Aluminum Reinforcement vs Steel Reinforcement Plate

[crystalworks]

Are these interchangeable across e53's? My 2006 4.8is has the steel plate. Would love to switch to the aluminum version if able to.

I had mine off recently and will have it off again in the near future so having it be lighter is very appealing.

[mr_robot]

Like the aluminum one from the 4.6is?




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[jsoto]

brump. I assumed-presumed, we pre/post all shared the same like plate!

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by mr_robot

Like the aluminum one from the 4.6is?

Yes if that's the only e53it came on. I didn't know which applications got the aluminum vs the steel.

[mr_robot]

I have one sitting in my backyard but its slightly different.

It has a slot bent up to feed air for cooling the alternator.


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[crystalworks]

Maybe I'll just order one and check fitment. They are cheap on Ebay. I can't imagine there being too much of a difference. RealOEM says that the 4.8is part number supersedes the 4.6is version. Well, now after looking at some pictures I've come up with the below:

4.6is part number: 31116758754



4.8is part number: 31116767084



And plot thickens... turns out there is a third plate that was available on the pre-LCI 3.0, pre-LCI 4.4, and the post-LCI 3.0.

3.0 & 4.4i pre-LCI part number: 31101095656



And a fourth plate for the post LCI 4.4i.

4.4i post-LCI part number: 31106761790



So, I'm going to get under the truck and see if that large cutout in my plate (4.8is) is there to accommodate the oil pan. If it is then I would imagine switching to another version is not possible on the 4.8's... and our plates are made out of steel to be as strong as the aluminum versions even though it's missing that large amount in the middle. I am not an engineer, but that's my shadetree mechanic guess.

[jsoto]

Oh vei. Something new for the wiki

[crystalworks]

Wait a second... I was just thinking... doesn't this plate sit further back than the oil pan? And the plastic cover up front sits under the pan?

Edit: nope... getting old sucks. It does sit square under the oil pan... and the cutout is flush with the oil pan so no other plate is going to fit a 4.8is. I was hoping the 4.4i one would since it is also an N62. Maybe I'll have a glance under my old 4.4i next time my buddy is over for sh*ts and giggles... I really want to switch if I can... lol. Holding the plate up while lining up bolts is not my idea of a good time. Maybe if I had 3 hands...

[crystalworks]

After having a look at the images below... there may be a slight chance the 4.4i reinforcement plate will fit as the oil filter and drain in the pan seem to be in a similar position to the 4.8. Will take closer examination of both trucks when I have them both available to me. The 4.4i's lower oil pan is finned aluminum while the 4.8is' pan is a flat painted affair. Not sure of material. Thanks to Qsilver for the images.





Here is the 4.8is

[jsoto]

No magnet on hand ?

Maybe the black coating is a ceramic coating for that extra .003 seconds shave. Just grasping here..