Engine meets gearbox and trial fit to subframe

 It was very hard to remove all the suspension parts from the subframe. A lot of WD40 and  time. Also a realisation some nuts were captive hence wouldnt turn anyway.

An option is to rebuild this subframe and fit the whole unit.

For the moment I will use it as a test bench.


The original engine mounts were removed. My old 4" grinder didn't quite have the reach once the discs were worn a little.

 The engine was removed from the stand and the flywheel and clutch was fitted.

Alignment of the clutch plate and gearbox was difficult at first as the clutch plate seemed not to fit the gearbox shaft.

But with the gearbox balanced on the hoist alignment became easier.

With the engine and gearbox angled for a horizontal carburetor platform the fan and crank pulley just miss the subframe.

The fan can be set back another 5mm giving more forward adjustment of the engine if necessary. The current engine mount is approximate and final position will be determined in the car.


Also the thermostat housing outlet needs to be modified to point forwards to clear the subframe.
http://v6alpine.blogspot.co.uk/p/v6-joses-conversion-kit-kit-components.html
And it looks like I will need to modify the modified radiator. The bottom hose coupling looks to be a bit too low.

Subframe mods and alloys

I bought a subrame - complete with everything except the steering box and wheels.

VERY rusty but the subframe itself looks in better condition than mine.

Also all the parts fitted are the maintenance free type from series 4 onwards.

I might refurbish this one complete to install on the series 3 with all new bushes and springs.

The upper wishbones are proving difficult to release!

The original engine mounts need to be cut off and the new engine mounts welded in place only once the engine has been test fitted in situ.



The lovely sunbeam came with a set of alloy wheels.
I don't like the look of them but having realised that some vibration I was experiencing at 60-70 mph was caused by a flat spot on a rear tyre, I fitted them to test.

The handling has been transformed. Straight line is more stable, steering is much lighter. Wish I'd done it before. I would prefer a set of minilites. So will get some for next year.