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Re: L 18 series swap help
Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2025 11:38 pm
by Roadsternewbe
Matt yes I would love any photos you think would help
I can’t buy the kit anymore so do you have any idea how the motor mount was made and since you fab the 5 speed mount and what not to make it fit can you share that info too
Thanks again
Re: L 18 series swap help
Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:04 am
by david premo
Hi Roadsternewbe, the Z 5 speed tail housing has to be highly modified, the good news is that you get to use a stock 1600 driveshaft as the stock 4 speed and the Z 5 speed are pretty much identical in terms of length. Also a spacer block needs to be built and installed under the passenger side engine mount to push the engine to the correct position in the frame. The driver side engine mount is made from a single piece of 1/4 angle iron that is heated and bent to the correct angle to help correct the lean of the engine. The L engine unlike the U, R and H engines installed with it leaning towards the passenger side of the vehicle. When I did the 5 speed tail housing modifications I had a frame setup in my garage at the time to make sure that it would fit before having the first car delivered. I have not had a chance to look for the original design plans but they are pretty important to have before you try to take on this project.
Dave
Re: L 18 series swap help
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 2:36 pm
by Rutty
Here are some pictures of the motor mounts (and alternator bracket) I purchased from Stan years ago.
It's hard to get a good angle on the driver's side motor mount because of the alternator.
Re: L 18 series swap help
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 2:51 pm
by Rutty
I had to get creative for the transmission mount since the mounting holes were further back and the cross member is in the way. I ended up using a rubber mount for a Chevy 350 since it was narrower than the Nissan unit. I had to weld a plate to the rubber mount and also modify the steel transmission mounting plate that bolts to the frame. There may be an easier way but this worked for me.
I know my welds look terrible but they're holding so far.
The pictures of the rubber mount are from my first go at it. It got too hot when I was welding and the rubber started to delaminate. My second attempt was successful but I don't have any pictures of that.
