2 replies to this topic

[Stu1961]

Hi All,

 

Looking to buy a front subframe (Dry) for my on going project and have a couple of query's (1293 with HIF44 and K&N though may change this to the MED stub stack with the ITG filter)

 

My first thoughts were to go with the later frame 1990 onward as the engine sits further forward giving better access and more room between engine and bulkhead, now the stupid bit if the engine and box sit further forward would this not affect the position of the front wheels within the wheel arches or is this not noticeable?

 

Secondly, will the earlier subframe up to 1990 accommodate the HIF44 or my other alternative MED stub stack with ITG filter. Obviously it will be tighter but will it fit without modifying the bulkhead? 

 

And thirdly what are my chances of getting hold of a pre rubber mounted subframe?

 

Cheers, and thanks in advance for any replys.        

[Cooperman]

What year is the car?

If it had a rubber-mounted sub-frame originally then you can't fit an earlier pre-rubber mounted one as the tower bolt fittings are different.

Moving the engine forward is no real issue. I moved one back to the original position on a 1991 Cooper 1275 in order to get a bnit more clearance to fit an oil cooler in the front. Yes, moving it forward around 3/8" (from memory), will have no effect on the wheels as the hub positions are set by the suspension mountings which do not move forward.

If you have a rubber mounted sub-frame, the best thing is to get a full set of solid mountings (not those horrible poly ones) and mount it solidly.

Move the engine forward if you wish, but you'll need a new top engine steady bar.

Moving it that small amount won't affect the carburation in either position.

[Stu1961]

Thanks for the reply Pete.

 

Knew it was a stupid question, for whatever reason I thought everything would move forward and the wheelbase would increase but should have realised that will only happen if the suspension mountings are moved as well, can't believe how I didn't work that one out for myself. 

 

At the present time I don't have a car yet due to one or two domestic issues (Looks like we will be moving house) hence some of my lack of knowledge about subframes, but I still wish to carry on with some aspects of the build (Would like to complete the front subframe, brakes, suspension and steering assembly, engine is already re-built and test run) . Now I know where I'm going in so far as rubber and pre rubber mounted are not interchangeable on the same shell.

 

Bearing in mind what you have said about moving the engine forward it's not an issue as you say it makes little or no difference so either subframe will do as far as I'm concerned, that does make my search for a good subframe a little easier.

 

Stuart       

Edited by Stu1961, 07 August 2014 - 01:40 PM.