Description
M57’s
We get asked a lot of questions regarding the very popular M57 conversion,
Here we have tried to compile all the information that we have for you, bearing in mind we’re by no means experts on an M57 conversion…
Engine Mounts:
When installing the new engine into the chassis, its reasonably obvious that not all conversions will put the engine in the same place, we have seen MW Machines converted vehicles in the workshop, and have built exhausts to suit.
MW Machines are able to supply you with bolt in mounts for most of the versions of the M57, most of which work with the ZF 6 speed automatic gearbox. We cannot verify if the exhaust work with a manual gearbox version, other than the r380.
We have also seen pictures from House of Torque (HOT) to confirm that the M57n2 (ZF 6 speed) 3″ conversion exhaust will also fit their mounts.
All other engine mounts, we cannot confirm if our exhaust will fit.. There’s a big difference in a few degrees at the front of an engine bay, when it makes the exhaust system 4″ out at the back of the car! There’s not much tweaking available to a stainless exhaust, and they’re a lot of money to “not quite fit”
Q: Will it fit my Mahker/other brand engine mounts? NO
Q: Will it fit my Manual GT3456etc. Gearbox? NO
M57 Engine Types.
As we understand it, there are several different versions of the M57. We know the exhausts as;
1. M57 306d1 (this is an early one, a “narrow” block) This is an exhaust which works with this engine onto an R380 Land Rover Manual Gearbox, (using a Synchro gearboxes kit). We can do this is in a 2.5″ or 3″ version.
2. M57N 306d2 (This is a 2 bolt cone-seated Turbo connection) We have only seen this engine as bolted to an ZF6hp Gearbox, and then through a Synchro Gearbox convertor into an LT230 Land Rover Transfer box. As such, we can only say that this is the configuration that the exhaust will fit. We can offer the exhaust in 2.5″ or 3″ versions. The downpipe comes with an EGT boss and a Lambda sensor Boss
3. M57n2 (a Large V Band Turbo Connection) We have only seen this engine as bolted to an ZF6hp Gearbox, and then through a Synchro Gearbox convertor into an LT230 Land Rover Transfer box. As such, we can only say that this is the configuration that the exhaust will fit. We can offer the exhaust in 2.5″ or 3″ versions. YOU will need to reuse your original V Band Clamp. The downpipe comes with an EGT boss and a Lambda sensor Boss. For a Defender 90 with this setup, ONLY the 3″ rear will fit. (weird development quirk)
4. N57 ( a more modern M57) Larger V Band turbo connection. Currently these are only being fitted in house at MW Machines, Although we are able to send you an exhaust if you have liaised with them.
Q: Can I get just the downpipe?. YES, you can order only the 2.5″ downpipe for your conversion, and keep the standard LR exhaust. In most cases, you will need to modify the centre section hanger to make this work.
Hangers: All the exhaust development was carried out on the Td5/Tdci Chassis. This means that you will need to convert your earlier chassis to Td5 Exhaust hangers to make the exhaust fit. We can advise you on which ones you need. Please mention it!
Sound: With the Full 3″ Systems, the general consensus of opinion is that 2 silencers work best, in terms of drone and sound. We haven’t been in one ourselves, so we’ve no personal experience of it.
Dpf/cat shells: we are unable to supply any of these for your conversion exhaust.
EGT/Lambda Sensor: The M57N and M57n2 both come with these sensor bosses.
Support bracket: The M57N and M57n2 are fitted with a 2 bolt bracket to the downpipe upstream of the flexi. This must be used, and mated with the engine block in a suitable position. The flange connection to the Turbo will not last the test of time due to fatigue failure if this front part of the downpipe is not supported. It is our understanding that MW machines have developed a bracket for the conversion. If not, you will need to fabricate something to suit.
Twin Rear/Custom/valved Tailpipes: We can only supply our standard 2.5″ and 3″ tails for these engine conversions, we are unable to supply any custom rear twin exhausts. If you would like us to quote you for this as a custom job (with the vehicle at our workshop in Suffolk) then please feel free to contact us.
Bits: If you would like to purchase some exhaust parts in order to facilitate your conversion (perhaps to a configuration we can’t do), you are more than welcome to. Please get in touch!
Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom! 🙂