I heartily approve and continue to dream of doing this to my own E30 down the road. Question for you, you used the E30V8 mounts and manual, right? How would you rate the quality of those items? Does the manual really tell you everything you need to know, or are there gaps? The engine mounts look a bit... precarious to me. Do you have full confidence in them? And, you had some issues with the trans mount, was that something you made yourself, or did you use theirs?
A lot of questions, I know.....
Tom_Spangler wrote:
I heartily approve and continue to dream of doing this to my own E30 down the road. Question for you, you used the E30V8 mounts and manual, right? How would you rate the quality of those items? Does the manual really tell you everything you need to know, or are there gaps? The engine mounts look a bit... precarious to me. Do you have full confidence in them? And, you had some issues with the trans mount, was that something you made yourself, or did you use theirs?
A lot of questions, I know.....
I did use the e36v8.com mounts, but had a bit of trouble. Went through two sets of incorrect mounts before I said forget it, we'll modify the more correct set. Albeit, Matt(the owner of e36v8.com) was very apologetic and sent the second set out the next day after I told him. Because of my modifications though, it sits a little bit farther back, so my friend made a mount which looks like this(minus the holes):
The issue I had with the trans mount was simply that I made the first one to work with the (incorrect obviously) v6 transmission, and the v8 one is different. My mount, though, is literally hard mounted. Just bolts to the frame essentially. The engine mounts seem very strong, there is a 500hp+ e30 running the exact same ones with no issues in the past few years, so I can't imagine issues.
As for the manual, it's easily worth the money, covers everything. The wiring diagrams are VERY clear and easy. I do have my own swap guide/ suggestion book, which I'm procrastinating typing up and putting up on my build thread.
Hopefully that helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Yes, very helpful, thanks! Can you roughly describe the problems with mounts and what you did to correct them?
If/when I do this, I may end up making my own, my FIL is a machinist with a full shop in his garage, he could assist me.
In reply to Tom_Spangler:
Well the hole was drilled too far forward on the one side, so we welded 3/16"(I believe, can't remember exactly) onto the preexisting bottom angle iron and drilled new holes and filled the old with weld.
Datsun1500 wrote:
4cylndrfury wrote:
anyway, you already found it...someone was hating on your brake setup or something.
for whatever reason, theres been no lack of senseless hate on these boards lately
It was not hating on the car, I like the effort that went into the car, and appreciate the amount of work. I did however comment on the exhaust dumping in front of the front tire (confirmed in this thread) and I commented on the home made brake contraption that is not shown in any of these photos. I said it was unsafe to drive as it was. I bet if the owner posts a photo of the brake controller by the driver front tire, most here would question it as well.
Again, what's the issue with the exhaust? I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm honestly asking. It doesn't heat the tire up to a dangerous point/ temperature, and has a bend to prevent burnt valves. I really don't see an issue...
I'll take no time to admit that the brake setup isn't ideal, but until my friend removes and sells his booster delete, I have no other option. What exactly scares you about it? The supports are welded to the frame, and the rod is easily strong enough/ welded well enough. Again, simply looking for opinions/ suggestions, not trying to blindly argue with you.
You can see the support welded onto the frame here. Ignore the lock wire, I needed something to hold the rad up for test fitting.
I don't think I got any pictures of the triangulated front supports, I'll grab one when I'm back home.
As I said, passed the safety inspection that was paid to be done, I guess we'll see what the auto cross officials say.
As good as your car is (and it is pretty good) the dent on the passenger quarter keeps drawing my attention like a zit on the tip of somebody's nose.
Great job on the swap!
Brett_Murphy wrote:
As good as your car is (and it is pretty good) the dent on the passenger quarter keeps drawing my attention like a zit on the tip of somebody's nose.
Great job on the swap!
Thanks! I may get it taken care of, but I'm not going to spend much money if I do. Just not on the highest of my priorities money wise, it doesn't effect the performance or drivability.
Hammer, skin of bondo, done! =)
Brett_Murphy wrote:
Hammer, skin of bondo, done! =)
It actually has bondo now haha. There's no way to reach it with a hammer, unfortunately, I've tried many times.
The deal with the exhaust is carbon monoxide. It should exit behind the passenger compartment.
rustyvw wrote:
The deal with the exhaust is carbon monoxide. It should exit behind the passenger compartment.
Stuart, just to add onto this - virtually all motorsports require the exhaust dump to be behind the driver - for this specific reason. Nothing to do with heating up the tires, etc.
I once drove my GT6 when it had a leaky exhaust below the tranny (didn't know it was leaking) and damn near passed out sitting at a stoplight from the CO coming up through the shift boot. It's not something to mess around with 
irish44j wrote:
rustyvw wrote:
The deal with the exhaust is carbon monoxide. It should exit behind the passenger compartment.
Stuart, just to add onto this - virtually all motorsports require the exhaust dump to be behind the driver - for this specific reason. Nothing to do with heating up the tires, etc.
