So my 2003 MCS with 70k miles is very hard to shift smoothly. In fact, after 3,000 miles of driving it, I still don't feel like I have the timing down, especially between 1st and 2nd, 2nd and 3rd. Further, when my foot is off the pedal and I suddenly step on it, I can feel some very serious drivetrain lash.

I got to thinking, do I need to replace my motor mounts? Or should I get one of the TSW dampers? I have an 03 so my motor mounts are actually the rubber ones, not the oil-filled ones. Which part is going to make the biggest difference for me?

 

The TSW Damper will help for sure and with 70K some IE bushings would help too. I'd try the Damper Kit 1st since it will help without as much extra vib that the other poly mounts will give you.

 

I disagree......if the mounts are that bad, adding a damper to the mix is only going to put a bandaid on a more severe problem. A set of bushings will cost less than the damper will.

Check out http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop..._bushings.html

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...e_bushing.html

 

Wow so is that the complete kit right there? Upper and lower mounts? That's less expensive than I thought it would be.

Is the trans mount important to replace too?

Can I do the job myself?

 

Sure can

 

Your upper mount (one bolted to the strut tower) is most likely bad and replacing that should be high on your list. 'Should' only cost you $50 or so from Mini Mania. The older 'main' mounts are also filled with oil, not entirely rubber, but they have less issues. That might be bad as well, but without photos is hard to tell.

All the mounts are very easy to replace, and if you choose to do the tranny inserts (highly suggested) the hardest part will be removing everything to get to the mount itself.

Personally i have the IE inserts in the lower and the tranny, with a dampner on the pass. side. I get some vibration at idle, but the positive fill gain is VERY worth that tiny NVH.

 

This was based on the thought that his OEM bushings were not bad.

The IE bushings will do the same thing as the Powerflex and will help but may not be needed IMHO.

 

We have the complete Powerflex Engine bush packages for both the early and late cars. These are an afordable set that will def. cut down on the engine rock.

Yes you can probaly install these yourself. They only need hand tools to install and a little time.

 

Grab the mounts - we'll put them in with the pulleys - PS - I have the TSW damper in my 03 - it REALLY helped with shifts and drivetrain movement. I've gotta add the powerflex stuff too. Clutch/flywheel first...

 

Wow, $85 for all bushings needed for 06?

 

Why don't you included the small bushings in the later cars?

 

a good calamine lotion or ........never mind

 

OK......

 

Could use zip ties to reduce the lash

I know for body work it works great just for fun with an already busted bumper

 

me too, get the TSW damper, tighten it up until you like it .It will help the car as it was made to be smooth and because of that the motor will move around(wind up and then let go) on the liquid motor mounts when changing gears and starting off.

 

Is that your MINI's halloween zombie costume?

 

Electris fence wire works pretty well too!! LoL. I really like your bumper.

 

I dont know why i like this, but i do. Maybe with black or white or blue zip ties.

 

Ohh the doc did a good job! When do the stiches come out?

But yes dont just throw the damper on replace the mounts if they are bad/worn out. Add a damper along with it if you want.

 

I have another bumper for spring and summer.

 

I have a poly mount on my lower large engine bushing, and I had one on the trans mount which was great for reducing lash, but the vibration was killing me so I took it off after like 1000 miles. (Still have it if anyone wants to buy it!) I still have to do the upper mount, but I kept reading that the lower mount was the one that took the brunt of engine movement.