E36 HSD's on an E30..

[davethegoat]

Following on from this thread (where there's already some good info):
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... 49#2467749

I've got a set of HSD's waiting to go on my car.
Demlotcrew and harry_p, are you using the E36 top-mounts? How are you mounting them? What about caster?
I sent an e'mail to one of the Polish fleabayers today asking whether they could knock up a set of E30 spec camber/caster adjustable top plates to bolt directly to the HSD bearing carriers. I could ask for a discount on however many sets if anyone's interested if rules allow??

Cheers. Dave.

[ajay]

I know someone on here that used them and re drilled the shock tower, he said they were fine and suffered no negative effects. NOT the best way of going about it and if it were me i would be looking to do as you mention above.

[Motorhole]

Only thing that needs done to fit e36 coilovers in an e30 adjustable top mount is to swap out the sleeved nut for an M14 one. If you buy adjustable top mounts from any reputable manufacturer, just speak to them to say you want an M14x1.5 sleeved nut rather than the e30 M12 and you should be rolling.

[DanThe]

You will need more than different top mounts to fit the rears

[Motorhole]

You will need more than different top mounts to fit the rears

Good point! Never thought about the rear...

[davethegoat]

You will need more than different top mounts to fit the rears

I *thought* that the only difference between the fit of E30 and E36 shocks was length? The rear HSD's springs sit on the stock E30 spring mounts, so should pretty much bolt up?

As you say Motorhole, complete E30 top-mounts with different fittings would be an answer, but, I've not heard (so far) of any HSD top-mounts knocking, so I'm assuming that they have decent/reliable bearings which I'd like to keep. Also, I'm being a tight-wad. (My car's a money pit! )

I'm also not entirely a fan of the re-drilling turrets idea Ajay. I'd prefer not to be tied into E36 top-mounts in the future.

Cheers. D

[e21Jason]

HSD rears have a shock sitting in a threaded adjustable body so you can alter the shock length to a degree

[davethegoat]

Thanks for the input Jason. Yep, the rears shouldn't be a problem.

I'm pretty sure I'll be getting some top mount plates made, though still interested to see what route others are going regarding the HSD mounts and caster.

Cheers! D.

[Demlotcrew]

HSD rears have a shock sitting in a threaded adjustable body so you can alter the shock length to a degree

Yup, and the threaded base section is 1.4kg per side!

I just fitted a new set to the dirty six M3 and its such a heavy kit! Its good value, first impressions on the road test is very good

Andrew

[harry_p]

mine are on an e36 so can't help with topmounts on an e30.

very happy with mine, have now set the ride height where i want it, nice and low but if you remove the helper springs there's enough thread left to lower it enough to touch the chassis rails to the floor

[davethegoat]

I got some top mounts made for E30 fitment, using the HSD bearing. Not caster adjustable, but they fit.



I'll update here with some ride height measurements (without helper springs) if and when I remember!



Cheers! DtG.

[harry_p]

Nice solution. I did wonder when fitting mine how hard it would be just to make a new top plate up.

You get quite a bit of castor on an e30 just with offset lower arm bushes, more than on an e36 ( excluding evo )