Suspension NM Engineering torque arm insert install/engine bushings
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Got the shipping notification yesterday. My DDM Intake is also due Thursday, So hopefully I will have both mods in over the weekend. Can't wait!!!
Quick question for those have have done the install - I have a floor Jack, stands and ramps. I've never jacked the car up - what is the recommend method - a 4X4 cut to fit between the jack points with the floor jack under it? Any preference - Stands vs. Ramps? Sorry for the questions - but I am not a normally wrench turner and this is my first "structural" mod.
Thanks in advance!
Quick question for those have have done the install - I have a floor Jack, stands and ramps. I've never jacked the car up - what is the recommend method - a 4X4 cut to fit between the jack points with the floor jack under it? Any preference - Stands vs. Ramps? Sorry for the questions - but I am not a normally wrench turner and this is my first "structural" mod.
Thanks in advance!
Don
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: No. Va.
Did this installation today on my MCSa 2010. It wasn't so easy. Put the car up on my rhino ramps, crawled underneath, loosened front bolt, dropped back bolt. Popped the bushings in and then tried to swing the arm back up.
Right off the bat, I realized that the arm itself sat slightly tweaked to one side. The bushing was thus rubbing against the right side of the bracket. With force I could push it up but regardless the hole for the bolt was off by about an inch.
I remembered reading that people needed to rock the motor to pop the bolt in. I tried and it was useless no matter how hard I pushed the engine would not rock enough to line up for the bolt.
I tried jacking the motor up. Not good enough. I tried getting help, two of us under there couldn't move the engine enough. We tried everything we could without damaging anything else to try and get it to line up. Nothing worked.
I called Way, he verified all we needed to do was rock the motor. We tried again. No go.
Finally with me under the car lining up the bolt and my helper pushing his back against another car will leg pressing the oil pan was able to move the motor into place.
It then all went back together easy.
In neutral no vibration. In gear while moving none. There is now zero lag and almost no torque steer.
In drive while sitting in traffic however it's vibrating and its a pretty significant vibration.
total time 2.5 hours. It wasn't easy. Not sure what the issue is with my mini but it didn't go as smooth for me.
I would recommend it though.
Right off the bat, I realized that the arm itself sat slightly tweaked to one side. The bushing was thus rubbing against the right side of the bracket. With force I could push it up but regardless the hole for the bolt was off by about an inch.
I remembered reading that people needed to rock the motor to pop the bolt in. I tried and it was useless no matter how hard I pushed the engine would not rock enough to line up for the bolt.
I tried jacking the motor up. Not good enough. I tried getting help, two of us under there couldn't move the engine enough. We tried everything we could without damaging anything else to try and get it to line up. Nothing worked.
I called Way, he verified all we needed to do was rock the motor. We tried again. No go.
Finally with me under the car lining up the bolt and my helper pushing his back against another car will leg pressing the oil pan was able to move the motor into place.
It then all went back together easy.
In neutral no vibration. In gear while moving none. There is now zero lag and almost no torque steer.
In drive while sitting in traffic however it's vibrating and its a pretty significant vibration.
total time 2.5 hours. It wasn't easy. Not sure what the issue is with my mini but it didn't go as smooth for me.
I would recommend it though.
http://www.helix13.com/2nd-gen-mini/engine-exhaust/#go
Anyone interested in a good deal on a never used set of inserts?
I'm liking the looks of this arm.
I'm liking the looks of this arm.
Good morning all from No. Virginia.......but these inserts won't make the cut and I'm guessing will slowly get squeezed out of most mounts...undetected by most. So, here's the best solution...install the BSH lower engine mount/torque arm instead....beautiful design, integrated bushing (available in street flex or race flex), I have both and only use the torque arm w-race flex for autox or rally events. It's available from Helix, on sale now at $110....link is below. Last, the quote above about the bolt misalignment generally happens when someone torques the motor to pull up on ramps or into an uphill garage...untorque the motor by putting the gearbox in Reverse in the garage, nice easy release back a few feet , back in 1st, nice easy release forward....parking brake on, gearbox in neutral, block the wheels, jack Er up. Good Luck
http://www.helix13.com/2nd-gen-mini/engine-exhaust/#go
http://www.helix13.com/2nd-gen-mini/engine-exhaust/#go
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: No. Va.
Absolutely! There is a huge difference....Let's say the the stock bushing is like marshmallow, nice and soft....and almost everyone loves marshmallows! The BSH street flex is very solid bushing, barely moves if you stab your fingernail in it....Xfers a little vibration feedback thru the car in neutral or 1st gear at idle....now the race flex is like a rock....not a suggestion if you are a commuter. The pic just posted is the arm you get....black anodized...billet aluminum...nice!
