Has anyone used the VIP engine stabilizer brace?

http://vipcustomparts.com/minicooperparts.htm



I had a different one on my 2006 cabrio, but this one looks interesting. Wondering if the claims of increased smoothness with no additional noise vibration harshness are indeed true? Also, do you have to drill the shock housing to install that plate?

Thanks!

 

I just checked mine and there's three holes on the side of the passenger side shock tower. But the holes are very shallow and do not go straight through the sheet metal on the shock tower. So if you're lookin' through the holes, all you see is the actual shock tower itself.

I say there's about half an inch between the holes and the shock tower itself. I don't know how one would secure a nut and bolt assembly.

 

According to an email they just sent me, '04s have threaded holes there but 05 and up will need a 3/8 hole drilled. I assume from there you need a nut/bolt (I asked them and will advise when I hear back).

 

The holes you see are/were the early models had a different engine mount. it was was redone in late 03 by the web site. The mounts from the web site are only good from 04 on.

 

I have an '05 so that's all good... I wonder if these work as well as the other ones I've seen out there (the ones that bolt straight to the engine block on the right-hand side)...

 

What does that bolt to on the motor? One bolt or two? Is it pretapped?

 

it bolts through the shock tower on one side and uses the existing engine mount bolt for the other. I have this on my car and it fits perfectly (more than I can say for others I've used)

 

Any noticable vibration in the cabin after installation of this?

 

nope

 

^ That is a good answer!

 

A simple yes or no would suffice.... Seriously, you like the piece?

 

yes. it's one of the few mods for the MINI that didn't need modding to fit. I had to take a file to both TSW dampers I bought to get them to fit and then still had bad NVH issues on it (even getting one swapped out to ensure the unit was functional).

keep in mind for '05/'06 owners....the VIP kit requires you to jack up the RF corner and drop the strut to install. A right angle drill and unibit would be good tools to have on hand as well. The '03/'04 cars don't have to drill and can be bolted in from the engine compartment.

 

That is excellent information, thanks!

Is the '05-'06 information delineated in the installation instructions?

 

yes

 

What tools are required to drop and re-install the strut please? I have basic hand tools, a floor jack and jack stands and the like, but not a right-angle drill (although Harbor Freight is close by).

 

basic handtools are fine. allen wrenches, sockets,

 

This just mt 2 cents worth:

Just got and installed the VP brace today. Simple install to do. After the install I checked the engine rocking in the car with the hood open. I went from 3/4" to 1" of travel to 0! I did not notice anymore vibration at all. The real test will be when I can drive it and get on it so stay tuned! Read the captions for installment info:

VP brace out of package. Really heavy duty. the plate that mounts to the strut tower is 3/16 steal! And the mount brackets for the brace are 1/8 steal. The brace is thick aluminum and the rubber parts are hard rubber like you would find on a main engine mount. It weighs about 4- 5 LBS!


have to remove strut bar for back allen bolt......


now you see why....


better angle.......


This was the hardest part (still was an easy install ) getting everything to line up right. The front bracket wanted to turn out of alignment as you tightened the motor mount nut. I know it looks out of alignment in this photo because of the angle of the camera, but if you look at the third picture above you will see it is aligned properly.


Little air gaps" in the rubber for a little flexibility and help with engine vibration.

 

Ok. I'm rather certain that I will be getting one of these.

 

Just installed mine. Worth EVERY penny!!

 

I had mine installed about 2 years ago when the maker approched me with it. I must say there is no engine movement and the engagement of the clutch seems smother. I put mine on mainly because I had ruptured the engine mount bladder...I had the dealership under warranty replace the mount then installed the VIP Customs brace. 35000 miles later and the engine mount has'nt ruptured (I autox alot so theres alot of strain on that sucker). I know Van (the maker) personally and he's a great guy so the customer service (if nessasary...I personaly have'nt needed it) should be top notch! I had no problems with the install either. This is a must for all Mini owners!

 

I just installed my VIP Custom engine stabilizer, and it was REALLY EASY to install. Like, as easy as my m7 strut tower brace. No cutting, drilling or removing of any parts; all BOLT-ON! (Although, I hear on 2005 and 2006 MCS's, that there is some more work that needs to be done for installation. Us pre-05 owners have it easier).

It is noticeable, especially when you drop the hammer abruptly, or when shifting hard. There is more immediate throttle response.

Is the change really significant? Well, I would say not really. It isn't really a necessary mod for just a daily driver or street car, but for 99 bucks, it's still cool.

It is extremely beefy, and seemingly overengineered. I was impressed with build quality and fit & finish. They did their homework.