My r53 is in the shop right now getting the passenger upper motor mount replaced. When I get it back, I want to prevent that from happening again, and stabilize the engine a bit. Right now, I'm looking at the VIP Engine Stabilizer (http://www.vipcustomparts.com/minicooperparts.htm).

Has anyone had good luck with this? Can I expect smoother shifting, or is it really just good for prevention? I don't want to get an aftermarket mount if I can avoid it- the reason I got a new car is to cut down on NVH!

Thanks in advance for any advice.

-Tyler
2005 MCS

 

Haven't used/ridden in a car with the VIP one, but I can say the TSW version of the same item ( not the replacement mount) when it was the v2 (the one with the CF tube) is a nice add on....the older version added too much NVH IMO.
WayMotorWorks.com has taken over the TSW product line...

 

They both extend the life of the oem mount a bit...and reduce engine movement, but the oem oil filled mount will still fail at some point.
The replacement mount from TSW does seem to initially add some NVH, but several folks have told me that it seems to lessen overtime...perhaps the poly used in the mount softens or ages a bit, reducing the nvh..not sure...
Like you, I have been debating the + and - of replacing the oem vs supplementing it.

 

Do you know what the installation is like for the transmission-side stabilizer? The upper engine one is of course very simple, any comments on the other side?

 

I think grayraven has both...not sure....pm him and ask if he does not find this thread.

 

Help me out here. What is NVH? Dealer tells me I have a leaking mount and just beginning to research.

 

NVH = Noise Vibration Harshness

GotMINI

 

My 05 has 55k on it and still on the original mount. I put the powerflex lower mount bushing inserts in at maybe 40k and it made a nice positive difference in driveability and supposedly increases the life of the upper mount. The NVH was a bit annoying (to passengers) at idle for the first 5-7k miles, mostly with the AC on but still noticeable with it off. It has since reduced quite a bit and no one notices anymore.

I don't really want to add any more NVH if my upper mount goes, so maybe I'll do another OEM one but the Way/TSW mount is tempting. OR I'll go ghetto and try and modify a busted OEM one by filling it with caulk/goo of my own and sealing it.

- Andrew