316 - 325 swap, hints and tips....

[munky30]

As per the title..

I've sourced a 325 engine, gearbox, diff and prop and all the extra bits. It will be going into the car later this week.

Is there anything I should look out for, any tips people have as to how to make it easier? Any tricks to doing the swap that will save me some time/effort?

Also, anything I should look out for with the engine. I've seen and heard it run and it seems fine but its high mileage so just wondering if there are any tell-tale signs of trouble to keep an eye out for.

And for anyone thats following my project..its free!

[cliffybabe]

Serivce the lump prior to fitting. Put a new cam belt, Watter pump etc. Do the Oil/ Filter once in as its less to lift

Are u gonna fit a 6 branch at some stage as it would be easier to turn the oil filter whilst the lump is out

[munky30]

It will eventually be tuned a bit so I imagine a 6 branch would be on the cards. For now though all I want to do is get it fitted and working. We'll be changing all fluids, belts etc before/during the fit.

[cliffybabe]

It will eventually be tuned a bit so I imagine a 6 branch would be on the cards. For now though all I want to do is get it fitted and working. We'll be changing all fluids, belts etc before/during the fit.

Wicked good luck with the swap, Take load sof pic's and put them up as u go

[jmc330i]

Sounds like you probably have all the bits needed, so it really is just a nuts and bolt job.

You will probably need to make up some mounts for the AFM and water header tank - mine are held on by some Meccano type stuff.
You will need to change the front suspension struts for the larger 51mm struts, shocks and 6cyl springs. Although mine is running 45mm struts with 4cyl lowering springs and there hasnt been any probs so far - it probably doesnt handle as well as it should though and the front is low

Im guessing youve still got rear drum brakes, so a rear disc conversion wouldnt be a bad idea.

As Cliffy said, do the cambelt and water pump with the engine on the floor - it takes no time at all that way and is much easier than with the engine in the car.

Good luck mate, let us know how you get

[DanThe]

Big tip, change the exhaust manifold studs while the engine is out.

Also the rear crank oil seal, clutch and a leaky sump gasket are much easier to change with the engine out

[munky30]

I have rear discs. Whether at some point it had them added or they're standard I dont know.

Hadn't thought much about the suspension, long term plans involve a full set of shocks and springs anyway so I was kinda hoping i could get by as it is for now.

If they're spare, would it be worth taking the suspension from the donor car?

[sgc1001]

Good luck mate, i've got a 318 i'd like to do this kind of thing to, so i'll be keeping a keen eye on your progress