[Aavi]

So, let me begin this thread by saying thank you Bobby for providing me the phone number and Nick for answering my questions. Thanks for not answering the call or text message Cal.

After the weekend of May 22nd when we had the Spring meet and Auto-X session here in NJ, I thought that I was ready to take the car and make her ready for dual use i.e. auto-x + dd.

Hence I put together a list of what i wanted with the car and how I would start changing stuff bit by bit.

I started off by replacing my stock motor mounts (mm) and transmission mounts (tm) 2 weeks ago. I had read through a lot of threads about peoples reviews etc etc

I personally wanted to get some driving time on the replacements before posting a thread on the forum.

So, here we go:

After replacing the mounts as i started the car, the engine felt as if it was on steroids. It was more lively and more raw in terms of noise. Below 1000 rpm there are vibrations (and depending on the temperature outside the vibrations will vary) but they are almost non-existent as you start moving.

As I started driving the car around town I noticed that the engine lag was very very less, the power was on tap instantly. The transmission mounts made shifting more assured, it felt as if the gears were just falling in their place. Honestly, the main difference i felt was due to the MM and not the TM. On highways the engine really awakens and while going through the gears on highway it just feels superb.

The Vorshlag mounts are a top quality aftermarket item and I have no complaints about them and how they make the car feel.

In my particular case I have 2 things that I noticed:

1. When the velocity of the car is less (e.g. 25 ~ 35 mph) and pulling the car in higher a gear (e.g. 3rd or 4th) the vibrations are more. Perfect e.g. being :- you see a stop light as you slow the car down the light turns green, and you just start pulling the car in a higher gear but your velocity is low. Is this normal?

2. On a highway when I am doing 65~75 and as i let go the throttle as the engine rpm starts to wind down, between 2000 rpm to 2500 rpm i get a judder/vibration momentarily and then it goes away (it stays for may be 5 secs). Are people running stiffer TM & MM's feeling the same thing? It would be great if someone could actually do a test for me.

3. For some reason I also feel that the additional vibrations are not good for the front sub-frame and not sure if they might lead to the OPN failure or not.

Yes, I did torque them properly. I thought that my mind would get used to it, infact I already love how everything feels and I have no complaints about the vibrations below 1000 rpm (this is normal) the only concerns are the above mentioned points.

This is my 3rd week on them and I have started to think may be i should go back to Stock MM's and stay with Vorshlag TM's...!

some pictures...

[PurduinaM3]

Nice! Glad it all worked out!

I would have chatted but I was working the auto-x course. Glad to help in any way I can though!

[adema24]

How long did it take to swap the motor mounts? Tough?

[Richardsperry]

Noise and vibration with solid motor mounts? How could that be? Oh never mind, THEY ARE RACE CAR PARTS. What did you expect?

You are exactly correct in thinking that they might be bad for the subframe. That's why RACE cars are inspected and repaired OFTEN...

[Diesel///M3]

While these look great, I think they may be too extreme for my street only application. So who makes a slightly less stiff (read: better than oem) engine mount. I want to get new mounts that are an upgrade. Anyone have experience with Bimmerworld's?

Sorry for jack btw.

[OahuMPower]

Whats your point Aavi


Race car parts require race car reinforcements, and more inspections.

GREAT parts, but you give up a lot for them.

I dont know of any "tweener" parts, from OEM to poly.

[adema24]

Go to AKG for all your bushing needs.

[Aavi]

Originally Posted by adema24

How long did it take to swap the motor mounts? Tough?

I would say if you plan everything out (PB Blast the nuts and soak them for half hour) and the right tools. It should take around 3 hours or less.

I followed the DIY on bimmerdiy, but instead of lifting the engine from the oil pan used a brace as you can see. But basically once you start working on it you will figure out the steps.

This was my first time doing it.

Originally Posted by Richardsperry

Noise and vibration with solid motor mounts? How could that be? Oh never mind, THEY ARE RACE CAR PARTS. What did you expect?

You are exactly correct in thinking that they might be bad for the subframe. That's why RACE cars are inspected and repaired OFTEN...

Richard man I know you are more knowledgeable then me and I am just asking for constructive opinions here.

These are not Solid MM firstly, they are poly 95A durometer rating, obviously stiffer then rubber. The next stiffest ones which Vorshlag makes are Nylon MM's and they mention that 95A's can be used for dual purpose for a more focused feel, whereas Nylon MM's are strictly race only.

I guess I found the 95A a bit stiffer to my liking, but I've learned my lesson here. I am not upset at all though

Originally Posted by Diesel///M3

While these look great, I think they may be too extreme for my street only application. So who makes a slightly less stiff (read: better than oem) engine mount. I want to get new mounts that are an upgrade. Anyone have experience with Bimmerworld's?

Sorry for jack btw.

No prb man, I am here to learn and provide as much info. as possible. Vorshlag is 95A durometer rating. Now the TM that i got from Vorshlag are 80A rated.

I tried pressing both with my fingers and surprisingly I was able to squeeze the 80A material, the 95A material is rock solid.

Which makes me think that AKG 80A MM might be a good choice for a street application.

I am considering them or going back to stocker's.

[JPoland]

What a surprise... Richard is cutting someone down to feel good about himself.

The AKG 80A are great! I am using them and they are exactly what I would want in terms of stiffness but not too much NVH (for me).

[PurduinaM3]

Originally Posted by Mr Estoril

What a surprise... Richard is cutting someone down to feel good about himself.

The AKG 80A are great! I am using them and they are exactly what I would want in terms of stiffness but not too much NVH (for me).

Definitely a knowledgeable member, but his enormous ego leaves much to be desired.

I thought you had the AKG 80A's. How's the NVH compared to what Aavi has described?