Update today.
Let me just say. The engine hoist stabilizer is an absolute must have. I was able to tilt the engine/transmission to perfection. Literally was able to drop the motor in, in about 4 minutes once it was in the air.
Amazing useful tool. I have to buy a transmission jack as I need to be able to rotate the engine slightly and also tilt it down slightly. Did a pretty good job though centering it with some blocks of wood though for now until I pick one up.
I am amazed how much smaller the a543 really is in the engine bay. Looks great in there like it was made for this engine bay. Much more so than the a604.
Next step is making the mounts.
I have a pretty good idea where to make 2 of the mounts for the transmission using existing threaded holes. Except the front transmission mount. The a604 has some tapped holes right in the side of the bell housing and lots of extra aluminum to support weight. The a543 does not. I am a little worried what to do for this mount. Any ideas or suggestions would be great.
a604
a543
Look at this pic. Where is it red is where the bolt holes should be. There looks to be a weak point in my opinion with that "hole" or gap between the outer bell housing and inner bell housing. I sure do wish someone with an a543 already in their car would take some pics for me of that front mount ;)
Here's my idea for the rear mount. Basically I will be using the stock transmission mount and bolting or welding a metal extension to the bracket. I will unbolt 2 large bolts from the transmission (looks like differential cover) and then sandwich the metal bracket between longer bolts. I'm using 1/2" thick solid steel for the bracket. Should be overly strong enough. It will be shaped like a 7 of sorts.
Before:
After:
The front mount also seems to be an easy mount.
There are 2 threaded holes right on top of the transmission- right below where the main transmission mount is located at:
And many hours of diligent searching I found the mount made by DMS right here on ASEC. Exactly what I was going to do anyway. Weld a bracket to an existing mount that I got from an Eclipse.
This bracket that goes from the engine to the transmission sure has been a PITA. I can't seem to get the starter to really sit flush against the a543. Nearly flush but not perfect. I know all I have to do is grind more metal off, its just time consuming- this metal is very hard.
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