http://www.vipcustomparts.com/minicooperparts.htm

It looks like an interesting design but I wanted some feedback before I dump $100 on this mod.

 

This is such a simple device and there is no reason for it not to work. I have not used or installed one, but from the pics, the brackets appear to be high quality. The shock style dampers (TSW) work well and I have installed lots them with no complaints. I say go ahead and get it, give us the full report. If you don't like it, sell it. I would put this part on my own car, but I have the early design motor mount that already has a longitudinal brace.
--Dan

 

He is local to me and they are high quality materials. Like above...TSW or this one...doesnt matter. User preference cause the TSW is a piston and the VIP one is a rubber bushing (that will crack and eventually fail).......

 

Just to clarify the TSW is also just a hard rubber bushing inside the case.

 

Anybody installed this yet?

I have one, but I'm waiting for a nicer, (warmer) day to install it...

I would love to see someone's 'how-to' on this engine stabilizer!

Anyone? Anyone?
Bueller? Bueller?

 

I had two TSW's and now have the VIP. no complaints

 

The VIP unit is very well made, but the problem i have with it is where it mounts. the engine pivots on the bolt on the side engine mount. so to keep the engine from moving the most, it's best to have the pivot point out as far as you can. so the damper like the TSW one (that we carry) put a point several inches out in front of the pivot point to keep the engine from rocking back. the VIP one has about 1/2 inch of mount right on top of the bolt. so does it help, yeah maybe, but i would think the TSW unit would work better for about the same price. but as a disclaimer, i have no data to back this up other than seeing how they work on the engine. i still think the best way to keep the engine from rocking around is the Poly Engine bushings. i use them on my car and it really made things feel solid and took out all the sloppy feel. and they cost less.

 

I had bad NVH on both TSW's. I'd do PU inserts if the NVH wasn't objectionable. Guess there's only one way to know

 

Cool deal guys. I think the VIP unit is going to be part of my parts bonanza coming up. Can't wait for warmer weather so I can install all of this stuff laying around!

 

Again I ask, anyone have a how-to published for the VIP Custom Parts engine stabilizer???

 

it's included when you buy it. detailed instructions.

 

I have that mod on my 05' Cooper. The instructions that come with it are easy to follow and easy to do (if your mechanically inclined). The result I have experienced was a smoother more solid feel of power to the ground. The shifting was also more solid and smoother. I had a ruptured upper engine mount and when it was replaced (under warranty) I installed this engine stablizer and no problems since (and I do alot of AutoXn). I know the guy who designed and makes them he's a member of a Phoenix Mini club the DMC. If you have any other questions just let me know.

 

Our v2 damper kit is about to come out, featuring an all new damper that we helped design - gone are the heim joints! The new damper has bullet-shaped elastomeric internals and all new ends that are rubber encapsulated bushings... The result? Less NVH and the same performance...

 

Sorry, but what does NVH mean?

 

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness

 

Thanks

 

When will this be available?

 

We should have the initial run in our hands here in a couple of weeks... This also includes a revised front bracket design of a thicker material...

 

Why would you use a revised front bracket design of a thicker material???

 

I have the VIP Engine Stabilizer on my '06 MC. It's a solid and well made. As for the NVH, I've not noticed *any* NVH increase in the cabin. I did buy it to primarily prevent the known possibility of the stock engine mount failure. The drilling was the most difficult part since you'll need to get a small bit/90* drill head angled through the 5/8" holes in the strut tower for starter holes. You'll also need to drop the strut slightly so you can finish drilling/enlarging the holes from the wheel well side. After that, it's a piece of cake. Working carefully, it took me about 1 hour.

Side note: I don't know if VIP has changed their instructions, but one thing that you may want to know is that my instructions said to detach the "tie-rod end" to allow the strut to lower. After a couple of phone calls to VIP, what we realized is that you want to detach the lower end of the "endlink" to your swaybar. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm 99% sure the tie-rod end is the what adjusts your toe for steering, and the endlinks connect your strut to the swaybar.)

Thanks,

Al

 

i think tie-rod is just a general term for anything with rod-ends at both ends

lol that sounds funny

 

We had a few cars putting down 250+ whp that had issues with the front bracket actually bending - now, whether or not that caused the bend, or if improper adjustment or installation did, well we can't say. We've shipped out replacement brackets and never heard back. Shrug.

So, we decided to make it thicker by bumping the gauge of the material up one gauge... The nice thing is that it can now probably be used to hoist the motor out if you ever needed to do that...

 

Well, after installing the VIP stabilizer, I must say it is super-beefy, and likely over-engineered. So I trust that it will do the job as advertised. I don't notice any NVH increase whatsoever.

Installation was super easy! On pre-'05 cars, the mounting holes are already there, you just bolt this puppy on!

The '05 and later cars have to do some drilling, but luckily for me, my car was a piece of cake installation. Easiest mod to install yet, besides my Whalen shift ****.

Good, solid product. I notice it when letting the clutch out or during abrupt pedal-to-the-metal moments. Otherwise, it doesn't make its' presence known.

Is it necessary for the street? No, not really.
But for under 100 bucks, it's a trick piece of engine bay kit, at the very least.