mellow65

iTrader: (2)

I'm looking pretty serious at the whole idea of swapping the FC cross member onto my 82 rally car. few reason really, one bigger brakes, not the big 5 lug brakes, but the 4 lug ones will do me quite nicely, and 2 to get rid of the vague "truck" style steering for something modern like a rack and pinion. there's nothing like flying down a gravel road close to a 100 with a steering box the only thing keeping your wheels strait. it's an experience to say the least. third to have more after market in the way of struts, spring, brake pads.

i have done tons of searching but never really came across anyone that did any kind of write up on it.

from what i read, i know i have to make motor mounts for the engine, but is that the largest hurdle to over come?

what about the steering shaft? strut top hats? sway bars? mounting the whole thing to the car?

any info would be greatly appreciated.

Jeezus

iTrader: (4)

Yep it has been covered before. Search Subframe.

mellow65

iTrader: (2)

see it helps to use the right words when searching.

thanks

bshusted

iTrader: (1)

I've done it. My project thread is in my sig. What engine are you planning on using? If you are planning on keeping the 12a or SE- 13B, this swap will be difficult. Mine was easier because I used a series 5 engine with the mounts that fit to the subframe.

mellow65

iTrader: (2)

i was planning on running the 12a i have in there now.

is the hard part just the engine mounts or is there something else that makes it hard?

i might just put it off till that fateful day that the old girl needs a new motor because i was thinking newer 13b when i do.

hella24

iTrader: (8)

FC 4 lug front brakes use the same caliper as the fb gsl-se. The rotors are different but the calipers are the same.

bshusted

iTrader: (1)

The 12a and the SE 13b are mounted at the front cover, whereas the Series 4 and 5 (FC) are mounted to the center iron. So, the problem is that you will have to come up with some totally new engine mount system if you attempt to run the original engine with the FC subframe.

mellow65

iTrader: (2)

yeah that's what i was figuring.

i guess maybe i will have to hold off on it till the $$$$ allows me to build a nice high compression 13b and just spend the better part of a winter setting it all up.

mellow65

iTrader: (2)

are both the s4 and s5 engines mounted the same?

my someday goals are a s4 front cross member with the 4 lug hubs with a s5 high compression motor.

only reason for the for 4 lugs is i want to stick with 14"s.

bshusted

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, the S4 and S5 are mounted the same to my knowledge. I have the S4 subframe and and S5 engine.

mellow65

iTrader: (2)

good to know, thanks