Drift Project EP5: We open the B58 engine - Discovery and surprises under the bonnet!

We start by dismantling the B58 from top to bottom. The aim? Inspect every part to ensure that the block is in good condition before starting the major modifications. The engine, which only has 5,000 km on the clock, comes from a crashed car. First check: no visible cracks on the block, but a broken oil pan catches our attention.

We remove the injectors, the high-pressure pump, the alternator (which turns out to be out of order), and the exhaust pipe. There's no denying that every time we dismantle a component, we're on the lookout for hidden faults. The wiring harness is carefully dismantled to avoid damaging the connectors and make reassembly easier.

Despite a few parts to be replaced, the heart of the engine seems sound. We're moving on to the next stage with peace of mind, and with a good basis for our supercharged drifter project!

Let's move on to one of the most exciting parts: the installation of the DOC Race turbo kit, freshly arrived from the United States. Just unpacking the parts is a feast for the eyes: turbo, manifold, downpipe, wastegate, it's all there.

What do you notice first? The quality seems to be there, with clean welds and robust materials.

But that's not all! We also received parts straight from Ukraine, including the removal of the thermostat, a power steering pump kit, and adapters to remove the electronics. These modifications are designed to optimise the engine's cooling and responsiveness on the track. A little extra: the cooler removal plate, which will simplify thermal management.

We then carried out a blank assembly to check the adjustments. The technical choice was to install the turbo at the bottom of the engine. This is less spectacular than mounting the turbo high up, but much more effective in terms of thermal management and weight distribution. This compromise is designed for competition: performance before aesthetics.

One small detail to note: the downpipe appears to be designed for a 1 Series, which may require a few adjustments. But nothing our team can't handle! With the kit in place and the Ukrainian parts installed, we're beginning to see the beast's potential, and it promises to deliver some serious power on the track.

Once the turbo kit has been presented, it's time to open up the engine for an in-depth inspection. Taking apart a second-hand engine is always a gamble: you hope for a good surprise, but prepare for the worst. The first surprising finding: gravel found inside the block. A nice surprise... but not in the good sense of the word!

The pistons, on the other hand, look clean, with no signs of overheating or excessive wear. The cylinder head also appears to be in good condition, although a few suspicious marks require closer inspection. As for the crankshaft, it turns freely, and we like that!

This opening also allows us to plan the internal modifications. The engine will be forged to withstand the targeted power. The original pistons and connecting rods will be replaced by reinforced parts. There will also be adjustments to the oil pump and sump to optimise lubrication during intensive drift sessions.

Despite these minor surprises, the base is sound. The work is progressing well, and there's plenty of enthusiasm for what's to come!

With the engine completely dismantled, it's time for a precise diagnosis of each component. First look at the connecting rods and bearings: the good news is that there are no signs of abnormal wear. The bearings are in perfect condition, but we'll replace them with reinforced models for safety.

As for the cylinder head, it did not reveal any cracks, but modifications will be necessary. being a direct-injection engine, we're going to do away with this configuration to optimise combustion. This involves smoothing the combustion chambers and plugging the injector ports. Special inserts will be machined to guarantee sealing and durability.

The crankshaft is intact and ready to support the new engine configuration. However, the alternator and alternator support will have to be replaced following the damage caused by the accident.

Finally, there are plans to reinforce the oil pump and adapt the crankcase for better lubrication management in drift conditions. The diagnosis is clear: with a few strategic modifications, this B58 engine will be ready for extreme performance on the track.

With the B58 engine completely dismantled, inspected and in the process of being transformed, our drift project is taking an exciting turn. Between the surprises we encountered, like the gravel in the block, and the technical advances, each stage brought us closer to an engine ready to take on extreme performance.

The installation of the turbo kit, modifications to the cylinder head at MP-RESEAU, and the replacement of parts ensure a solid and reliable base. This project isn't just about impressive power figures: it's about building a drift machine that combines performance, reliability and driving pleasure.

What happens next? Reassembly, fine-tuning and, of course, the first track tests. We can't wait to see this beast in action and share the results of all this hard work with you.

Stay tuned for future episodes, because the road to ultimate performance has only just begun!