LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Which motor & trans mounts / inserts?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 26, 2021 | 10:15 PM
  #1  
XFormula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Default Which motor & trans mounts / inserts?

Hey there guys,

Im going to be installing a set of Kooks LT headers with a catted y-pipe in 2 months along with a MWC Fab 9" with their adjustable LCAs.
(likely will go with Heim/Poly, opinions welcome on other options, but please state why/pros/cons as im trying to learn).

Wondering what motor mounts and trans mounts I should put in to replace the 28 yr. old stock ones. It sounds like you should replace both motor and trans mounts at the same time not just one or the other.

I've seen that there are motor mounts and motor mount inserts available, what is the difference!? (or do you need both, yes im that much of a rook & still learning from y'all )

There were a few of old posts that said the prothane mounts are great HOWEVER many members had vibration issues, some worse than others as it seems to bring out other vibration issues present. Truly just want to prevent a headache after install and don't want to take everything apart again due to violent vibrations.

Will also be changing spark plugs (TR55), Wires (MSD Superconductors), and Ignition Coil (MSD Blaster) since it will be easier to access with the stock headers off.

Car is a 93 Formula with 40k miles that is a street daily driver, current mods are GMMG catback, Koni shocks, and Strano springs.
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2021 | 12:44 PM
  #2  
SS RRR's Avatar
Village Troll
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,111
Likes: 598
From: Jackstandican
Default

LS1 trans mount is a popular option. They are supposedly more sturdy than the LT1 mount. I have prothane motor mounts. Never had any problem with vibration that I'm aware of. It's either that or stock ones. If you go stock I believe you'll save yourself a bunch of money if you buy the mounts only without the clamshells. Clamshells are easily manageable with drilling out the rivets and putting bolts in their place.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2021 | 10:04 PM
  #3  
derekstl's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Default

I originally put in solid motor mounts and drove that way for a few years. Definitely regretted it because of how intense the vibration was. Would have been fine for a drag car, but not a daily! Ended up replacing with some poly mounts that you put inside your stock clamshell. (so just the inserts) As the previous post mentioned, pretty easy project just drilling out and bolting back together. With the exhaust manifold off, will be easy to access. Here is a pretty good write up.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...r-written.html
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2021 | 12:32 AM
  #4  
chronos's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 59
Likes: 3
From: Abbotsford
Default

I used Energy Suspension poly for both the motor and trans mount. There's a slight vibration at times but it's not bothersome. Good option for the cost.

My engine is pretty mild, so the vibration might an more noticeable on engine with a big cam and rough idle.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2021 | 07:04 AM
  #5  
cbccadet2002's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 86
Likes: 7
From: St. Louis MO
Default

I'm running energy suspension both motor and trans. Not a big deal on a M6 car. Slight vibration on take off.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2021 | 11:31 AM
  #6  
BALLSS's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 112
Default

ES "black" mounts (inserts) in stock clam shells and rubber (stock) trans mount. IMHO you don't want poly all the way around on a street car..
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2021 | 04:38 PM
  #7  
RGSS's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 303
Likes: 11
Default

Originally Posted by ******
ES "black" mounts (inserts) in stock clam shells and rubber (stock) trans mount. IMHO you don't want poly all the way around on a street car..
Agreed
This is my favorite combo too.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2021 | 05:42 PM
  #8  
SS RRR's Avatar
Village Troll
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,111
Likes: 598
From: Jackstandican
Default

Originally Posted by ******
ES "black" mounts (inserts) in stock clam shells and rubber (stock) trans mount. IMHO you don't want poly all the way around on a street car..
I could be wrong, but I think my SS with Level II suspension has poly bushings all the way around.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 16, 2021 | 11:33 AM
  #9  
BALLSS's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 112
Default

The black ES mounts have graphite impregnated in them which helps against the "polly squeak" often associated with poly (red) mounts

If the car is primarily a auto X track car than solid mounts or red polly all around....but it will have considerably more driveline harmonics transmitted throughout the car

I find, for me the ES black motor and stock rubber trans (T56) work great and no noise or driveline vibes transmitted to the car body
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2021 | 06:29 PM
  #10  
XFormula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Default

Originally Posted by RGSS
Agreed
This is my favorite combo too.
Originally Posted by ******
The black ES mounts have graphite impregnated in them which helps against the "polly squeak" often associated with poly (red) mounts

If the car is primarily a auto X track car than solid mounts or red polly all around....but it will have considerably more driveline harmonics transmitted throughout the car

I find, for me the ES black motor and stock rubber trans (T56) work great and no noise or driveline vibes transmitted to the car body
Went ahead and took your guys advice, got the black energy suspension for the motor and stock rubber mount for the transmission at advanced auto parts for around $16.
I would have gone with the LS1 mount if I had more certainty of fitment and benefit but couldn't find enough information. Will be doing the install right after the new year.
Thank you for the help guys!
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:48 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE