ye ol engine swap

[lileng02]

I have been trying to fit that darn M20 into my engine bay. I keep getting frustrated with that motormount on the left. I am trying to decide if it would be better to go to a steering rack or not. What kind of steering rack and design of motor mounts? Can anyone post info and/or links to info about this conversitions and the solutions that have been found. I searched the forum and the info is pretty scattered. If you can help me out others won't have to ask the same questions.

[Arizona 02]

Have only seen pics of the swap, read that special mounts are needed. 320i is the only R&P i seen in articles about for a steering swap, another project to kept the car in the garage for months until done.

[Randall]

I was trying to fabricate my own motor mounts. I never heard of M20 conversion motor mounts. Where would such items be available. Does it leave the mount on the arm along side the steering box? Seems like alot of torque and or play could get transmitted there.

[alternativez2003]

I'm working on the idea of the 320 rack in mine. Sounds like a similar obstacle with the motor mounts. I'm installing an m42, and its stock motor mounts should work withthe '02 subframe, but the steering box and the idler arm are exactly in the way. I have an E21 rack and mounting pieces arriving soon, so I hope to know in the next couple of weeks if it will work. If not, I have some serious issues to deal with. I put prodigious faith in this solution. I'll let you know. As for the m20 motor mounts, try to find Pete Henry, I think he had sets fabricated to sell. There was something in a Grassroots Motorsports magazine a couple of years ago, and I think he may even still be around this forum. Try ggling him. Good luck. Jim

[Arizona 02]

For sale
- Used 5 speed transmission from a 1980 bmw 323i. Transmission came out of a running car with about 115K miles on it. Comes with shift platform, shift rod, linkage rod and crossmember with mount.

- Set of new Dan Williams M20 conversion motor mounts. Mounts are brand new.

Looking to get $500/BO for the transmission and $140/BO for the motor mounts. If someone buys both i will sell them for $600. Part prices are best offer so if you think im asking too much just email me with what you think they are worth. Email me for futher details and pictures. I am located in the Bay Area, CA.

Mattbiancucci@gmail.com

[lileng02]

Thanks for the info Arizona. One of my concerns continues to be the strength of the mount on the left. I have heard stories about it breaking. Is it strong enough for a bigger motor?

[Arizona 02]

Was never interested in doing the swap myself but have read on this forum of the project, too much work for me.

[Randall]

What modifications will you have to make for the e21 rack to work? Any changes to the steering rack? I don't know if I am as brave as Paul S and install the 993 rack. He said alot of work on the steering shaft, but two turns lock-to-lock!

[alternativez2003]

but I don't imagine many complications. The connection to the steering shaft is the one I'm most concerned with, but I have pieces of several systems to play with. I'll post something when it's done.

[lileng02]

Is there much difference between e21 steering racks? What other pieces are you using? I have heard that the connection to the steering column is the difficult part. But you will free up all that space. Yet, it would be good to find a quick and cheap solution.

[alternativez2003]

I may not actually get to it this weekend, but I will try. I have all the mounting pieces which will then bolt to the subframe. I'll have to weld mounting flanges to the subframe. It looks pretty good. With all the extra pieces I have, I am sure I can create a shaft that will work. I'll keep you posted. Jim