Solid motor mount install, talk about a nightmare!
03-25-2012, 05:12 PM
#1
Solid motor mount install, talk about a nightmare! So I dedicated my weekend to do my solid motor mounts since my headers were sitting on the k-frame and rubbing the motor mount pedestals themselves. I started the install and got the driver side mount out and the solid mount in moved on to the passenger side and got the mount out. I noticed that when I unbolted the passenger side mount the whole drivetrain "popped" and shifted in direction. I didn't think much of it until I tried to align the through bolt... It was WAY off. To make a long story kinda short, I had to unbolt the pedestal, unbolt the trans crossmember and get a scissor jack in where I could to push the tails haft towards the pass. side to get the mounts to line up. I started all the bolts and it fought the whole way until I had them all completely tight. I thought I was done til I tried to bolt up the crossmember to find that now it was way off. I think my damn car is tweaked! Everything is done and good now just had to vent... Wow what a nightmare.
I've done the rear end, trans., cam, headers and a lot of other work on my car ( I do all the work on my car myself) and let me tell you I feel this was the most pita thing I've done to it.
Sorry for the long post, but I feel so relieved now.
I've done the rear end, trans., cam, headers and a lot of other work on my car ( I do all the work on my car myself) and let me tell you I feel this was the most pita thing I've done to it.
Sorry for the long post, but I feel so relieved now.
03-25-2012, 06:57 PM
#4
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awesome well keep us posted, im going to do some kind of mounts myself. just not sure yet. would like to go with solid, the polys in the clamshells look like a real ***** lol
03-25-2012, 08:48 PM
#7
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I did solid motor mounts in my car after my first engine went i honestly dont feel that much of a difference from when my first engine was cammed (trex cam) with stock mounts, and current engine cammed (trex again) and solids. Yea it vibrates a little more at idle but to me its nothing major. I do love all the extra room you have from installing them thats for sure. Ive had them in for about 2 years now and approx 20k miles.
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03-25-2012, 08:59 PM
#8
Ive rode in multiple cars with solid motor mounts and I bet you wouldn't even notice unless you looked under the hood and saw them. That's how it was for me and I love being able to run any exhaust however close to the floor pan I want knowing that it's not going to bang around and slap the underbody anymore
03-26-2012, 07:05 AM
#9
I love mine as well. You kinda have to learn how to take off in 1st gear all over again, but it only takes a bit of driving to get familiar with it.
It vibes slightly taking off in first, but like I said, you learn the sweet spot pretty quick. I just like the idea of knowing all my power is getting transferred accordingly.
It vibes slightly taking off in first, but like I said, you learn the sweet spot pretty quick. I just like the idea of knowing all my power is getting transferred accordingly.
03-26-2012, 09:03 AM
#12
Had spohns I was going to install, but ended up selling them and buying the umi aluminum solids. I didn't like the fact that the spohns raise the motor, I have tight clearances as it is with my 1 7/8 primary headers. I think the spohns would have been an easier install though with no through bolts you have to worry about lining up
03-26-2012, 09:34 PM
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i bought the umi mounts cause i was worried about raising the motor. got the driver side all bolted up. i ended up taking out the passenger pedestal but now i cant get the holes to line up. seems like the motor has to come forward half and inch.
03-27-2012, 01:32 AM
#17
This is the same exact problem I had with mine! I ended up having to unbolt the trans xmember and push it to the passenger side to get my passenger side pedestal to line back up so I could get the threads started back into the k-frame. I feel your pain man trust me, but it will be all worth it once it's done
03-27-2012, 01:36 AM
#18
The spohns would be a great replacement. Like I said the spohns are the solid motor mounts I was originally going to use, but ended up selling them and getting the umi solids due to the fact that they don't raise the motor as much like the spohns do. I have big primaries and a 3.5 inch collector so clearance is very tight
03-27-2012, 07:23 AM
#19
It raised my motor (Spohn's) but it doesn't bother me at all.
Here's a tip for finagaling the engine.... take your floor jack and a small chunk of 2x4 and put it sideways JUST in front of the oil pan plug. For me, with a t56, that was pretty much balanced. I could move the motor all over with one hand, easy.
Benny, trust me, as far as the pedestal bolts (4) and the 4 bolts on the solid mount, leave them loose; Just get the threads started a few rounds. (Of course you still have the 18mm bolt through the mount and the pedestal)
This will allow you more wiggle room to get the other side lined up as well. Then it's just a matter of tightening both sides slowly, lowering the jack slightly, keep tightening.... you'll get it.
Hope this helps.
Here's a tip for finagaling the engine.... take your floor jack and a small chunk of 2x4 and put it sideways JUST in front of the oil pan plug. For me, with a t56, that was pretty much balanced. I could move the motor all over with one hand, easy.
Benny, trust me, as far as the pedestal bolts (4) and the 4 bolts on the solid mount, leave them loose; Just get the threads started a few rounds. (Of course you still have the 18mm bolt through the mount and the pedestal)
This will allow you more wiggle room to get the other side lined up as well. Then it's just a matter of tightening both sides slowly, lowering the jack slightly, keep tightening.... you'll get it.
Hope this helps.
03-31-2012, 09:32 AM
#20
Well finally got the car complete and took it for the first drive with the solid motor mounts in. I really like the feel, feels much more rigid and solid. I haven't noticed any added vibes except that I can feel when I turn the motor over to fire it. Overall I am very pleased!