices. The car, suspension, diff, and gearbox come to 6,30,000 no matter what. What you spend on the engine decides your final number.
Option 1: 1G Beams
Engine cost: 1,70,000 PKR
This is the 2 liter 4 cylinder from the Altezza. Modern engine, VVT, revs high. It’s the lightest option so the car stays balanced. Doesn’t have a ton of low down torque so you have to work the gearbox to keep it sliding. Good for learning.
Add it up:
- Fixed costs: 6,30,000
- 1G Beams: 1,70,000
Total: 8,00,000 PKR
You’re at exactly 8 lakh. That leaves you 2 lakh for clutch, radiator, fluids, bucket seat, maybe even a set of decent tyres. Comfortably under budget with money to spare.
Option 2: 2JZ GE
Engine cost: 2,20,000 to 2,30,000 PKR
The 3 liter straight six. Non-turbo so no turbo headaches. Still has decent torque. It’s a heavy engine but these cars can take it. Power delivery is smooth and predictable. Probably the most balanced option for the money.
Add it up:
- Fixed costs: 6,30,000
- 2JZ GE: 2,30,000 (taking the higher end)
Total: 8,60,000 PKR
You’re at 8.6 lakh. You have about 1.4 lakh left for clutch, radiator, fluids, and whatever else comes up. Well under budget.
Option 3: 1UZ FE Non VVTI
Engine cost: 3,00,000 to 3,50,000 PKR
The 4 liter V8. Non VVTI version has simpler wiring, fewer computers. Makes the most torque of these three options. In 3rd gear, stab the throttle and the back end steps out. Effortless sliding.
Add it up using the higher estimate:
- Fixed costs: 6,30,000
- 1UZ: 3,50,000
Total: 9,80,000 PKR
You’re at 9.8 lakh. That leaves almost nothing for the rest of the build. You still need clutch (V8 clutches cost more), radiator (V8 runs hot), fluids, maybe custom driveshaft work. Expect to spend another 50-70k to get it running properly.
Realistic total: Around 10.3 to 10.5 lakh
If you find a 1UZ for 3 lakh even, you’re at 9.3 fixed, which gives you a bit more room. But generally, the V8 build will push you over 10 lakh once everything’s done.
Which One?
- Strict 10 lakh budget, want money left over: 1G Beams. 8 lakh total means you have 2 lakh for everything else. Safe bet.
- 10 lakh budget, want the best all-rounder: 2JZ GE. 8.6 lakh total leaves you 1.4 lakh for the rest. Sweet spot.
- Don’t mind going over 10 lakh: 1UZ. Torque is fun but be ready for extra costs. Try to find one on the lower end of that price range.
Getting Parts
If you need help finding an engine or gearbox, hit up Carnama on WhatsApp. They deal with this stuff daily.