speaking only about gen 1 - we went through three of your damper kits. one was bad (you replaced it no questions asked), the other two were removed and sold. NVH we can deal with...this was loud metallic RACKET. Sounded like we were driving old jalopies or something. Let's hope gen. 2 is better as I trust it would be.

 

My gen2 is dead silent compared to my gen1. The metallic vibrating "racket" is gone.

 

well i installed the vip mount today and its like night and day. shifting is extremely smoother and it feels like a different car.

 

I went VIP also and couldn't be happier. 2004 MCS.

 

Ok, slightly off thread, but close enough I hope to not incur anyone's wrath.
I tried one of the Madness lower engine mount inserts, and it just made vibrations and noise, especially at idle. Is this typical.

So, back on the VIP upper, seems like it is quiet and functional.

Are lower inserts of little noisey value, and you should just get an upper add-a-damper and not worry about the lower??

 

lower mounts add NVH...just a fact of life. They do however make more difference than any upper mount could ever do on it's own - it's a function of pivot points. With lower inserts and the VIP on mine, there was very little engine movement on full power pulls on a dyno (240whp). I've got a nice mp4 video...if I can somehow convert it and share here, I will.

 

Thanks PGT,
I am not a big fan of NVH. Maybe I just need to get the VIP upper and then be done with it.

Since I have a dyno run coming up, I might put the lower insert back in for that adventure, but for daily driving the excessive NVH is crazy.

Just doing the upper for daily driving might be a good compromise.

 

it is indeed.

 

ok....lets see if this works (it's a quicktime uploaded to youtube...might still be processing):



powerflex gearbox bushings, Ireland engine bushings and VIP damper. I saw another MINI that day with the TSW and the LOTF installed and that motor was bouncing ALL over the place in comparison.

 

ok, edited the link....it works now. Seems my attempted upload a few months back DID work and all subsequent ones failed because they were duplicate efforts (iPhone app to record video and upload straight to youtube).

 

def no movement...i have the inserts in the lower and trans mount also and the car feels like a beast compared to before when slammin gears from a dig. i actually didnt dread rush hour traffic this morning on the way to work. shifting was super smooth with no jerking anymore and the engine rock feel when your on/off the gas.

 

Had the LOTF engine damper and it completely failed at a Phil Wicks, sense been replaced with the VIP and it's simple dogbone design with the movement being dampened in the rubber bushings is very OEM. I give it a big and another for good measure.

 

and to think...i saw this on ebay along time ago and asked around and everyone shrugged at it. go figure

 

I think I commented on it somewhere. Van (VIP) has made some really good products and he is nice and local to me.....

 

yea...you n doc said some things. wish i bought it back then. i still feel the motor rocking on hard on/off accel/deccel

 

The VIP would be my choice if it weren't for having to drill holes.

What I need to do is see a non-stabilizer car, a TSW car, and a VIP car compare.

 

sooo...i was under the hood yesterday and i found the dog bone bushing on the large side coming out of place. i was able to push it back in but its just going to come back out.



EDIT: just talked to the guys at VIP. I guess im the FIRST one to have this happen to. YAY. They will be sending me out a new dog bone.

EXCELLENT customer service.

 

dude....that rocks that they took care of you.

Did you have it in the right way? It's easy to get it backwards....one side is larger than the other and I think if you get it reversed, teh bushing wants to give at an angle other than what's needed.

 

if anyone is looking for a vip engine mount let me know, I may be selling mine

 

i went by all the pix i seen....big side upfront. they said there is a 5* angle which is normal.

 

I recvd the bogbone today and the updated front bracket. I must say, VIP customer service is outstanding.