Has anyone here installed the Ireland Engineering bushings?

What's the difference between the IE bushings, Mini Madness, and the Powerflex bushings (other than price)?

 

Yes, I have them.

I have no idea what the differences are, as I have no point of reference other than stock. I can only stay they're pretty stiff, and get the job done. If you don't like vibrations, don't get them .

 

From what I can tell the IE bushings only fill the voids in the large factory bushing, is that correct? You leave the factory small one alone? Thanks.

 

From what I gathered watching the installation (I didn't perform it myself) that would be correct. I got both the top bushings, and the lower bushings.

 

Madness bushings insert into the large one, and also supply a new assembly for the small one.

Well worth the 20min it takes to install!

 

The car feels more connected over stock though right? I am interested in the entire Powerflex set. But I have grown used to the zero vibration idle my irridium plugs, wires, and plasma booster provide. I want to at least try them out before sinking money into the parts.

 

there is quite a lot more in the way of vibrations... An unfortunate by product of stiff mounts!

That really only occurs low in the rev range.

 

Thanks. I'm just curious why the Madness lower engine bushings cost $85 while both (large and small) lower engine mount Powerflex bushings run $51.

 

There's no reason to get these unless you track your car. The car vibrates A LOT. As I said, if you dont like vibrations don't get these. My steering wheel shakes quite a bit at idle, 3-4 mm of deflection up and down. The engine doesnt move at all, on the dyno you can brely see it move (I took off my engine damper).

On a tangent i can assure you the stock plug wires work just fine (we're making well over 250 whp with stock wires, coil, no plasma crap). As for pkugs, really all you're doing is retarding knock by stepping colder; your car isnt actually running amy smoother...

 

I've got Ireland upper and lower bushings too and I loved the change. I do get some more vibrations at idle and I can also see the steering wheel moving a bit. It also requires you to change the way you take off from a stop. I have to give it a little more gas to prevent myself from looking like a noob when I drive.

The benefits are great though. There is no slop during shifts or on-off throttle changes and I found it to be one of the mods that changed the driving experience of the car.

 

Thanks for your inputs to the pros and cons of the bushings guys. I already know this is something I want to do.

What I'm trying to determine is why there is a substantial price difference between the three. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Powerflex is UK based? I think it is anyway, so there might be some postage on top of the $51... ?

I haven't recorded the amount of vibration others are reporting... Not bad at idle, it's at about 1100 or so rpm when taking off...For me at least...

 

Thanks, but the $51 for the Powerflex bushings is Moss Motors price.

I wonder if the Madness ones are softer since you're not having the same vibration issues?

 

There may not be any difference. There are plenty of companies that offer comparable products for 20-30% less. Such is the way of a capitalist society .

 

Aside from the fact that brushings are needed and can wear out, what are the advantages of upgrading the brushings compared to an engine dampner? Do they perform the same function?

 

The engine swings/moves a lot more at the bottom end.

I would get some poly bushings into the dog bone connection first, i doubt there would be any need for a damper.

I am currently about to replace the stock upper mount, the set up should be fine then.

 

There's less drivetrain slack with solid bushings. Normally the bushings on the car stretch to absorb the movement of the engine (Which is great for comfort, but changes the CG and transfers weight all over during HPDE's on the track/Autocross.

With solid bushings all the movement of the engine is transfered to the car, as vibration.

Ever seen a MINI engine on a dyno? It's scary how much it moves (2-3 inches sometimes in either direction).

 

So replacing only the lower mounts is good enough to stop engine movement?

 

I've read the lower bushing is the place to start and makes the biggest difference.

I already have a TSW engine damper kit and it made a huge difference.

I ordered the IE bushing inserts for the lower engine and gear box mounts. I plan on installing the LEM bushing inserts first to see how much effect they have on their own before installing the GBM bushing inserts.

 

Bah, just get them all Steve-o. I have all the powerflex ones plus the TSW damper and the engine moves less than 2-3mm on lift, and that is with 28psi and 350+hp/250+ft-lbs. I really do not have a ton of vibration in the steering wheel, and considering everything else you "put up with" to run Peggy's car the way it is now, I don't think it will bother you one iota.

 

 

Thanks Joel. I'm sure I will end up stuffing all the poly bits in there that I can find. I just want to do one at a time to see which has what impact ... just for my own knowledge.

BTW, I'm still bummed I didn't get a ride in your monster the last time you were down here.

 

from outmotoring on powerflex bushing kit:

Fits these MINI models:
we have not confirmed which years this kit covers. MINI changed the upper mount sometime in early 2005 but we're not certain if they also changed the lower mounts. Please confirm via visual inspection if these bushings will fit your year and model as MINI has changed the motors mounts at least once since the car was released.


any feedback on this, and which bushings will work and what wont on an 05

 

nevermind, figured it out myself

 

Well maybe you can get a ride in PHX on the 6th if you come up for the EVOMS dyno shootout. You're retired, not like you have anywhere to be the next day