1st Gen R53 Cooper S Fatmat or the like to reduce engine vibration?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by minintrigue, Jun 24, 2013.

  1. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

    Sep 30, 2009
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    So my motor mount failed again and I replaced it with a TSW mount on 06 JCW. While in there I also installed a BSH lower mount as well. And while I've been able to adjust out a lot of the vibration, it's still more than I can handle.

    But I love the feel of the car now. The crisp-news of the shifts, and generally improved responsiveness of the car is awesome. So I'd like to find a way to reduce the vibration so was wondering what your thoughts are on trying to put some fatmat or other sound/noise deadened on the shock tower, etc in an effort to absorb some of the vibration? I don't need a lot, but it currently makes me a little ill while driving.
     
  2. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I had a TSW engine damper on my car for about 2 days before I pulled it off. NVH got to me too.

    If it is the trans mount adding matting to the strut tower may not give the results you want. But you might as well try. Other than that removing them seems to be the only option as far as I know. Good luck.
     
  3. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    Fatmat won't help at all with engine vibration. It's for acoustical isolation on body panels that flex.
     
  4. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Yeah, the TSW mount isn't awesome in this regard.

    I replaced mine with a Vibratechnics and it's much, much better. Calmed 90% of my NVH issues. Still maybe a bit more rattly than the stock mount, but not much. And it's a far superior design to the stock mount or the TSW.

    The TSW mount was the best available option several years back when the OEM mounts were all rupturing and there was no other non-OEM option. But the VT mount beats it in every way, IMO. As it should, for the price (it's much more expensive).
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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  6. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Sound deadening is not going to help with this unless it is used to try and dampen the rattles. The vibration is simply caused by the mounts. Harder mount=vibrations.

    I have the Powerflex inserts on all of the mounts and the only vibration I get is at idle (very little, more with the A/C on).
     
  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    This will fix your issue. ^^^^^

    The TSW mount is junk and the root of all your vibration issues.
     
  8. sethat46

    sethat46 Well-Known Member

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    #8 sethat46, Jun 24, 2013
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2013
    I was going to say something earlier but figured he was happy with his mounts but just wanted to stop some of the vibrations.

    Nonetheless I have the right side vt mount and the torque link which is the tranny mount and let me just say they are amazing. Very little vibration.

    I have a picture on my user page of me holding it.... it is a very handsome piece indeed. The mount that is! Ha!
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Seth is yours the track or road model of the engine mount?
     
  10. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    You didn't ask me... But I run the road. It's bliss. :D
     
  11. sethat46

    sethat46 Well-Known Member

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    #11 sethat46, Jun 24, 2013
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2013
    Like Blimey, I have the street/road model. No sense using track ones.
     
  12. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    Does anybody run the track models, and if so, how do they compare to a TSW / Powerflex / Powerflex combo?
     
  13. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

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    Another vote for the VT mounts.
    I have all three and there are no vibrations. I have the street ones.
     
  14. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    The VT track mounts are stiff but not TSW rigid stiff.

    Unless you have a race / track car you don't need the race version on the VT mounts the street mounts will be fine and not fail or shake your fillings out.
     
  15. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

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    Ordered the road mounts today - really looking forward to getting them.
     
  16. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Let us know how you like them compared to the TSW mounts.
     
  17. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

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    Wow - great service - ordered Tuesday morning, delivered from England at 10:30 this morning. Hope I can find time to get them installed this weekend. And I will certainly let you know how they feel.
     
  18. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

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    Ok - got them installed tonight and aside from some codes due to knocking the little harness by the bracket for the mount a bit loose, I'm very pleased. I only drove it around the block, but it was very mild and the engine vibration is much reduced. I can feel more movement compared with the TSW, but I need that compromise. I'll report back after my commute Monday.
     

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