R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Powerflex or Vibra-Technics?? Upper engine mount

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 7, 2023 | 04:24 AM
  #1  
shadetreemech's Avatar
shadetreemech
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 38
Likes: 6
From: GTA, Canada
Powerflex or Vibra-Technics?? Upper engine mount

Seems like my facelift R53 upper engine mount is shot.
I've already got poly everywhere else after I did my subframe out job.

Now to take care of this final piece.
A little more NVH is fine with me and cost is not a major concern.
Longevity and performance are the items of focus.
No track, but spirited (50% of the time) daily driving.

Which one??
Thanks for your input all





 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2023 | 04:47 AM
  #2  
Xplct's Avatar
Xplct
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 223
Likes: 81
From: Sarasota, FL
I just went with OEM and used the poly insert to put on it, it should last way way longer. But the hardest part was getting that dam bolt out, I had to cut mine off.
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2023 | 06:15 AM
  #3  
NC TRACKRAT's Avatar
NC TRACKRAT
6th Gear
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 300
From: NC
"Longevity+Performance"=VibraTechnics. Once and done!
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2023 | 09:42 AM
  #4  
Thinker2112's Avatar
Thinker2112
5th Gear
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 824
Likes: 87
Use the .uk.co web site for VibraTechnics, even with shipping you'll save around $80.
https://www.vibra-technics.co.uk/
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2023 | 09:52 AM
  #5  
Thinker2112's Avatar
Thinker2112
5th Gear
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 824
Likes: 87
From the .com:
$322.35

From the .co.uk:
£156 (Ex. VAT)
the exchange rate on that is:
$200.38
I did this to my R50 when I had it. They charged me $40 for 3 day shipping from England to Oregon. I cannot remember if there were any taxes added but I don't think that they did.

Ignore that is says Right hand drive, they are the same part for RHD and LHD.
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2023 | 10:14 AM
  #6  
MiniManAdam's Avatar
MiniManAdam
OVERDRIVE
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 5,238
Likes: 705
From: OakCreek
Why not this ? I have the polly insert on one of my cars and it made NO difference, I think itle only help once the oem mount begins to wear.. the vibra one imo is too expensive for what it is.. I have one of these enroute and can give more feedback on it soon.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/20436068297...mis&media=COPY
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2023 | 03:30 AM
  #7  
shadetreemech's Avatar
shadetreemech
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 38
Likes: 6
From: GTA, Canada
I guess that is a good point.

Can you use the poly bushing with a shot mount to squeeze some extra life out of it?

I'd also like to go with something that people have already had good experiences with.
Hence why I'm asking here
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2023 | 08:51 PM
  #8  
MiniManAdam's Avatar
MiniManAdam
OVERDRIVE
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 5,238
Likes: 705
From: OakCreek
Originally Posted by shadetreemech
I guess that is a good point.

Can you use the poly bushing with a shot mount to squeeze some extra life out of it?

I'd also like to go with something that people have already had good experiences with.
Hence why I'm asking here
mine will he installed in a few days but from looks and talking to the guy who has them..other than a few physical features, theyre identical to the vibra mounts.buuuuut i we shall see...
bUt for 1/3 the price is if performs half as well , it woukd be worth it still...
 
Reply
Old Jul 10, 2023 | 08:37 PM
  #9  
MiniManAdam's Avatar
MiniManAdam
OVERDRIVE
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 5,238
Likes: 705
From: OakCreek

 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2023 | 02:50 AM
  #10  
shadetreemech's Avatar
shadetreemech
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 38
Likes: 6
From: GTA, Canada
Looks good Adam.

I ended up getting the Vibra-Technics.
Shipping to Canada on that eBay one is 75cad.
The price difference wasn't as much at that point.

I'll take a picture of it when it comes in to see if we can spot any differences.
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2023 | 09:06 AM
  #11  
Mini_Crazy's Avatar
Mini_Crazy
3rd Gear
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 261
Likes: 70
From: Silicon Valley
ShadeTreeMech, I think you made a good decision:

Two of my factory upper mounts died in the first 4 years (leaking), before I switched first to Texas Speedwerks (TSW, now sold by Way), then to Powerflex and on to Vibra-technics five years ago. All are indestructible compared to the 2005 and-up factory unit. The TSW was harsh. The Powerflex upper-mount was better, but still generated significantly more NVH than stock, creating a dash rattle at idle, and changing tone as the clutch was engaged, but quiet at cruise.

The VibraTechnics is as quiet as stock after a couple hundred miles break-in. They credit their "natural rubber" dampening for that.

The eBay one posted by MiniManAdam is clearly intended to be a "knock-off" of the VibraTechnics, but we have no methodical back-to-back comparisons, nor even information on the damping material inside it. Yes, it is cheaper.

I've used and recommend Powerflex for all other mounts & bushings in the Mini. All of mine are the standard-performance Powerflex with the exception of the lower-front "dog bone" engine mount. There I use Powerflex's stiffer "race" version, and I credit that for not having any breakage problems at the exhaust header flex joint that others have experienced, even with an additional 125 horsepower.
As they say. . . your mileage may vary.
 

Last edited by Mini_Crazy; Jul 11, 2023 at 05:28 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2023 | 12:31 PM
  #12  
Boostmaster's Avatar
Boostmaster
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 541
Likes: 250
From: In the garage
I've not switched to anything but factory rubber on my Mini's. I did so on my WRX and the NVH is pretty bad when idling - enough that it's annoying. I don't drive hard enough take advantage of the poly stuff. Just my two cents...
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2023 | 10:06 AM
  #13  
Thinker2112's Avatar
Thinker2112
5th Gear
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 824
Likes: 87
I loved my VibraTechnics. Looks good, works good. Was great and it was one and forgetaboutit.
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2023 | 03:26 PM
  #14  
hwy74's Avatar
hwy74
3rd Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
I went through two OEM and then the TSW, which, as stated previously, induced lots of vibration. Finally went with VibraTechnics and have not questioned that decision once. It just works and lasts.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
EmedpaDHSc
F54 :: Clubman Talk (2015+)
10
Feb 25, 2023 04:20 PM
jd_Smith06
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
2
Mar 1, 2014 11:31 AM
Neufusion
Stock Problems/Issues
6
Jun 25, 2010 04:04 PM
Neufusion
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
3
Mar 3, 2010 08:05 AM
Neufusion
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
2
Feb 12, 2010 03:24 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:24 PM.