E46 Rack with M20 (STD Manifold)

Post Mon Jun 24, 2013 7:56 pm

I've got nearly all the parts to fit an 067 E46 rack to my 325i which has the standard log manifold.

I'm going to fit new Burton Capri engine mounts at the same time.

I've read conflicting postings where some say the UJ (minus rubber) does not hit the manifold, whilst others say the lower knuckle hits.

Has anyone got a pick of this set up to confirm if the UJ will hit or not?

Paul.

Post Tue Jun 25, 2013 8:11 am

I completed this conversion over the weekend. Didn't change my mounts in the end as I'm collecting parts for a whole suspension/bush overhaul and needed to change thd rack for its MOT. So just put in an 067 rack, hoses and linkage. The linkage is catching my manifold or at least I could feel it, can have a look and get a put posted for you tonight or tomorrow if that helps?

At a guess, there may be conflicting veiws on the matter dependant on how tired your mounts are in the first place. As I understand the button mounts are most beneficial with upgraded manifolds. Either way for me mind I'm going to be fitting the button mounts now that I left in thd box..

Post Tue Jun 25, 2013 9:02 am

PG325 wrote:I've got nearly all the parts to fit an 067 E46 rack to my 325i which has the standard log manifold.

I'm going to fit new Burton Capri engine mounts at the same time.

I've read conflicting postings where some say the UJ (minus rubber) does not hit the manifold, whilst others say the lower knuckle hits.

Has anyone got a pick of this set up to confirm if the UJ will hit or not?

Paul.

Check the last page on my thread (link in my sig)

Its tight but doesn't hit - best mod you will ever do to your car!

Post Tue Jun 25, 2013 6:56 pm

Meatballs82 wrote:
PG325 wrote:I've got nearly all the parts to fit an 067 E46 rack to my 325i which has the standard log manifold.

I'm going to fit new Burton Capri engine mounts at the same time.

I've read conflicting postings where some say the UJ (minus rubber) does not hit the manifold, whilst others say the lower knuckle hits.

Has anyone got a pick of this set up to confirm if the UJ will hit or not?

Paul.
Check the last page on my thread (link in my sig)

Its tight but doesn't hit - best mod you will ever do to your car!

You have a custom E34 linkage don't you? I was really hoping to keep the E30 linkage.

Post Fri Jun 28, 2013 9:39 pm

The lower joint will be close regardless of linkage, beware of aftermarket frontpipes as there are not many that help clearance! Upgraded engine mounts are essential for an M20 though

Nice pics Matt

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 10:25 am

Just to follow up. Yesterday, I fitted the Burton Escort mounts as recommended by Dan for this conversion. It has sorted all clearance issues from the manifold

Go on Dan.

http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-cat ... fp292.html

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 10:34 am

Are the Escort mounts an upgrade just for the M20 or can they be used for the M42 as well?

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 5:34 pm

jmc330i wrote:Are the Escort mounts an upgrade just for the M20 or can they be used for the M42 as well?

Not entirely sure. Not an upgrade as such I don't think. The rubber appears to house the engine a touch higher than stock (at least with the M20 mounts), therefore clearing the steering linkage from the manifold. They're not that expensive, nor much work to put in. So if you're having clearance problems with the steering rack upgrade; give it a shot.

If you want I could go measure the thickness of the mounts so you can compare with your current ones?

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 6:41 pm

G-Bear wrote: If you want I could go measure the thickness of the mounts so you can compare with your current ones?

Yeah, that would be good thanks

I guess if they are a little higher than the M42 mounts, that will help with sump clearance a bit. I've not found an E46 rack yet, so I'm not sure what clearance issues there will be with that yet.

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 6:58 pm

The cars not at my house today. But shall probably be by it tomorrow so I'll give it a quick measure. Should certainly help with sump clearance, that was a bugger on my old IS.

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 7:04 pm

Nice one. No rush though dude, the engine is still sat on the floor and won't be fitted for a few weeks yet.

Post Sun Jun 30, 2013 9:39 am

The Burton mounts at 50mm thick by 70mm diameter.

Post Sun Jun 30, 2013 9:47 am

I'm having clearance issues with my e36 rack on my m20 e30. First I spaced up standard mounts, uj was still locking. I then fitted brand new Burton 50mm mounts and used a small spacer to gain a bit extra. I then went drifting and after a few runs the uj was binding again. I haven't got the mounts off the car yet but it looks like the passenger side Burton mount has failed and started to split. I hope it's just a dodgy mount but I won't be using them again. I just ordered some hockey pucks, 10 for £15 delivered ;)

Post Sun Jun 30, 2013 10:54 am

PG325 wrote:The Burton mounts at 50mm thick by 70mm diameter.

Thanks dude

I'll get mine measured up when I get 5 mins.

Post Sun Jun 30, 2013 12:09 pm

Is the upgrade to an e46 rack worth doing on a normal daily?

Post Sun Jun 30, 2013 12:28 pm

Post Sun Jun 30, 2013 1:09 pm

jmc330i wrote:
PG325 wrote:The Burton mounts at 50mm thick by 70mm diameter.
Thanks dude
I'll get mine measured up when I get 5 mins.

Cheers... One less thing for me to do today

@ jamlid - definitely a worthwhile job...