V8 swap chassis strengthening

Post Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:23 pm

Just a quick question. Im having an M60B30 (M60B40 coming later!) with a manual box put into my 325 sport. The guy who is doing the fabricating for me says that i will have to strengthen my chassis as it will bend/twist from the power. Does it need doing? Or is it worth spending £1500 on doing it? Your advice would be great and a real help. Many Thanks!!

Post Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:27 pm

Not necessary. A good quality front strut brace (ie not some tat with slotted holes as i've recently seen) wouldn't go amiss.

Post Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:44 pm

the chassis wont twist with that power.take the work elsewhere as he's at it.

Post Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:45 pm

Not necessary

Post Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:51 pm

what are they...286bhp or so? the only problem i had with 330bhp and 300lbft was the diff mounting plate cracking around the bolt holes but i think that was more to do wth vibration on thew prop.

Post Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:59 pm

Torque is known for doing the rear diff carriers as you experienced Fuzzy.. However only turbo cars have enough to do that damage..

Post Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:14 pm

Yea well, strengthening is never bad thing to do but the three main points i'd strengthen are differential "ear" bolting point, rear trailing arm "ends" where driveshafts go and the flat points on front where the engine sits. Bad explaining, sorry..

Post Wed Sep 16, 2009 12:24 am

Jonsku wrote:... but the three main points i'd strengthen are differential "ear" bolting point ...

I had exactly this problem, it bent way too easy! I have since pulled the diff cover off a medium case diff out of an E36 (with two mounting points, not just one as on theE30 diff) and I plan to construct two well reinforced "ears" to which to attach the new diff cover. I expect this will sort the problem out.