I once drove my GT6 when it had a leaky exhaust below the tranny (didn't know it was leaking) and damn near passed out sitting at a stoplight from the CO coming up through the shift boot. It's not something to mess around with
Oh, I have an exhaust getting made! I know what you mean about the carbon monoxide. But I assumed it was due to the unsealed firewall. How is it any worse if the firewall is sealed properly?
because it still comes in through the windows and/or HVAC vents. When the car is moving, a dump behind the driver's seat sends all the fumes toward the back of the car. But a dump in front of the driver all the fumes get blown toward the driver. Even if they get diluted in "fresh air" on the way, "some" CO is way worse than none :)'
Plus you have an e30....air comes in through the door seals, even when they're new 
CLNSC3
HalfDork
10/4/12 3:17 a.m.
kartkidbirel wrote:
Tom_Spangler wrote:
I heartily approve and continue to dream of doing this to my own E30 down the road. Question for you, you used the E30V8 mounts and manual, right? How would you rate the quality of those items? Does the manual really tell you everything you need to know, or are there gaps? The engine mounts look a bit... precarious to me. Do you have full confidence in them? And, you had some issues with the trans mount, was that something you made yourself, or did you use theirs?
A lot of questions, I know.....
I did use the e36v8.com mounts, but had a bit of trouble. Went through two sets of incorrect mounts before I said forget it, we'll modify the more correct set. Albeit, Matt(the owner of e36v8.com) was very apologetic and sent the second set out the next day after I told him. Because of my modifications though, it sits a little bit farther back, so my friend made a mount which looks like this(minus the holes):
The issue I had with the trans mount was simply that I made the first one to work with the (incorrect obviously) v6 transmission, and the v8 one is different. My mount, though, is literally hard mounted. Just bolts to the frame essentially. The engine mounts seem very strong, there is a 500hp+ e30 running the exact same ones with no issues in the past few years, so I can't imagine issues.
As for the manual, it's easily worth the money, covers everything. The wiring diagrams are VERY clear and easy. I do have my own swap guide/ suggestion book, which I'm procrastinating typing up and putting up on my build thread.
Hopefully that helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
I would be interested in seeing some of your suggestions, I am about to tackle the actually moutning/wiring myself using e30v8.com parts!
There seemed like there were a couple cars running front bumper dump exhaust at the challenge.
In reply to CLNSC3:
Alrighty, well I guess I will try and get it typed up this weekend! So keep a look out on here around sunday.
93EXCivic wrote:
There seemed like there were a couple cars running front bumper dump exhaust at the challenge.
Street driven? There's a large difference between a few minutes of run time with a helmet etc on, and dd-ing a car. I could definitely smell/ breathe the fumes coming through the firewall, even at highway speeds.
I got CO poisoning once from driving a poorly running Samurai (is there any other kind?) 8 hours with the back window rolled up. I made it to my friend's house, ate dinner, and spent the entire night puking my ever loving guts out. I spent the night and half the next day in misery, started to feel better enough to eat dinner and drive home. What a great trip.
How does this apply to your E30? Not at all! But I do love the car and hope to have a similarly nutso swap some day.
For the record... the exhaust on my MX6 is legal for SCCA Solo competition. (According to local techs) I also just took a 2000-2500 mile round trip to the Challenge in it and didn't die.
Of course, flow of the exhaust around the body of the car will vary car by car, but hey... they're both red square 80s boxes. 
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:
For the record... the exhaust on my MX6 is legal for SCCA Solo competition. (According to local techs) I also just took a 2000-2500 mile round trip to the Challenge in it and didn't die.
Of course, flow of the exhaust around the body of the car will vary car by car, but hey... they're both red square 80s boxes.
Love me some MX-6's! I know the biggest issue that I will have with tech is during non-solo events. I.e., a fire ball could be an issue etc etc. Just what I've been reading.
dculberson wrote:
I got CO poisoning once from driving a poorly running Samurai (is there any other kind?) 8 hours with the back window rolled up. I made it to my friend's house, ate dinner, and spent the entire night puking my ever loving guts out. I spent the night and half the next day in misery, started to feel better enough to eat dinner and drive home. What a great trip.
How does this apply to your E30? Not at all! But I do love the car and hope to have a similarly nutso swap some day.
Hahahahahahaha, still a welcome addition to the thread! And thank you, appreciate it. Definately a learning experience, if nothing else.
Datsun1500 wrote:
My issue with the exhaust was the CO issue. I have driven enough VWs and rusty Datsuns to have felt the effects of a leaky exhaust.
It was no way meant as a dig on the work you have done on the car, and I do enjoy seeing it at cars and coffee... There are too many of us old guys there and having people continue the hobby is always a good thing
No problem! If I overeacted at all I apologize, you become that way after so many people blindly attack you/ your car without knowing the facts of the swap. I appreciate the concern, I'm going to seal the firewall best I can until the exhaust is made.
dculberson wrote:
a poorly running Samurai (is there any other kind?)
Mine has run well at times...
bluej
Dork
10/4/12 1:53 p.m.
93EXCivic wrote:
There seemed like there were a couple cars running front bumper dump exhaust at the challenge.
Were they the extent of the exhaust or wastegate dumps? Shades of grey at best but just curious.
There were bumper dumpers, open downpipes, exhausts out of hoods at the base of windshields, and not one person died!
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:
There were bumper dumpers, open downpipes, exhausts out of hoods at the base of windshields, and not one person died!
And many of them blowing white or black smoke out of them
