This $1 Drift Mod Is The Ultimate Beginner Upgrade

Sure, it sounds too good to be true, but you’ll want to consider this $1 drift mod. It’ll even earn you JDM scene points in the process, which we all know are priceless!

When I imported my “street style” Nissan Silvia S15 from Japan, it had a bunch of handy mods already installed, most of which I intended to replace or upgrade. 

Up until the ridiculously exciting moment I got to (finally) pick it up at the docks, I’d only ever drifted cars with a “typical” stock parking brake or the drift-specific hydraulic upgrade (hydro).

However, this featured a ‘drift knob’, ‘spin turn’, ‘drift handbrake button’, or whatever you want to call it. The thing has a million different names.

I’d seen these featured in the old-school JDM touge drifting videos, but had no idea how they actually worked. It was immediately clear that the guys at the docks didn’t either, as it would’ve been free to roll across the dockyard if it hadn’t been left in gear!

Needless to say, I immediately realized how useful it was to have some initial fun until I could afford to splash out on a hydro upgrade.

What’s The Point Of A ‘Drift Knob’?

Thankfully, the concept is a lot simpler than figuring out what its actual name is.

Instead of having to constantly ‘press’ the e-brake button to release it, you push it down initially, then pull the button out to lock it into place.

Why Would You Consider One?

Given the fact that you can pick one up for less than a dollar, it’s a perfect mod for those who are on a budget and just getting started.

For beginners who are learning the ropes and wanting to initiate and lock up the rear wheels quickly, it’s the cheapest alternative you’re going to get to a hydro.

Sure, it’s not a full-blown replacement for a dual-caliper hydraulic e-brake setup, but it’s a tiny fraction of the cost, and only takes a few minutes to install.

Drift Knob Pros

• Faster, smoother e-brake pulls
• No need to press the button
• Less than a dollar
• Perfect for beginners
• (Arguably) improves interior aesthetics

Drift Knob Cons

• Works with mechanical cable e-brakes, EPB cars are a no-go
• Using the stock ebrake cable too often can accelerate wear if poorly adjusted/abused
• May fail state inspection/violate local vehicle code (check local laws/documents)
• Higher potential to forget to put the e-brake back on

Fitting Is Super Simple

Here are the simple steps for fitting a drift knob (application may vary depending on make/model):

• Slide off the e-brake handle/cover
• Find tabs/spring behind the button
• Bend/remove the tabs (disables spring push-out)
• Slide the handle back on
• Fit the drift button/knob… Thingy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide, where you can also see exactly how it works:

Best of all, if you decide to get rid of it, you can just reverse these steps and take the knob off, and (unless you remove the tabs) no one will have any idea you’ve been a parking lot hero!

Some cars (e.g., Nissan 350Z/370Z) have a metal sleeve you’ll need to remove before fitting, so it’s worth researching your specific vehicle first.

Is It Really A Dollar, Though?

If you’re happy to buy from AliExpress, sure. We had the most luck using the “E-Brake Handle Brake Drift Spin Turn Knob Button” search term to find available options.

We wouldn’t often consider buying car parts straight outta China, but given their basic design, it’s extremely unlikely they’ll break or cause any issues. 

Of course, if you want something that’ll truly tick the ‘JDM’ boxes and have a fancy logo on it, there’s a variety of options, with the most popular choice being Cusco.

Enjuku Racing also stocks cheap ones for $7, alongside pricier ISR Performance and Perrin alternatives, though. Also check out this heart-shaped NRG drift button if you’re after something a little different!

While they can be had for less than a dollar, it might be worth spending a few extra bucks to go with a reputable brand.

Before You Click Buy…

Assuming you’ve already ensured it’s legal in your area and won’t invalidate your insurance (boring, I know), you’ll also want to ensure you buy the correct fitment.

While they’re somewhat Universal for the most part, you’ll want to check the fitment for your exact vehicle make/model.

The “Toyobaru” models (Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86), for instance, require a specific fitment. As does the Mazda Miata, Nissan S-chassis, etc.