engine and drivetrain Custom motor mounts

[Ian]

I need to make some custom motor mounts for my M2, and because of packaging constraints would like to put the new mounts on the frame rail instead of the subframe.  If I reinforce the frame rail with some plate, is there any reason not to put the new mounts on top of the frame rail with a more horizontal arm to the motor mount than the usual downward-angled arm to the subframe?  In this case the mounts themselves will be 3" diameter cylinders from Vibra-Technics designed for the S14 motor.   

Edited September 2, 2016 by Ian

[Simeon]

I can't answer your question but I feel I have to ask. Why don't the usual S14 mounting methods work for you? This swap has been done many times. What are you looking to get out of it that hasn't been found many times before?

[TobyB]

I too am curious.  Rolls Merlin engine?  Wasp???

 

What you'll find is that the strength in the shell is in the inner fender structure, from the strut back.

So if you attach to the bottom of the inner fender where it's boxed, make sure you distribute the load into

the inner fender.  That box is designed to take the load from the subframe and do exactly that, but

it's meant to catch the load from its bottom, and the subframe distributes  it a bit.  So if you do roughly

that, you should be OK.  Be careful of distortion, while you're at it.

 

t

 

[Ian]

I used the standard mounts for the S14 when I first did this swap back in '94, and it did indeed work fine.  However, a couple of years ago I bought a VAC S14/2002 oilpan that does not quite clear my 2002 subframe and hits the passenger side motor mount.  I know I should send the pan back, but it is functional and looks so damn cool.  Plus, I've had it on the shelf long enough that I can't send it back.  I think the answer is to just move the motor mounts, and being a bit more outboard might help stop some engine rock at the same time.

Edited September 2, 2016 by Ian

[tzei]

Done that. My motor mounts resembles oem dimensions - about. Reinforced framerails. Ended up welding additional tube underneath bracket line from farmerail to framerail and welded additional upward reinfocements to brackets from there. It kinda flexed a bit without tube & supports so i didn't feel like risking anything.

[Preyupy]

It sounds to me like it would be much easier to modify the oil pan to fit.  If you have the skills to relocate the engine mount to the frame rail I would think modifying the pan would be way easier.

[Ian]

I like that!  I am going to use some leftover 1.5" DOM to make a U-shaped radiator support, perhaps I can get that close to my motor mounts.