engine and drivetrain Tranny mount tabs

[wagnerf15]

I mean TRANSMISSION in this case, Otis. In an earlier post, Lee mentioned removing the old tabs from the tunnel in a 5 speed swap to give more room for the center muffler and transmission. Is this required/desired? I assumed they'd stay, particularly because most aftermarket brackets use them, but now I'm wonderin'. I think I'll buy some of Lee's tabs from him and mount them in the tunnel for the swap, but should I remove the old tabs before I jam in the transmission?

[instructorbill]

yes

[wagnerf15]

Thanks

[Mike87]

I left my original 4-speed tabs in place and they are not interfering with anything. For reference, I run a tii exhaust manifold with a stock downpipe and center resonator. No interference of any kind with exhaust or transmission.

[wagnerf15]

What 5 speed mount are you using?

[Mike87]

Sorry, that would have helped. I am using a 320i 5-speed, the OD one.

[wagnerf15]

I figured that, how did you mount it? Did you fab a mount, or buy one from one of the aftermarket companies?

[Mike87]

Note to self...read the question before responding...

I got some factory replacement mounts and bolted them in. I could have welded them after bolting or welded first, but did not bother. I did this conversion about 15 years ago. I do not know if the mounts are available any more or not. Check on realoem or some other parts site.

[wagnerf15]

LOL! Yeah, I guess you can't find the OEM parts anymore. Lee, of this forum, is about to fab up a run of them, however, so I'll probably leach off his expertise. So, you never welded 15 years ago and have had no problems? Sounds like bolts will work just fine.

[Mike87]

Yea, some people will say you should weld them in, but being a mechanical engineer and knowing the strength of (4) 1/4" (or 6mm) diameter bolts, they can hold the rear of the transmission without too much trouble.

If you do weld, be real careful as you can easily start the carpet on fire.

[wagnerf15]

What carpet? That's a future project.