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Chesterfield, VA
Other than the embarrassing problem due to being in "park" (covered in another thread...) the other parts of the install I did this weekend went smoothly using ramps. I have the molded style, and the rubber air dam in front of the wheels hit, but flexed so no real problem. Drove it right up.
Don
Don
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Chesterfield, VA
My inserts came yesterday - as well as my DDM CAI. I tried to be disciplined and install them both before taking it out, but just could resist a spirited drive through the curvy road that traverses the perimeter of our local state park after installing the new intake. The exhaust was just too hot when I got back to attempt the install. It's supposed to rain all weekend, so I will target Saturday morning to do the install.
When I first started the car - I noticed some vibration, but it seemed to go away. I have no noticeable noise or vibrations now. Shift does seem SOOO much smoother now. I will take a more spirited spin tomorrow if the rain lets up.
Thanks to everyone for all the advice - it surely helped in making it a smooth.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Just finished the install - it was easy for me. All in all - took about 30 minutes, but that was mainly due to having to dig up my impact wrench to break the bolts loose. Once installed - I had to force the arm back up into place but remounting was a piece of cake.
When I first started the car - I noticed some vibration, but it seemed to go away. I have no noticeable noise or vibrations now. Shift does seem SOOO much smoother now. I will take a more spirited spin tomorrow if the rain lets up.
Thanks to everyone for all the advice - it surely helped in making it a smooth.
When I first started the car - I noticed some vibration, but it seemed to go away. I have no noticeable noise or vibrations now. Shift does seem SOOO much smoother now. I will take a more spirited spin tomorrow if the rain lets up.
Thanks to everyone for all the advice - it surely helped in making it a smooth.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 516
Likes: 7
From: Sherman Oaks, Cali
I originally order the bsh torque arm but feared engine vibration transmit would be more noticeable so I went with the NM bushing. Install was easy and took no more than 15 mins to install with the correct tools. The bushing insert took out the slop with quicker reaction. Great mod for a stock daily driver imo!
I just installed my NM torque arm bushing inserts. I used a set of ramps. I don't understand the write ups on the troubles for install. I got mine in with no issues at all within minutes. The misaligned bolt hole wasn't a problem at all. I was able to move/rock the engine with just a finger more or less and was able to wiggle the bolt into place with no trouble. I really don't notice any vibration at all. In my opinion, I didn't notice a lot of change. I guess a bit more driving will bring out the feel maybe.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Chesterfield, VA
Thanks again to Way at WMW for suggesting these mods.
BTW - I am noticing a very slight vibration at idle after starting up cold. Once the engine heats up - I really don't notice it at all. It is in no way detracting from the mod though - a very small, insignificant price to pay for silky smooth shifting.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Chesterfield, VA
I just installed my NM torque arm bushing inserts. I used a set of ramps. I don't understand the write ups on the troubles for install. I got mine in with no issues at all within minutes. The misaligned bolt hole wasn't a problem at all. I was able to move/rock the engine with just a finger more or less and was able to wiggle the bolt into place with no trouble. I really don't notice any vibration at all. In my opinion, I didn't notice a lot of change. I guess a bit more driving will bring out the feel maybe.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: In a house
Got mine installed today. I was skeptical about all these reviews saying how it was such a noticeable change...but I'm a believer now. Its exactly as people said it was!
I could tell on the first shift that it seemed more precise. Very noticeable. The car does seem to put power to the ground easier, but I can't be sure thats not my mind playing tricks. But the reduced slop in the shift is there for sure.
There is slighly more vibration at idle, but not alot. People say it gets lessened after a week or so, but we'll see. But its not bad at all and I'm ok with it the way it is.
IMHO, the engine mount shoulda come from the factory on at least the JCW car. Its not like people who buy a JCW are looking for comfort, so something as low cost as that engine mount would be a welcome addition as a stock item on the car even with a tiny bit of vibration.
I could tell on the first shift that it seemed more precise. Very noticeable. The car does seem to put power to the ground easier, but I can't be sure thats not my mind playing tricks. But the reduced slop in the shift is there for sure.
There is slighly more vibration at idle, but not alot. People say it gets lessened after a week or so, but we'll see. But its not bad at all and I'm ok with it the way it is.
IMHO, the engine mount shoulda come from the factory on at least the JCW car. Its not like people who buy a JCW are looking for comfort, so something as low cost as that engine mount would be a welcome addition as a stock item on the car even with a tiny bit of vibration.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, Alabama
Got mine installed today. I was skeptical about all these reviews saying how it was such a noticeable change...but I'm a believer now. Its exactly as people said it was!
