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like just a normal plastic one like i have fitted atm?

No it's a metal and glass with a removable filter

Is the gearbox and central axle a straight swap as well ? Or is chopping and welding required?

I know my previous question might be a stupid one, but I am currently thinking of going for an M50 swap as well, so I would like to know the issues I will face

petro - doing an m50 swap isn't that simple you have a number of things to sort out before you even bother. namely suspension and brakes. however you can use the m20 6cyl box but you will have to modify the plate before you put the engine and box in so that it lays flat, so yes that bit will probably need to be chopped and welded, ive seen someone twist it by sticking loads of washers and using a longer bolt on one side but that's ugly imo.

You might want to speak to who has done Marks car (the amount of time its taking to build, you may have to remind Mark that he still owns it :p) - he has had to twist the gear shift plate to make it flat.. unless he hasnt tackled that job yet?

I'll try and get some pics but think it was cut, moved & welded? Seems a while ago now.

Petro - drive over here and have Nas do your conversion.

e21-Mark wrote:
Petro - drive over here and have Nas do your conversion.

tbh id rather do this swap over there where its warm. instead of here where its so cold you cant feel your toes, id do it free if you put me n the wife up! in a nice villa

I'll hold the spanners.

and I will cook the souvlla

nas80 wrote:...you have a number of things to sort out before you even bother. namely suspension and brakes. however you can use the m20 6cyl box but you will have to modify the plate before you put the engine and box in so that it lays flat, so yes that bit will probably need to be chopped and welded, ive seen someone twist it by sticking loads of washers and using a longer bolt on one side but that's ugly imo.
...

Brakes: Front I already have in stock those Wilwoods from the group buy (and the spacers) waiting for an engine swap
Rear, I am waiting for the 6cyl rear axle with discs and E30 calipers, I can't remember the name of the guy who's sending...)
Suspension: Wouldn't 6 cyl front struts be ok? And then it could either be Bilstein with Eibach (A set of new Eibachs are also in my secret stocking place) or a coilover solution such as GAZ?
I guess I'm covered from these issues, oh, and in the pack of goods you are sending me I think there exists a set of new bushes?

But what is the plate that will need chopping and welding? (sorry I still have a loto of car terms to learn in English)

nas80 wrote:

e21-Mark wrote:
Petro - drive over here and have Nas do your conversion.

tbh id rather do this swap over there where its warm. instead of here where its so cold you cant feel your toes, id do it free if you put me n the wife up! in a nice villa

cobbler2u wrote:and I will cook the souvlla

Well guys, if you come over towards Easter, you can get bored of souvlas around here !!

How dangerous is it to be chopping and welding on such parts as central ax? I mean, while in use, these are turning at v.high speeds, no?

What you mean modifying the propshaft? You will see it's already welded at the ends from factory.

It's not dangerous as long as you get someone who knows what they are doing to make it

If it needs to be shortened then it absolutely should be done by a specialist. The shaft needs to be welded properly, then straightened, and finally balanced. There are places that do this regularly, and it isn't as expensive as you might imagine.

The shortening is what I'm a bit concerned about...

I know that there are specialists who can do such jobs, I have recently replaced the middle friction (is that the right english term?) that had started dying, after 36 long years of service (?not sure about that, at some point in the car's life I have replaced the 4 gear box by a 5 eco, so I don't know from where this part is from )
The part was fit and balanced by a specialst (I guess we are talking about the same kind of specialist)