I'm trying to transplant a 13b from a 1980 into a 1986. The motor mounts are different and I need to fix this problem. Any suggestions?

 

As I recall, the early 13B mounts at the front. Since the '86 style 13B mounts in the middle, you need:

-86 style front cover
-86 center iron
-86 oil pan and oil pickup
-86 engine mounts and brackets

Have fun.

 

Do I have to change the centre iron? Does that not mean tearing the engine apart?

Is it possible to drill holes for the mounts and change the oil pan & pickup?

 

You'd still need to tear the engine apart...

Also, The early 13b's had the water o-ring lands machined in the rotor housings, and the later ones have them machined into the irons. You'd need to fill the groove on one side in order to swap the intermediate housing.

What I would suggest is that you fabricate a front mount and leave that front cover in place. You should be able to put a decent size piece of angel iron above the anti-sway bar and mount the engine to that.

 

You will need to tear the engine apart either way, so you might as well just replace the iron.

Or, do what Jimmy325i says.