mounting to firewall

[Brandon Hamilton]

I'm in the planning stages of a heat exchanger project using the duda 20 plate heat exchanger (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EBJLUC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1). My plan is to mount it to the firewall using Z brackets (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K7PNGB8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

Would there be any danger of hitting something on the interior side of the firewall if I mounted in either of these two places using some short self tapping screws? Any other mounting advice for making sure it doesn't rattle loose?

 

[cosmicWy]

what did you end up doing? i'm about to buy 40-plate and i'm looking for somewhere to put it!

 

[05JLX470]

I am always afraid of what "might" be on the other side. I try to use existing bolts and/or threaded holes on the vehicle. What about getting creative with a homemade bracket that comes off the existing bolt left of your option 2 outline and the 2 bolts above. Just a thought.

 

[Brandon Hamilton]

I did end up using that existing bolt for the left side (it has enough threads) and drilled into the firewall for the right side (very carefully). There was some hard plastic back there, but it had some flex so didn't give me issues and I didn't have to compromise it. I did use those Z brackets then put a bar between them (Ace Mending Brace 10 x 1 Zinc 1 pk Bulk(01-3410-560) - Mending Plates - Ace Hardware), then I used U bolts wrapped in garden hose (to prevent vibration) to attach the heat exchanger to the bar. Attached is the final part list. Definitely replace the coolant tees and hoses while you're messing around in there. I didn't take many pictures, but it turned out great! really fun project.