hi all and a happy new year.

i am building a haynes with bmw running gear but have come up against a problem.

my engine needs to move right a bit but that bottom rail is in the way (br8)
have thought about cutting it out a section and adding a new tube next to it. full length and braced but now wont to think about the sump chop before i make up my mind.

i must chop 20 mm off the bottom of the oil pan but could do with removing some off the side so not to have to start cutting up schassis.
a pic to show you the oil pan.

i thing if i take off all i need from the sump and re plate making the sump the shape i need it. i can then drill a 2 1/2 inch hole on the left and add a peas of caped ally tube to regain the capacity of the oil pan. there is loads of space that side so.
im i right or is there moor to it?

Speak to peter at GKD sportscars as I think he offers a sump chopping service or knows someone who does.

What size engine is it?

it is an M42B18 from a 91 e30 318 is

so a 1.8 4 pot 16 valve late 1980"s BMW engion

i e-mailed peter when i started the build 4 months back asking if i could call him and talk threw some ideas and problems throughout my build. pointing out that i am building from scratch for two reasons 1. i am a trainee welder and fabricator and @. i am not rich so i could not bye any of his parts.

very surpassingly he mailed me back saying that he would be happy to talk over any problems that arise i am to just give him a call.

as nice as this is and i am shore very genuine i feel a bit odd. its like going to the running shop for there advice and professional shoe fitting service to then bye your running shoes online for £15 less. The £15 you should have given to the expert for fitting you to the perfect running shoe.

guess i should call him after the new year.

If he took the time to email you back i'd take it as certain that a phone call is fine.

Good customer service goes a long way, I'm sure he's thinking one day you might buy a kit or bits off him!

peter is a jolly nice chap. i often stop and have a chat when im at the shows. the legend he had at exeter certainly looked like it had a monstor bmw engine in it.

looks as though i can fit an e36 m42 sump. anyone with any information on this please share. oil pick up seems to be the crux. awaiting info from an Australian chap.