The up and up on the A31 X-member

[rbsileighty]

I will use this thread to keep everyone updated on what is going on with the A-31. So far this is what I have received regarding my email to http://www.japanesemotorsports.com.au who has helped me do my swap (the best they can from the other side of the world... mind you I did my swap before I knew of this forum or anyone on it).

So... about the A-31 X-member... here is my most recent email:

We still don't have another A31 crossmember here to compare it. On Denzo's S13 with RB20DET, I believe he simply manufactured a couple of plates to fit the RB onto the S13 crossmember - but this might not work with the 240sx. Good to hear you're up and running anyway.

Regards,Ben

NOTE : i had ordered a A-31 a while ago but it was stolen off of their lot... that's why he said "still don't have" FYI

So it is sounding like there are 4 options to me:

1) Use the Skyline X-member and cut the hood bracing

2) Modify the the Skyline X-member so that it is lower (make sure to leave enough clearance between the steering rack and the oil pan... don't want them touching)

3) Order a Cefiro A-31 front clip equipped with a RB20DET and see if that will work... this is assuming you haven't ordered a clip yet... might be worth a shot

4) Just order a A-31 and find out... let us know if you do!

I am personally going to look around and shoot out some emails to other companies/tuners that might know if there is any difference between the two. More than likely I am either going to fab up a new X-member or modify the skyline one to lower my motor.

So for right now the group buy for the A-31 is going to be put off. I welcome any comments and critisism on this subject! We all learn through each other... that is what makes these forums great.

Regards,Sig

[d240t2]

Option 5) Build custom mounts to use the S13 crossmember.

[rbsileighty]

Option 5) Build custom mounts to use the S13 crossmember.

The problem with this option (meant to take a pic of the two) is that the S13 member places the RB too far back... and would not provide a very structurally sound member since it would require extending the mounting points forward with little to hold them up from below them. This is my own opinion.

[d240t2]

It certainly is an option, though...not a bad one since we are talking about moving the motor around very small distances...couple of inches maybe.

[YamaOni]

How much would you pay for one? New from Nissan!

[JedC]

this is an old thread, but i was wondering if anyone has gotten an a31 xmember yet to verify the fitment of the rb engine? jed

[mattback]

rb xmember shouldnt be more than like 200-250 new from nissan.

[JedC]

and which nissan dealership do you suggest going through to get a cefiro crossmember since we are in the US?

[mattback]

i dont know, order it from japan and ship it!

[dohctor_yaj]

night, could you explain alittle bit better about that little trick you did? what do you do after you drill the holes exactly?

[rbsileighty]

Basically, if you're planning to use a spacer, you would get a small piece of sheet metal or stick metal that measures about 1/4" to 1/2" thick. The piece should be about 7" long and 2" wide to make sufficient space for mounting.

The R33 X-member lies underneath the chassis, therefore, you would take this little piece of metal you have and drill holes through it to match exact mount holes (which, if I remember correctly are 6" from center to center) and you would put that inbetween the R33 X-member and the chassis and then apply bolts so it's all held on tightly.

This lowers the X-member 1/4" to 1/2" which in turn lowers the actual engine the same distance allowing for hood clearance without cutting or a new manifold. Hope that explains it a bit better.

Night

Have you or someone you know done this? I thought you just cut your hood. I was thinking about this but was worried about doing it b/c it might mess up the suspesion geometry (since the bottom is directly connected to the crossmember and the top is not).

[Projekt]

i would jut cut the hood. it's easy. someone should make a strut bar that bolts to the firewall and goes around the intake manifold.