Front strut help please

[generallee]

Hi all, just a quick one-
I have a 316, 1.8 with carb, and I need to fit new front struts (current one's spring cup things are badly rotten!). The car curently runs solid discs, but are struts from a 6 cylinder model with vented discs a straight swap?
Cars with solid discs are hard to come by in the scrappers, plus I guess vented discs would be a nice upgrade too.
If i swapped would my master cylinder cope with (presumably larger) vented disc callipers?

Sorry for so many questions from a newbie, but I am really stuck.
Many thanks in advance.

[kilrone]

they are a straight swap bear in mind the shock absorbers are not interchangeable and you would have to fit your original 4 cylinder springs as the 6 cyl springs are different youre master cyl should cope

[daimlerman]

Only difference with the vented discs is a wider caliper carrier.
Front springs are specific to 4 or 6 pot cars to allow for the extra wieght of the proper engine.
320i uses struts with a 45mm insert,but the 325i uses a strut with a 51mm insert.

Worth noting when you are in the scrappie that all 318iS,cabbies and tourings also came with the 51mm front stuts,and vented front discs.

[generallee]

Hmmmm...
I have found a touring, so if I whip the struts off it I can then swap my springs/dampers over and job done? Or have i missed something regarding 45/51 mm insert?
I have spring compressors and tools- I just lack knowledge!
THanks for the quick replies, looks like I have a dirty-handed BH weekend shaping up nicely

[maxfield]

You will have to leave the shock in the Touring damper but can change the springs.

[generallee]

Brilliant. Thank you all very much. I'll get a pair and get swapping.

[jonny323i]

where are you based

[generallee]

Derby, but half way through moving to Manchester.

[jonny323i]

i have a full setup in stoke on trent if you still need them