M52 plus e46 rack. Linkage question

[hillbilly30]

This is my standard linkage (318is with m52) does anyone know what modification this will need to make it fit with the e46 rack?
Many thanks.

[BenHar]

Doesn't look standard to me!

e46 rack moves the bottom connector closer to the engine.

Danthe should be able to advise.

Ben

[DanThe]

You have pm mate

[BenHar]

You have pm mate

Come on, Dan, reveal the secrets!

Ben

[hillbilly30]

You have pm mate

Sorry Dan only just noticed PM from earlier. You have PM back

[hillbilly30]

Doesn't look standard to me!

e46 rack moves the bottom connector closer to the engine.

Danthe should be able to advise.

Ben

Thanks Ben, do you think it might work as it is then? Guess I might have to suck it and see......was just really hoping to get everything sorted before starting so once I start it's a smooth ride.

[JF008]

I've had home made manifolds like yours with the e46 rack fitted with the same linkage and it would hit pretty good on a hard left turns. I would round off the edges of the top UJ to give more clearance and move the steering column. (I got a tubular manifold instead..) some suggestions on this thread: http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... highlight=

[DanThe]

If your engine is moving about that much then you need harder engine mounts, I dont like the 'attack the linkage' method, they look much better without grinder marks

I think you might just get away with the rack swap Paul, as you already have one of my linkages and the rear manifold has been modified to clear it, spacing up the engine mount on that side would help too if needed

[hillbilly30]

I've had home made manifolds like yours with the e46 rack fitted with the same linkage and it would hit pretty good on a hard left turns. I would round off the edges of the top UJ to give more clearance and move the steering column. (I got a tubular manifold instead..) some suggestions on this thread: http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... highlight=

Nice one! Many thanks for that, will be ready to shave corners and shift column a bit if required

[hillbilly30]

If your engine is moving about that much then you need harder engine mounts, I dont like the 'attack the linkage' method, they look much better without grinder marks

I think you might just get away with the rack swap Paul, as you already have one of my linkages and the rear manifold has been modified to clear it, spacing up the engine mount on that side would help too if needed

Boom! cheers Danthe! Feeling pretty confident now!