Author Topic: Motor mount orientation? (Turbo pics too) (Read 3300 times)

rob_e30 · « **on:** March 25, 2007, 10:33:06 AM »

So as many of you know, I'm dropping a M42 in place of the M20 in my E30 race car. The new engine came out of an E30 so I have the proper motor mount arms, as well as the IE urethane mounts. These motor mounts are offset... center bolt on one side, offset bolt on the other. As I've never seen the mount orientation on an engine installed, can someone offer either some pics or a description of the mount orientation?

The Centered bolt through the subframe or the mount arm (which way is up)?

The offset bolt facing which direction (inboard, outboard, both left, both righ, forward or rear)?

Is it the same for both?

I think those three variables should be all I need to confirm I have it put together correctly. It seems that the engine MAY sit at a slightly different angle to the M20 as the tranny appears to be tilted a few degrees but it could be problems with the way the motor mounts are aligned too. I'm a little concerned that the tranny appears to not be aligned down the centerline of the car.

Any help is apprecaited.

By way of a teaser, here's a pic of the engine bay!

nickmpower · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2007, 12:17:27 PM »

centered on top and offset on bottom im pretty sure. if the mounts are twisted then the tranny might not be centered? idk

what oil cooler is that?

1991 E30 M42 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2007, 12:36:05 PM »

It's the one from Victory Product Design. victoryproductdesign.com

BrandC · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2007, 12:05:41 AM »

Is that the E36 VPD kit? Or is that another custom kit?

Rob E30: I always wondered if using the VPD oil cooler kit would drop oil pressure significantly. Please let us know if this affects oil flow/pressure. I want to run an oil cooler since I use my car for heavy track duty.

I'd really like more detailed pictures of the oil cooler setup if possible. Thanks!

rob_e30 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2007, 12:29:35 AM »

It is the VPD Kit. Fife told me that it should not drop pressure. Once the system is pressurized it should be able to maintain it. He's reluctant to sell the kit for the M42 as you have to customize your oil filters so that they seal against the cap.

BrandC · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2007, 02:45:41 AM »

I'm not sure what you mean about customizing your oil filter to seal against the cap. Could you explain a little bit more? I am really looking into one, I just want to know what kind of modifications are involved. Thx!

Donkeyshins · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2007, 05:02:52 PM »

What did you use?

-D