I'm going to stiffen up my lower engine mount soon and I'm looking for some input. I'm looking at either the BSH lower engine mount or the polyurethane lower engine mount bushings kit from madness motorworks. Anybody have either of these installed or have advice on which would be better? I'm not afraid to sacrifice a little bit of comfort. I'm looking to really help put more of my power to the ground.
I've installed both, the BSH is too rigid (and repositions the engine in a negative way), and inserts don't stay put; Madness poly inserts are the lesser of two evils. IF you must have more stiffness, I suggest harder rubber like these Mini Cooper S 02 04 - Vibra-Technics Compliance Technology, although I don't have personal experience with them.
I have the Powerflex lower inserts (and upper) and have no issues with them. I just used a large fender washer to make sure they stayed in place. Easy-peasy!
I've had the BSH with stock upper and VIP torque arm and stock Trans mount. Some vibration but spot on! Once the Trans mount worn I put the poly inserts in there then the combo was too much. Now running inserts in Trans and bottom stock mounts with the Vibratechnics top mount, harmony once again.
:cornut: Thanks for the input, guys. Me, I'm always wanting to buy bling/eye candy that doesn't help and may hinder MINI Margi's performance (as in:'if it aint broke, don't fix it). opcorn:opcorn:opcorn: Jason
I tried madness inserts when my car was new & immediately took them out because it made the whole dash rattle at idle. Ended up filling the voids in my stock bushing with high temp RTV silicone (baked in oven to dry). My car makes 225WHP on the dyno & the engine moves a lot less than other cars without this mod. Also, after 5 years there's still no exra NVH.
I dropped in the Powerflex insert on the large side of the 'dog bone' lower engine mount a few years ago and haven't had any issues so far. I'm running poly stiffeners all around with a solid engine damper, so I'm pretty rattly already.
I had the BSH mount on my car for about 8 months and then decided it was too noisy and harsh for day to day driving. However at higher speeds (the track), I felt engine response was much better. I'm keeping mine for those (few rare) days I want to put my car on the track, but if somebody wants mine and offers a fair price for it, I'm willing to sell it.
My only exposure to the excessive dash NVH is at idle with the A/C going. Fix.....keep rev's above 1000.
From my customers I would recommend the Powerflex inserts for the lower mount, start with just the large end and see how you like it. I've sold many BSH mounts but have had complaints about them being too hard.
Hey WMW is it considerable difference between the street bushing and the race bushing? Which woul you recommend and do you think I'm trying to be too greedy going for the stiff mount in my DD?
Just go with this kit.....MINI Cooper Powerflex Motor Mount Kit Have had mine in for years with no complaints.
I have had the BSH and the POWERFLEX lower mounts and they are both hard and make your car shake. I live in the North East and polly is ok in the Summer but no fun in the Winter. I ended up getting rid of both of these lower mounts which were the softer street versions. I ordered the road (not race) lower VT mount it is harder but is made of rubber. Vibra-Technics mounts are top quality parts and they are much stiffer than OEM but not harsh like the Polly mounts above. Mini Cooper S 02 04 - Vibra-Technics Compliance Technology Before I ordered the lower mount I ordered the VT upper mount and I don't have to worry about the OEM fluid mount failing and leaking or the rigid TSW upper polly mount. Next on my list is the VT Trans mount to replace my stiff Poweflex tranny inserts. Polly is not all its cracked up to be when you are talking about motor mounts but if you are talking suspension parts like lower control arm bushings or shock bushings thats a different story. Powerflex is a must and so much better then the marshmallow OEM garbage.:ihih::devil:
Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I will be purchasing the large end to the lower engine mount and continue to upgrade from there based on the feel I get. I will keep this forum updated as I continue to add to the mini.