Engine mounts - small mod, BIG gains

**malteser** · 14-10-2008, 07:45 AM

It seemed that last week, a problem I had about 3 months ago had come back. This problem is basically a noise; a metal on metal ticking that would increase as wheel speed increased.

Naturally, I thought this was somehow gearbox or diff related. However, 3 months ago, this was partially cured by replacing the transmission mount for a shiny new one (thanks GolfLoon). But, with the noise recurring my doubts about the strength of the gearbox resurfaced as did the nightmares of being without the VR and the hefty price for a recoed gearbox or something similar. Either way, I would have been up for over a grand.

However, driving the car up the drive way with the bonnet open, my dad noticed a lot of movement in the engine. I mean, you could rock a baby to sleep on that puppy!

So this was a great excuse to do a mod that I was planning on anyway. Thanks to Tim's great site, DubAddiction, I got a BFI stage 1 engine mount kit.

$199 had it delivered to my door in a couple of days, and sourcing the instructions for installation on the net, they went into my car on Saturday (sorry, no pics!) It basically involved getting the car on small ramps, or blocks of timber to get the jack under (too low otherwise

), removing the top bolts on the motor mounts, jacking the engine up carefully and I do say carefully as jacking up from the sump can cause oil pick up problems etc, then you undo more bolts scattered around the mounts and look in amazement at what shocking mounts you had in there before!

Mine actually did look like the one on the left. They were just so squishy. So the new mounts went in without a fuss.

But what a DIFFERENCE! Sure, there is noticeably more vibration at startup and when starting from first gear, around the 1000-2000rpm mark. But the gains far outweigh any negatives. No more shuddering on takeoff, smoother shifts, more linear power delivery, more urgency, improved throttle response, deeper engine note (inside the cabin at least) and audible gear whine in some gears on engine braking (not sure if this is a positive or negative, but I like it

). The car just feels like a race car, and compliments the coilovers and short shifter really well, as well as the VR's normal heavy brake pedal to give the car a solid feel.

The vibrations ARE definitely increased over stock, and someone wanting a more stock feel may want to go for the stage 0.5 mounts or it may not be something you want to change. But my experience over the past couple of day have made my car just feel that much better.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the vibrations may be more noticeable on a 2.0 since the VR6 engine is heavier, and the stage 1 could be a bit unbearable.

Mark

**rayray086** · 14-10-2008, 08:27 AM

I've read reviews and have been hearing Stage 0.5 are noticeably stiffer than stock so when I read you went for Stage 1, I went

But good to hear you're enjoying it! Pedro has Stage 0.5 mounts put into his ABF Mk3 and I can't wait to hear his review on it once it's running.

to Tim for getting BFI stuff locally!

**Tim** · 14-10-2008, 08:38 AM

Good to get some feedback on the mounts mate.
Thats exactly what stage 1 is sposed to be. I kinda like the high frequency vibration in my vr6 as well. Makes the car feel more purposeful.
The gearbox mount upgrade is substantial and is where most of the vibration tends to come from in my experience. You could always uprate the others and stay stock gearbox mount. Or go for a G60 mount if the vibration gets too much to handle.

and thanks ray. Im trying! Im itching to get more stuff in from BFI but the dollar is killing me. I really dont want to do it unless I can be competitive. At this state the prices on my site work out cheaper than buying direct from BFI! Luckily AUD made up some ground overnight. So hopefully I can get something tee'd up soon

**Mrk_Mickey** · 14-10-2008, 09:10 AM

Nice work Mark, I like your peaceful resolution hehehe.

I've actually had a bit of worry with my car since I finished the timing chains and clutch; Call me crazy (don't worry I do as well) but there's a bolt I haven't put back into the gearbox mount because you have to clear the subframe to get it in. I'm assuming this/loose engine mounts could be the culprit. I can hear a knocking noise when I engage the engine, and another when I let off.

**Tim** · 14-10-2008, 09:14 AM

that doesnt sound so great. Too much engine movement can cause damage. Id get it sorted ASAP

**Mrk_Mickey** · 14-10-2008, 09:34 AM

Does it sound like a mount problem Tim? That's what I thought it sounded like. I'm not actually driving the car at all really, only home>school>home 4 times in the next two weeks.

**Tim** · 14-10-2008, 09:39 AM

well im just going on the fact that 1+1 usually equals 2. And you said u left a bolt out.

**V®6** · 14-10-2008, 10:17 AM

Hey guys on the subject of mounts, can anyone steer me in the direction of Automatic Gearbox mounts? My mechanic has informed me that mine are shot. Considering getting the 0.5 engine mount kit as well.