I could tell on the first shift that it seemed more precise. Very noticeable. The car does seem to put power to the ground easier, but I can't be sure thats not my mind playing tricks. But the reduced slop in the shift is there for sure.
There is slighly more vibration at idle, but not alot. People say it gets lessened after a week or so, but we'll see. But its not bad at all and I'm ok with it the way it is.
IMHO, the engine mount shoulda come from the factory on at least the JCW car. Its not like people who buy a JCW are looking for comfort, so something as low cost as that engine mount would be a welcome addition as a stock item on the car even with a tiny bit of vibration.
I could tell on the first shift that it seemed more precise. Very noticeable. The car does seem to put power to the ground easier, but I can't be sure thats not my mind playing tricks. But the reduced slop in the shift is there for sure.
There is slighly more vibration at idle, but not alot. People say it gets lessened after a week or so, but we'll see. But its not bad at all and I'm ok with it the way it is.
IMHO, the engine mount shoulda come from the factory on at least the JCW car. Its not like people who buy a JCW are looking for comfort, so something as low cost as that engine mount would be a welcome addition as a stock item on the car even with a tiny bit of vibration.
The vibration that I had is gone now. It's been over a month on the
install.
Saw your other post also, you'll find the FMIC helps in cooling the engine and turbo as well. Not sure about the Alta, I've got a Forge but I'm sure they are similar.
Those are all really good upgrades/mods to the Mini.
Try a 19 mm h-sport rear sway bar if you havent' upgraded that yet. You'll really love it.
Enjoy.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: In a house
You didn't think us folks on NAM would BS you did you?
The vibration that I had is gone now. It's been over a month on the
install.
Saw your other post also, you'll find the FMIC helps in cooling the engine and turbo as well. Not sure about the Alta, I've got a Forge but I'm sure they are similar.
Those are all really good upgrades/mods to the Mini.
Try a 19 mm h-sport rear sway bar if you havent' upgraded that yet. You'll really love it.
Enjoy.
The vibration that I had is gone now. It's been over a month on the
install.
Saw your other post also, you'll find the FMIC helps in cooling the engine and turbo as well. Not sure about the Alta, I've got a Forge but I'm sure they are similar.
Those are all really good upgrades/mods to the Mini.
Try a 19 mm h-sport rear sway bar if you havent' upgraded that yet. You'll really love it.
Enjoy.
But I have the JCW suspension on the car, so I probably won't be adding any more suspension parts to the car. I think if I was ever to do more to the suspension, it'd probably be camber plates in front to add a little more camber to the front, and then I'd also try to reduce camber in the rear.
But for now, I think I'm done. I just want to enjoy driving for now. But I dont' know how some people get such good gas mileage...I can't stay off the throttle! :D
Installed the BSH arm, I like it, some character building vibration
, however now I have a tiny rattle in the dash that I can't nail down at certain RPMs that I wasn't expecting
, however now I have a tiny rattle in the dash that I can't nail down at certain RPMs that I wasn't expecting
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 2
Have you had the NM engineering insert prior to this? I'm interested in seeing if there's a noticeable difference. I have the NM insert and for the price it's incredible.
Yes, I had the inserts,I think the BSH arm does a better job of controlling the engine movement,as I did'nt I even think I had the inserts in, the previous owner had installed them, I bought a new set thinking I didn't have them as the the engine was moving around alot, under accelleration.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 2
Interesting! I've found them to be excellent but then again prior to installing them it was stock so anything was better than that. I think the NM is a great mod for the price but as an entire unit the BSH looks top notch and all told it's not that much more expensive.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: No. Va.
Yes, I had the inserts,I think the BSH arm does a better job of controlling the engine movement,as I did'nt I even think I had the inserts in, the previous owner had installed them, I bought a new set thinking I didn't have them as the the engine was moving around alot, under accelleration.
The vibration you are most likely hearing is the secret glove box....mine does it also, but only first thing in the morning....The BSH arm will break in a little....but here's a little trick for anyone that wants a little more comfort from the BSH arm....I drilled (4) 5/8" holes thru the rubber bushing to remove a few notches off the 90 durometer reading of the bushing. I'm sure it's not recommended my BSH but it hasn't caused any issues on mine. Drll 2 holes on the horizon of the center of the lower bolt hole and 2 vertically....it helps a little on the sound & vibration. Also, NM is redesigning their inserts to include a stainless steel plate on either side of the bushings to stop them from squeezing out....they should be out shortly.