Optimum RB20DET placement in S14

[Wulfgang]

For those who have installed the RB20DET in their S14's, using whatever mount system (stock x-member + custom mounts or r32 x-member), where is the best place for the engine to sit?

I hear it should be moved back about 2" from where the r32 x-member puts it. That should be about 2" forward from where the KA mounts put it. What are your opinions/experiences with how it lines up?

Also, how much lower should the mounts be with respect to the r32 x-member? If you could, would you drop your motor 0.5" or more or not at all, assuming it was already moved back and sitting in the optimum front/back location?

I intend to use the r32 x-member and weld up some new mounting points on the x-member, using the original r32 mounts. I believe it should be fairly easy to move the mount points back, but it appears to be more difficult to drop the engine. Is it worth it or necessary to drop it?

Thanks,Shane

[HybridOne]

i think the main problem with the R32 crossmember is the height of the engine. i don't think you will have problems with the placement horizontally. You have to cut out some of the hood reinforcement...but if you can somehow make the engine sit lower with the R43 crossmember, you would fix the only problem with using t.

[Wulfgang]

I know that the engine will fit fine with the r32 x-member, but I want to get the BEST placement... not just make it fit.

If the engine was moved back the 2" or so inches (to put the shifter right back where it was with the KA), would it still hit the hood, and would it still need to be dropped a bit?

Also, are we talking about half an inch lower to miss the hood or more than an inch?

Thanks,Shane

[HybridOne]

The thing I would watch out for clearance between the oil pan and the crossmember. If you use the stock X-member you are going to need to drop the motor some (not sure how much) to clear the hood. I really don't have much info past that. i have not seen the RB20DET in an S14 with the R32 crossmember.

[HybridOne]

The thing I would watch out for clearance between the oil pan and the crossmember. If you use the stock X-member you are going to need to drop the motor some (not sure how much) to clear the hood. I really don't have much info past that. i have not seen the RB20DET in an S14 with the R32 crossmember.

[Wulfgang]

After pulling the RB20 from the clip and taking the x-member off, I can see that moving the engine down would probably best be done by welding an extra inch or so of steel onto the bottom of the mount bracket (where it bolts to the engine block) and re-drilling the holes a bit lower. There is only about 1/2 to 1" of space before the oil pan hits the x-member tho.

The other option I am considering is dropping the whole x-member down by inserting spacers between the frame and the x-member. Those studs seem to be long enough to handle maybe 1/2" or so. But then the lower suspension arm sits a bit lower and at a worse angle. Not as bad as a 2" lowering spring would put it, but worse than it should be. I already have Eibach ProKit springs. The advantage is that the oil pan would still be protected by the x-member (and no welding would be required).

All of this is starting to seem a bit ridiculous when I consider the drawbacks of dropping the engine. And wouldn't it have to be dropped 1" or more to clear a strut tower bar? Is there any good reason (other than using an STB and avoiding cutting a bit of the hood bracing) to drop the engine?

Any thoughts on this?

Shane