Hello everyone,

I'm a month into MINI motorship and mod research is in full force however I would like to get thoughts, opinions, suggestions, gotchas, etc. on Lower engine urethane bushings.

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/G2NMS2050/InvDetail.cfm

I had a urethane filled rear mount on my SVT Contour and while it helped to eliminate wheel hop, it transferred quite a bit of vibration into the cabin.

More power is good but improvements to put the existing power to the pavement is even better.

Wrench in hand,

Bob

 

I had mine taken off. I drive in LA and at a stop, the vibration was enough for me to rip my eyes out. I wouldn't recomend for a daily driver.

 

you can buy the same mount insert from Mini Madness for $75 so why would anyone pay $130?

I noticed a small increase in vibration in the Pacific Northwest, where it drops to about 30 degrees in winter. It is noticeable for a minute or so after you cold start. But I also noticed a good improvement in transmission engagement and less wheel hop so this was a good, simple 10 minute modification.

 

not so simple to install btw b/c of fitment issues with mine, the inserts didnt want to go into the mounts. i do like the stiffer shift, but i does make my keys gingle when im stopped at a light with the ac on. I really dont mind though and mines a daily driver

 

Thanks for the replies and for the link to a cheaper source.

For lack of a better term, the 'spongy' feeling during shifts when on the go pedal doesn't suit my driving preferences and a bit of vibration transfer would be worth it.

Grabbing gears,

Bob

 

I had a similar problem, the smaller 'V' insert needed to be shaped more like a 'U'. Then of course the bushings are pretty tough to get wedged in by design. After a lot of wrestling and frustration I read on some 1st gen threads the suggestion to soak the bushings in water with dishsoap before installation so they cooperate better. Wish I would have read that before installation!

But for the price its very simple to DIY and offers very noticeable improvement in shifting and stability during hard acceleration. I'll find out how much it really helps at my next autocross day in a few weeks. Until then I'm just another law-abiding pansy driver. I already like it enough to have ordered all of the other poly bushing upgrades from Mini Madness

 

I did this on my '03 and it set every panel in the car vibrating and buzzing, especially at idle. it made the car feel harsh and cheap - and I could not see where it really improved shifting any. I took it out and I'm much happier now.......

 

Thanks for the continued feedback and opinions.

My set has been sitting on my bench for a couple of weeks. Just haven't had the time to wrench.

Hoping to get them in next week.

Bob

 

I've had them (torque-mount bushings) on my `05 for a couple years, and really like the added controllability, and eliminating the lurch when you lift-off the gas. The only down-side is that the car sometimes throbs at idle, particularly with the A/C on.

Next time I get a custom tune, I'll have the idle speed set up maybe 75rpm, which should eliminate the issue.

 

the R56 design must offer more vibration reduction in the cabin. I have not yet felt anything significant enough to even consider it a real negative attribute. I did punch it a few times from a rolling start today and hard acceleration felt more ferocious. I love it!

 

yeah mine deff vibrates, but i like the way it feels. it feels like there is no slip in the engine and that your power is directly to the ground.

 

UPDATE:

I scheduled some garage/wrench time last night and installed the bushings. The bushings (I'd call them inserts actually) went in with NO problems whatsoever. Time to install from tire up to tire down was twenty minutes and the only tools required were a socket wrench and a large screwdriver. No blood drawn or burns from the hot exhaust either.

As for post install drive notes, a bit of background is required first.

In non-sport mode, I couldn't stand the weak off-the-line profile when driving nice and easy or in stop and go traffic so I ended up driving in sport mode in town just for increased throttle response. After the install, I can drive in normal mode without issue. There is very little increase in vibration transfer. The keys don't rattle.

In summary... GOOD MOD, EASY install, noticeable improvement. Good $75 spend from Mini Madness.

Bob

 

thanks for the quality write up Bob. i've been on the fence about these inserts for weeks! it's just about the only mod for the MINI for under $100 that isn't a sticker

 

Any pics of under the car where this mount is. Can this be fitted with car on axle stands / jacked up ?.

 

I'm gonna go ahead and do this mod also.

 

I HATE YOU GUYS!!

I thought i was going to take a break from modding for a while and now this...

 

Two day update:

No regrets at all on the mod and it is wifey approved.

MiniMedic,

Thank you and I agree. However, the SS brake line kit is looking pretty good for $100. LOL

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=155902

Japper,

I didn't take pics during the install however the lower engine bushing is on the middle right of the car in very close proximity to the oil pan drain plug. There is no need to use two jack stands. I jacked up the left front corner of the car, put a jackstand on the subframe, lowered the car onto the jack stand, and wrenched away. It is a SIMPLE install.

Here's an image of what the bushings and their location look like:



Bob

 

Thanks for the clarification, apprecate it