6 replies to this topic

[samt88]

Next weekend I'm going to pick up a new engine, mounted on a subframe with shocks, Hubs (with disc brakes which I want to fit), the lot! Which will be easier...to take off the hubs, brakes etc from the new subframe and fit them to my car and then take my engine out and replace it with this new one, or literally drop the whole front subframe from my car and replace it with this new one?
Cheers, Sam

[Daniel_moody25]

Either way your going to have to take the engine off the subframes, but you want to check the condition of both subframes and see which one is in better shape, if your one on the car is better then keep it on there and change the rest over but if not drop the of subby out and pop the new one in

[Carlos W]

It is possible to lift the shell off the subframe with the engine still in place, refitting is the reverse of removal!

Either way, as above check which subframe is best and the brakes are going to need a good clean and check over, probably not a bad time to change ball joints, check and re-grease top arms, donughts, bearings (use timkin) consider changing the clutch as that's easier with the engine out.

[samt88]

Okay that makes sense cheers, didn't realise the engine had to come off either way! If I wanted to do it properly, as Carlos said, replacing the ball joints, and checking and regreasing the top arms donuts and bearings...how long is it likely to take? I have my somewhat more technically minded than I am father who has said he's happy to help!

[Carlos W]

Okay that makes sense cheers, didn't realise the engine had to come off either way! If I wanted to do it properly, as Carlos said, replacing the ball joints, and checking and regreasing the top arms donuts and bearings...how long is it likely to take? I have my somewhat more technically minded than I am father who has said he's happy to help!

It doesn't have to come off either way! One thing I've missed out, replace the engine mounts!

What is the engine that's in, and what's the replacement?

[samt88]

998cc is in there currently, replacing with a 1.3 cooper!

[wile e coyote]

You can easily remove and reinstall engine and subframe as a single unit - key here is to have at least three bodies on hand to do it and to get the car about 18" off the ground before commencing hostilities - this way you don't even have to remove the gearchange ... you will need some hefty lumps of timber on hand - most importantly to spread the load under the floorpans and sump (as you'll be jacking into position using the sump - can't stress this part enough!!!). None of doing it this way is without hazard - as even when raised off the floor the car will have to be manhandled up to clear the engine. Very wise precaution to check suspension , arms , balljoints and do engine mounts whilst out of the car - makes life sooo much easier...

Remove rad, alternator, dizzy & carb before trying the swap...