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Turbo swap, cross memebr help!!!
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 1:36 am
by fngearhead
Which x memeber needs to be changed when doing a N/A to turbo swap in a '91 legacy?
The steering rack cross member or the tranny one?
The two tranny cross members looks the same but the exhaust is hitting the steering rack cross member.
In the midst of swap now. Please call 970-376-3732 with help soon if possible!
Thanks!
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 1:41 am
by evolutionmovement
Main engine/steering rack crossmember. The alternative is to chop a chunk out of the right side of it for clearance, but I don't recommend that route.
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 1:57 am
by fngearhead
DAMN! I can't believe I ran on the assumption that it was the tranny cross member!! Anyone have the main cross member for a turbo laying around?
I'm a dumbass...
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:01 am
by Steeper
if you cant find one, I would take yours to a welding shop with a good idea where you need the clearance. They can chop it out and reinforce whats left so its just as strong as a turbo one. that said, itll cost you more than finding a turbo one I would say
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:05 am
by fngearhead
My buddy has a welder. I'm thinking of going that route, but would love to come up with the proper part. Whaddya think? Chop it up and weld in a piece of C channel?
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:19 am
by Steeper
I hontestly have never tried it, I would just cut out what you need and see whats left, then reinforce the shit outa that, I always overkill stuff that I am unsure about, and I would suggest doing that here!
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:39 am
by evolutionmovement
It's just a C-cut to clear. On the OEM crossmember, the wall underneath the clearance cut-out extends further down (towards the ground) than the other side to retain the strength. You could always do that as well.
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:28 pm
by Matt Monson
fngearhead wrote:DAMN! I can't believe I ran on the assumption that it was the tranny cross member!! Anyone have the main cross member for a turbo laying around?
I'm a dumbass...
Call Super Rupair in Boulder as well as The Boneyard in Commerce City. Call the Bone Yard first and tell Dave that I sent you. A new age WRX crossmember will work just the same...
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:29 pm
by vrg3
You have to shim the control arm bolts or something, though, right?
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:31 pm
by Legacy777
vrg3 wrote:You have to shim the control arm bolts or something, though, right?
Yes I believe so.
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:38 pm
by Matt Monson
vrg3 wrote:You have to shim the control arm bolts or something, though, right?
AKA a 4-5mm washer.
The bushings on the early cars aren't as fat at the bushings on the late model WRX's. I've done it a number of times and any hardware store has what you need...
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 3:29 am
by tmarcel
I cut mine like this |^| . I will probably weld in a small support bar later on but it does not look compromising as it is.