custom engine crossmember

EA-73-XA · Post by **EA-73-XA** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 6:46 pm

exactly that...

considering the engine mounting design on the front and the rear of the engine is SHIT.... (and that comes from 4 broken rears and 2 fronts)

im considering custom fabricating a crossmember, that would join both the rear and front mounts together with the lower radiator support and under the floor (where the rear would bolt)

on observation of an n13, n14 and my mates N15 SSS, it seems the 12 missed out on this obviously better design.

now iv picked up an n14 SSS crossmember for nothing, im looking into constructing something...

does anyone have any advice? thoughts? flaws?

ta

Post by **tassuperkart** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 7:51 pm

The idea is excellent.
In my view, the entire frontend is not rigid enough for both big performance engines and good handling.

What Id suggest is to also incorporate bracing across the front of the lower control arms.
Those arms are basically mounted out on a prong, and unsupported.

keep us posted.

L8r
E

EA-73-XA · Post by **EA-73-XA** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 8:08 pm

tie them to the C member too? much like a K frame?

chezza · Post by **chezza** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 8:31 pm

I tried the n13 x member some years back from a b12 sunny coupe with e series engine.
Needless to say after taking it of a car in a brakers yard,trying to match it up to et and it didn't fit.
Lost interest and binned it.
Should av made it work but shit happens lol.
At the moment i am putting an et it to a b12 with this set up and yes it is a much more solid way.
Go for it .

Timmzy · Post by **Timmzy** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 12:34 pm

I've noticed the front end splaying out inducing toe out under really heavy braking on the ET.

Some simple brake reaction rods rose jointed to the lower control arm as far out as possible attached to the front Xmember via some nylon bushes up the front should stop that.

Its on my wish list

Darren.

Callumgw · Post by **Callumgw** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 12:43 pm

I'd had a look at that a while back.
The issue I found was getting then to meet without getting too low. The have to cross under the sump and exhaust. My exhaust is already very low. The alternate is to come forward the the radiator support panel, but that has no strength and would be as good as useless, without extra stiffening. I have some ideas here, but nothing final.

Next is the bushes on those swing arms, I reckon they're contributing to the compliance.....

C

Timmzy · Post by **Timmzy** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 12:45 pm

Next is the bushes on those swing arms, I reckon they're contributing to the compliance.....

Absolutely - they are my first target those fricken bushes!!

Callumgw · Post by **Callumgw** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 12:46 pm

if you find a substitute remember to tell the rest of us!

C

JETETT · Post by **JETETT** » Wed Dec 28, 2011 5:56 pm

thought id give it a go and make a under car brace for the front suspension alos made a strut brace for the front, now just got to make one for the rear and rear under brace

Callumgw · Post by **Callumgw** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 6:46 am

neat,
got a frontal shot sitting on the ground? or know what the ground clearance there is now?

C

JETETT · Post by **JETETT** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:07 am

Haven't got the car on the ground yet to check clearances as I'm going to make
One for the rear and in the middle. But it sits up pritty high, but I'll let u know what clearances are. I still need to triangulate the front and make another brace for the radiator support and make a new front engine mount

Post by **shanec86** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:08 pm

well done on doing something different. as callum is asking i'd reakon it would sit a little low (well anything that passes under the exhaust would on my car) although what size is your front pipe? ive got a 3" pipe under the sump

Callumgw · Post by **Callumgw** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 6:36 am

shanec86 wrote: ive got a 3" pipe under the sump

me too, with Flex pipe!

JETETT · Post by **JETETT** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 4:08 pm

mines 2 1/2 in, ill get measurements once on the ground, its basically between the wheels so speed humps wont pose a problem, its thoes unexpected lumps on the road im worried about, i may have to make a skid pan

Post by **tassuperkart** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 4:57 pm

Now is the time to integrate a fore/aft engine mount cradle.
Go on, you KNOW you want to do it. Stiffen the bastard right up.

To be honest, id be very hesitant to bother doing much by way of bracing up the rear end.
The A arms are securely bolted to a crossmember which is all laced into the floorpan.
I even question the validity of rear strut braces to be honest, unless integrated with a cage.

L8r
E