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Just a very quick one needing a simple answer... Just been offered a perfect/like newish pretty-much bare automatic front sub-frame. Understand the need to use 10mm spacers to lift the manual engine a bit. Anything else to know - or fear? So far as I know it's hydro, 4 bolt fixing. Had a look through the forum index but nothing too startling there.

Anyone......?

Just a piece of useless info for you Peter, the Hill Climb cars often use the auto subframe as they can lower the engine a bit.

Peter, we once had a Mini brought to us to investigate poor handling. Under acceleration the car would pull in one direction, then after lifting off to change gear it would lurch in the opposite direction. Horrible. On checking under the bonnet we noticed that the engine sloped from L to R. Some bright individual had put a manual unit in an auto frame. One engine mount was bolted up as normal, and as the other fell below the mounting holes, this bloke had simply drilled 2 new holes lower down. The effect on handling was dramatic.

From that Nick, I can assume that the auto sub frame is a worthwhile spare.

Anyone else .........?

A car came through the workshop for some bodywork.

During the strip down we discovered an auto front s/f with, as you say, spacers under the engine mounts.

It drove perfectly well, but the owner wanted us to source and fit the correct item, for originality's sake.

I don't think there's any issues using an auto subframe other than needing the engine mount spacers. And the hydros can be modified to fit rubber if required.

We raced a circuit 970 with an auto subframe for the reasons discussed. That thing flew around corners

Peter Laidler wrote: ↑Thu Jan 28, 2021 10:05 am From that Nick, I can assume that the auto sub frame is a worthwhile spare.

Anyone else .........?

Pete
Very worthwhile investment....one small point to add......they cut away a piece of the flat web on both sides where the engine mounts are....it sure makes easier access for the engine mount nuts/bolts.
Cheers
D

I run a 4-bolt auto subframe in my car along with the Minispares spacer kit. No issues to report, just make sure you measure it up properly as there's redrilling to do at one side.