Mexico Brackets for SAAB 96 V4
| The photos show the first pattern brackets on my rally engine back in 1974/5. They were designed to reduce engine movements, particularly forward movement, to avoid putting the fan through the radiator, and also to avoid the carburettor throttle rod from dropping out of its hole in the heater housing. They also assisted in the reduction of “tramp” when the clutch was let out quickly for a standing start. They were installed using the earlier rubber engine mount (8801706), located just forward of the turrets with a cut down third cushion placed under the transmission.The rubber cushions are also used by Ford- Capri/Cortina. Similar items are cheaper than from Saab. |
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SAAB V4 – “Mexico” Brackets – SAAB Part No 10181
Installation instructions Remove engine and transmission. Mark out and drill two holes into the lower face of the clutch housing as per designs. It is easier to drill guide holes first of a small diameter ensuring that the drill is perpendicular to the face, then increase the drill size until 8.5mm is achieved. Acquire 3 x Engine Cushion 8801706 or similar (Ford Cortina P/N1454274), dimensions to 73mm diameter and 37mm depth of rubber. Upper & lower threads shall be 10mm coarse metric or similar. On one cushion cut off one threaded side, cutting 3-5mm from the face thus exposing solid rubber. Drill a 10mm hole in the engine floor centred on the transmission drain aperture and 45mm to rear of its edge. Place the cut down engine cushion here to act as an extra support under the transmission. If a sump guard is to be used, then the length of exposed thread beyond the nut may be cut off. Viewed from in front of the engine bay:- For the LHand bracket support cushion, mark out a point 58mm inboard of the inner wing and 95mm forward of the turret housing here taken from vertical face. This will place the outer edge of the cushion adjacent to the anti roll bar support bush bracket rear nut if vehicle has this fitted. Drill a 10mm hole. Install cushion with spring washer and nut finger tight. For the RHand bracket cushion, mark out a point 35mm inboard of the inner wing and 60mm forward of the turret housing again from the vertical face. This too will place the cushion adjacent to the RHS anti roll bar support bush bracket rear nut, if fitted. Install cushion with spring washer and tighten nut finger tight. Install engine & transmission. It is found that the support cushion assists in docking the rear transmission mounting. Leave engine in supported position just above front engine cushions. Install RH bracket to castings on side of engine block, finger tight. (Upper 3/8”UNC x 1” Hex/Cap screw. Lower 3/8”UNC x 3/4” Hex/Cap screw with flat + spring washers.) Install bolt + flat washer in lower arm of bracket through lower hole in transmission clutch housing. (5/16”or 8mm, long shoulder (35mm) with overall length of 2 1/4” or 55mm) thus the thread of the bolt projects out of rear of bell-housing. Use of fully threaded bolt will accelerate wear in the arm and clutch housing holes which will occur under competition conditions. Apply flat washer, spring washer and nut. A nylock nut may be used if so desired. Tighten bolts on side of bracket and then tighten lower bolt and nut. It may be found that the lower arm is braced away from the clutch housing. This is of no concern and will tighten back. A ¼in drive ratchet handle with 1/2in socket and ring spanner speeds the procedure. Install LH bracket, using two long transmission retainer bolts and washers, finger tight. Install bolt and flat washer to lower bracket arm and through lower hole in clutch housing. Apply flat washer, spring washer and nut. Tighten transmission bolts followed by lower arm bolt. Again it may be found that the lower arm is braced away from the clutch housing. This is of no concern and will tighten back. Apply force against the front of engine ensuring that the rear transmission mounting is still docked and gently lower the engine in place. It may be found that the “mexico” support brackets require a little force rearwards to locate on their cushions. This is normal. When you are happy that the engine is in correct alignment, tighten all cushion bolts. Complete assembly of all other components and start the motor. It will be found that there will be some vibration as the motor is more rigidly braced but this will settle in time. NB. If the bottom ball joints have been disconnected to allow easy removal of drive-shafts from the transmission then the “Mexico” brackets can be assembled to engine/transmission outside of vehicle. Otherwise the brackets will catch on the inner wings when the engine is slid over to one side for relocation of drive-shafts in the transmission. The design shows use of metal covers (8801250) on the cushions. (Early V4, Saab 99 engine mounts) They may assist in the rigidity of the fixture but have to be trimmed at the sides. I did not use covers in my original car. John Wood – “Woody” |
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