I have decided that I need an engine stabilizer/damper for my 2004 MCS. It appears that the LOTF damper is no longer made and the resellers have no more in stock, which leaves the Texas Speed Werx and the dog-bone version from VIP Custom Parts as the only options. Thoughts regarding the TSW versus the VIP? Real world experience? Anybody got a LOTF for sale? TIA.

 

I have a LOTF and love it, I would try to get one if you can.

-Cody

 

On a different track: I have the Detroit Tuned lower engine mount reinforcement. It's cheap. You may get similar results. Sorry, I can't compare because I have never tried the others on my car. I like the engine mount version though.

dan

 

yea comparos are gonna be kidna hard cause i dont think people would have more then one

 

have tryed both lotf and tsw. lotf is a knuckle buster to install and remove. it must be removed for belt replacement. tsw works well and does not require removal for belt work. i do notice slight nhv at idle with the tsw but only below 1000rpm. i have a 2005 mcs jcw and still have the original motor mount at 42000mi.

 

I've had three TSW kits and currently run the VIP kit. No question about it....fitment is much better on the VIP and seems better thought out (this means I didn't have to modify it to fit like the TSW kits and it doesn't make noise like the TSW kits). As some others have pointed out though, the engine moves more down low than up high so any engine damper topside won't work as well as one down low or a urethane lower engine mount

yes, I have a brand new silver one. PM me if you are interested

 

If it has the same damper/mount set up as the later gen 1's, i'd recommend replacing the bottom dogbone bushings with a poly bushing. I have also picked up from http://www.vipcustomparts.com/minicooperparts.htm the top mount damper, with this combo i dont get any engine flex!

The people at VIP were easy to deal with too, even for international buying.

Good luck.

 

I need one for an '02 S....anyone???

 

I did'nt know there was another you could install under the car. I like the TSW damper I installed, nice brackets,nicely made,good instructions and works very well(a little vibration @ idle but I set mine up stiffer than the setting the TSW people sent it out with ).

 

Does anyone know if any of these engine stabilizers will work on the MCSa? Our engines are moved to the right by about 1" IIRC, to accomodate the Steptronic transmission. I've already had one engine mount replaced after 17K mi...

 

+1

I also have an auto, and I'm now wondering the same thing. I'll get in touch with VIP and see if they know.

 

Just got an email back from VIP and they said the following

"We have had no fitment problems on the automatics, because the
mounting is in the same location for our brackets, Thanks VIP."

Looks like I'll be picking up one of these.

 

Can I ask anyone who recently just installed the dog bone on a MCSa for any pix? Were there drilling on the strut tower mounting holes required like someone mentioned awhile ago?

Thank you advance.

 

Hi all, I installed a TSW on my 05 cooper and love it. There is some vibration at idle but very livable. There is no drilling, and it will fit auto's. I would not by a damper that required drilling, but that's just me.

 

Talk to Rustyboy155 hes had both.... And hes running some pretty killer combos you know. hes making close to 250 hp. so he would know best.
But i know that PGT has a valid point these motors flex mostly at the lower. so thats worth your money first. And the install is probably easy if not cheap.
For pricing i would contact danny at mini corsa and ask about it.
if you got questions further feel free to Pm me.

 

The lower mount bushings are probably the better option if you dont AX or dont mind running in STX. The VIP part is good because it can be disable allowing you to run in a stock class (at least that is how it works where I am at).