335i update

[Toby_Unna]

it ain't particularly easy Alex

sounds like you're doing it the way I did. bolt the gearbox on and get the box crossmember bolted up to the tunnel. that'll help the left-right tilt sort itself out. make sure the crank centreline is centred at the front. then aim for about 10mm between steering rack and crossmember (needs to be closer but will sit down on rubber mounts; you'll probably end up shimming it anyway.

good luck!

[e30Alex]

Cheers Toby, that does make sense actually, as i was finding the left/right tilt very difficult to controll. Thats spot on mate, cheers Alex

[gareth]

mine settled about 5mm no new rubbers so now needs shimming

[e30Alex]

Talking of rubbers(no pun intended!), is it esential to upgrade to 6pot rubber? My car was a 316 and has tiny rubbers. TBH I hadnt actually thought they would be a problem, its just the above post regarding settled rubber. If so, is there any specific models I should look at, ie e34 etc?Cheers for another silly question!Alex

[SPADGE]

325 new rubbers will be fine mate. About 6 quid each iirc

[e30Alex]

6 quid!Blimey ill have to check the bank!cheers for that spadge,Alex

[Toby_Unna]

aim for about 10mm between steering rack and crossmember

er, i meant steering rack and sump

as i remember the 316i rubbers are a different design and slightly different height to the 325i ones. no point designing your brackets to suit the 316 ones then possibly find they break

[e30Alex]

hey lined the old m30 up a treat before. mounted the gearbox mount up, then jacked up the engine bout 10mm ish, threw some wood under it.job done! Oh well time to make some mounts, but as above need the bigger 325i mounts.Cheers Alex

[alan335i]

hey alex,i'm about the same stage as you in the conversion,i made my own mounts as well,a little tip i found worked out well,i mounted the box first,then,set the engine on a 10mm peice of wood on the crossmember ,line the crankshaft pulley to the middle off the two chassis legs,i had plates made for the engine and the rubber mountings(5mm plate),bolted them in place,then i cut pieces of cardboard the size and shape i needed to go between the two plates ,i found it easier to shape the card board first then use thet as a template on the steel,i used lenghts of steel 10mmx40mm.three lenghts on eash mount,similar to these.

[e30Alex]

very cool mate, thanks for the tip. I reckognise that photo - e30.de i think!!!Ive analysed them so much!Have you got any photos of your mounts?I need the 325i rubber mounts before i finish mine, im still using the 316 ones. Ive made one of the plates, on the intake side, simular to the photo!Cheers Alex

[e30Alex]

right update time, made my inlet mount, i made the basic construction, then got a mate to do some proper good welds. Ill get some photos up later, going to make my exhaust side later if theres time. Fitted the new interior the other day, still to do.....weld a plate over rusty battery tray, buy/make a prop, fit new steering wheel, 325i susspension and brakes, get some wheels, wire in the m30, fit gear linkage.....it goes on and on!!!!Cheers Alex

[e30Alex]

heres the inlet side mount, should finish the exhaust side later.Alex http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s121 ... mount2.jpg[/IMG]

[gareth]

that welding would worry me to be honest... it looks like the you need to use thicker wire and turn the power up for more penetation (ooer!). or if your welder is maxed out, tack weld the other one to get the shape and then get a local engineering / welding company to run over your welds to beef things up a bit.

[Speedtouch]

Does looks a tad 'chicken-shitty' doesn't it! Should be quite strong though as it's a box structure, welded on both sides of the steel plates...

[e30Alex]

Yeh the welds are crappy, im new to this welding lark, the main stress points, ie the top and bottom have been 'properly' welded, i only welded the brace parts if you get me. Oh well if it brakes whats the worst that can happen.Actually PLEASE dont answer that!Cheers Alex

[gareth]

try tinkering with settings and preheating the metal with a blowlamp.

[ed325i]

This is how I made mine.

[Speedtouch]

Now those look sweet!

[e30Alex]

Yeh they are very nice!

[e30Alex]

update time, havnt finished the mounts, I decided to have a go at sorting the rusty battery tray. I definitly opened up a can of worms with this one, I removed the pedal box, to gain proper access. All good so i thort, weld a plate in job done......ill just move this carpet as its a fire hazzard.....and i found 3 big rusty holes. So i poked them and now i can see the floor.Bloody rust.Ill keep you posted.Alex

[DRIFTBOY]

Awww, that sucks dude!

But at least you spotted it while the welders out anyway and it won't spread any more. Plus it won't fail the m.o.t. on it !

Good luck!

Martin.

[ric325i]

yeah i was putting the m30 in my 325 but the shell was well rotten! bulk head issues but i cant weld so i gave up and bought a 318i now i have the same issues you will be having.

engine mounts, fuel pump etc.

its annoying when i had it all ready and now i have to source it all again.

i hope to start the conversion next week! use the light evenings after work i just need andy GALL's.

its been about 4/5 months since i started the conversion

i have to get it done soon!

[gareth]

i once burned a chrome turd (and i mean TURD) 320i to the ground while welding in that area

[diamondblacke28]

that 14swg steel is no way strong enough mate

[e30Alex]

whoopy doo. Ill have a fire extingisher (sp?) ready and ill pray!

Diamondblacke28 - I think it will be ok, it seems pretty strong, what type of metal would you recomend?