Eta-to-M50: Build thread

[samiam3356]

Didn't see in the 1st post, what tranny are you going with?

[Jand3rson]

Didn't see in the 1st post, what tranny are you going with?

Getrag 260, with a stock E30 clutch and M20 flywheel. Just had the whole tranny cleaned, painted, and totally resealed.

[samiam3356]

Titties! Is there a way to drill out the holes before installation, so the oil pan can be removed without removing the tranny?

[Jand3rson]

Titties! Is there a way to drill out the holes before installation, so the oil pan can be removed without removing the tranny?

Actually, yes there are. Trent told me about this years ago, and I thought I'd lost the pic, but I found it the other day. I'd like to do it before I re-install the tranny, but I'm also going to get some rubber plugs to fit the holes and keep them sealed, or else the tranny will fill with dirt and road grime.

[StereoInstaller1]

I planned on doing that with mine too.

Nice pic though! Ace hardware rubber plugs FTW.

[Jand3rson]

Got some work done today. Cleaned and reinstalled the crank ring gear, and pulled the oil pan back off to silicone around the gasket, just a little added protection. Also did around the water pump o-ring and the thermostat o-ring. Going to also do some around the rear moons of the valve cover gasket, I'm told it's a common leak area.

I pulled out my power steering pump to make removing the pan a little easier, and I forgot that it comes apart in sections, and when I pulled the last bolt, it fell out and fell apart when it hit the ground. Got it all back together tho, scared the shit out of me!

[AndrewBird]

What type of silicone did you use? A lot of them aren't compatible with oil and get all gooey.

I like Permatex #2 Gasket Maker:

http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/auto_Permatex_Form-A-Gasket_No_2_Sealant.htm

Stuff reeks worse then my nuts do, but works great. I've used it several times on valve covers and never had a leak. The key is to put it on thin on both surfaces, let them tack, then put it together. Basically use it like contact cement.

[Jand3rson]

I used Permatex clear RTV Silicone, I bought it a few years back when I changed the oil pan gasket on my M20, the guy at Napa said it would be fine, it's what he always uses and sells, and it works great. Also says on their site that it resists oil and grease. I did a thin layer on both sides of the oil pan gasket (on the M50).

[Jand3rson]

Got some work done on a few things today not particularly related to the swap, but being done while the swap is happening:

Dropped the rear subframe, and I mean literally dropped it. I was terrified of this job, and it was unbelievably easy. We unbolted everything and it just lowered right down and out of the car. As it was coming down, the passenger side bolt for the subframe bushing got stuck, and when Andrew got it free, it just fell to the floor (only about 3-4"). Gonna clean it up, paint it, replace the subframe and RTAB's, change the wheel bearings, and reinstall!



We also modified the steering linkage for the new E36 rack, Andrew took measurements and will be fabbing up some spacers for mounting the rack, going to get the hardware tomorrow to bolt the linkage up.

[cramer]

Don't you love it when the subframe just drops out! I was pleasantly surprised when mine did :)

[nando]

rust-free PNW cars FTW :)

[Jand3rson]

Don't you love it when the subframe just drops out! I was pleasantly surprised when mine did :)

Seriously! Andrew and I were both in shock (probably Andrew more than me, since it almost came down on his hand), but it was pretty damn awesome.

[nando]

I always stuff a jack under mine. Dropped the diff on my hand once, lucky I was wearing a thick leather glove. still hurt like a bitch!

[ck_taft325is]

I always stuff a jack under mine. Dropped the diff on my hand once, lucky I was wearing a thick leather glove. still hurt like a bitch!

Luke and I had one of those moments in his garage. Nearly got both of us. Stupid cross threaded bolt that you can't see or feel for.

[Jand3rson]

I always stuff a jack under mine. Dropped the diff on my hand once, lucky I was wearing a thick leather glove. still hurt like a bitch!

Oh, we had a jack under it. It was jacked up, and Andrew was trying to get the bolt loose, so I lowered it back down some, and right as the jack started coming down, bitch came loose and hit the floor.