Here is a pic of the engine damper installed. It was pretty easy to install. Only tricky part was adjusting the damper, don't even know if I adjusted it right. If someone can let me know how to tell if I adjusted it right, that would be great. Other than that, very easy. I didn't take it for a ride yet because it was raining here early and i just detailed it, but here is a pic of it installed.

 

Not sure on the adj, I just installed it as received.

I have the LOTF damper and as delivered it is great. Much more connected.
You will love this easy mod.

 

Should the damper be mounted to the right hand side of the back bracket to keep the damper more linear with the car? I'm not an expert but TSW has photos of their damper installed with the damper attached to the right side of the back bracket. Not sure if you have room.

 

I am pretty sure the one I installed is the LOTF. I got it from Helix. I had to make the one I installed a little longer, that was the only adjustment made. Other than that I guess I installed it right. Does yours look like mine installed? Thanks

 

I have not received mine yet. I bought it used from MiniMargie. It is a TSW version and I only looked at their install directions posted on their website and the pictures.

 

The Helix product is the same as the LOTF product

 

Yep! Looks good to me...unless we both have them installed wrong!

 

so are there any "cons" to an engine damper, it just seems like something automanufatures would put in the car if it was ment to be there?

 

I hear you can get some unwanted vibration at idle.

 

Foldinghalo, it seems as though the damper side closer to the back of the engine is mounted wrong. It should be mounted on the other side of the bracket (the passenger side) instead of the right side (driver side) at least that what the directions show. Let me know.

 

Hello
Which is benefits of this Engine Damper?

Best Regards

 

Ya, what does this thing do?

Does it add 20whp?

 

From Helix:

We all know that the stock engine mount on 2002-2006 MINI Coopers does not
do an adequate job of holding the engine in place during hard shifting.
Our kit reduces unecessary engine flex, resulting in smoother, faster
shifts, and gives the driver a more direct connection to the car. It makes
motoring even more enjoyable than it already is!

The kit we have developed mounts directly to the engine block and the
frame, requiring no drilling or modification of stock parts*. All
necessary hardware required for installation is included with the kit. You
will need to have some basic tools handy in order to install so please
check the instructions in the pdf file below prior to installation.


*Note: HMS 2006 Brackets are Neccessary for 2002 model year and 2002 BUILD YEAR 2003 model year cars


From TSW:

12/03-06 Engine Damper Kit - Red
Our engine damper kit keeps the engine from rocking fore and aft as it applies power to the wheels. This motion stores and releases energy in the drivetrain in the form of uncontrolled pulses, or "whips".
This drivetrain lash causes harshness in the drivetrain, reduces traction, tears up engine mounts and stresses the engine and transaxle. The engine damper restricts the rocking motion of the engine while adding minimal vibration to the car, unlike engine mount inserts or urethane mounts.
The later builds have a different upper engine mount that has proven longevity issues, especially if you participate in DE's or autocross, but we've seen failures even on pampered street cars! Our damper kit will limit the motion and ensure a longer life for your hydraulic upper engine mount - don't let a leaking, failure prone mount keep you off the track!
MINI fanatics will IMMEDIATELY notice the difference in throttle response and shifting.
Our kit includes bombproof brackets - no mounting to wimpy sheet metal here! And, the damper is mounted where it can be easily serviced and away from direct engine heat.
NOTE - Installing an ETD kit may add NVH into your cabin, regardless of what we have done to minimize the effect. If you are sensitive to NVH, you may wish to reconsider installing this or any other ETD solution.


From NAM:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=48776&page=3

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=71325

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ghlight=damper

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ghlight=damper

I'm sure there's more if you look around

 

Hello
Thanks

Best Regards

 

You can mount it either way - i.e. inside the rear bracket or outside.

Almost! About 15whp actually (I'm just kidding)

I supply Helix with the damper so yes, they are indeed one and the same.

The earlier dampers might induce a slight rattle if not installed properly. The trick is to follow the order of operations as listed in the directions.

Later model years (that don't use the bracket) should be fine, again if installed in the right order.

Shoe

 

i was sceptical about this at first but after hearing how good it is im defo getting one as soon as i get the S

 

This is also on my next mod list. I just do not want to pick up idle vibration....I hate vibrations.

 

You won't!

 

Please get in touch with me whne you are ready to order!

Shoe

 

Lord of the Flies, I installed mine on the passenger side of the bracket. I followed the directions exactly but still have a vibration. Do you think i may have to switch the damper to the driver side of the bracket? Also how do I know if I adjusted the damper correctly? In the directions it said to adjust the damper according to the pic, but I couldn't tell, so I adjusted the length of the damper enough that it would line up with both bolts for the brackets. Any info would be great. Thanks

 

I've seen this product for a long time, and kept waiting to get it...

I ordered it at the beginning of January and received it 3 weeks ago... (back order from Helix)

Installation was very easy. It took me 20 minutes, and I took my time. I have a 2003 MCS and had to mount the brackets, which was very easy.

I can feel a little vibration at idle, but nothing annoying.

The engine damper does make a HUGE difference. Between hard shifts, it feels much better. When releasing the throttle from a hard accelaration, the engine seems to be directly connected to the car, and there is no more engine movement.

This mod does worth the $$ and I should have done it earlier!!

I got mine from Helix.

Here are some pics!!

 

There are two ways to adjust the length - one is the small nut that adjust the length of the heim joint rod, the other is the pre-tension **** that is much bigger and has a wide, thin nut to hold it in place.

Adjust the pre-tension plunger so that it is as far out as it can go. This will result in as little pre-tension as possible. Adjust the rod end so that it is as short as possible. Let me know how you go.

Shoe

 

So has anyone puy a lot of miles on the damper yet? say over 30k? Any ill effects? Also, is there maybe a general lifespan on this damper before it would need to get replaced? I'm really interested.