Reinforced Front Motor Mount Replaced

[sdpatt]

This morning I replaced my old Performance Plus reinforced front motor mount with another from the same source. I had checked the mount for movement some time ago and was convinced it was time for a replacement after watching the front of the engine rise about an inch as the car was being dyno tested last month (195.3hp/185.3lb-ft). This was not enough movement to allow the manifold to touch the insualtion under the (fiberglass) hood, but it was a looseness that I could feel every time I let out the clutch.

In the photos below, you can see the cracks in the rubber insulator. The reinforceing bolt doesn't prevent the mount from wearing out, but it at least prevents the mount from failing catastrophically and allow the engine to rise uncontrolled to strike the underside of the hood. You still have to replace the mount when the insulator wears out. I'm wondering how much value there is to the extra reinforcement.

<small>[ March 09, 2002, 02:02 PM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>

 

[pjtoledo]

When I installed mine I wedged a piece of rubber under the bolt to limit movement. Another problem I found was broken cross bolts, and they are not easy to get out. Have you ever changed the dampers? Bad ones could put extra strain on the mounts. Keep up the good work!!

Perry Toledo,Ohio

 

[sdpatt]

The front damper felt good, but I would like to have replaced the rubber bushings on the top mount (like the rear sway bar link bushings) with a more solid material like polyurethane. As little movement as the mount allows, the rubber busings accomodate a large portion of that before they get the damper moving.

Scott

 

[Shoman594]

Scott, How was the install effort and time wise ? Looks like you have done it a few times. My front mount is broke on the 91. From what I have read if the front one totaly fails the rear one is not too far behind the the tranny one goes. Interesting thoughts on the mounts though... Makes me wonder if like you said are they really worth it ?

 

[Shoman94]

Shoman594:
Scott, How was the install effort and time wise ? Looks like you have done it a few times. My front mount is broke on the 91. From what I have read if the front one totaly fails the rear one is not too far behind the the tranny one goes. Interesting thoughts on the mounts though... Makes me wonder if like you said are they really worth it ?

I like SHONUT's design much better. I couldn't move the mount at all in the vise as he explained plus he warranty's the mount. At least you'll save on buying them.
On the cross bolts I installed 10.9grade bolts to make sure mine don't brake like others on here have complained about.

 

[fredhurderjr]

On mine, FWIW, I have the SHO Nut mounts and the SHO Shop Tq Limiters - the engine still torques.

Good luck with the new mounts Scott.

 

[sdpatt]

The total job time from first jacking up the car to having it back on the ground was about an hour and a half. You have to drain the coolant since the lower radiator hose must be removed to access one of the mounting bolts on the engine side bracket. This would be a great time to replace the hose if it's been on there a while. I find the access to the mount much better with the passenger side wheel removed and the fender splash shield folded back on the forward portion. I also removed the A/C-Alt serpentine belt to allow the mounts to be removed and installed through the fenderwell access. The lower damper bolt and its two nuts (one for the battery cable bracket) and the large frame mounting nut are accessed from the bottom. The mount comes out much easier if the damper bracket is removed first.

Scott

 

[luigisho]

I'm in need of new mounts myself. My question is are the reinforced mounts used mounts that have been modified or are they modified fresh from the box?

 

[Shoman94]

luigisho:
I'm in need of new mounts myself. My question is are the reinforced mounts used mounts that have been modified or are they modified fresh from the box?

ShoNuts are New FORD mounts that they reinforce.

 

[Blue95ATX]

My front motor mount is long gone. Where would you suggest getting a new one to install? I am probably going to sell the car soon, so the cheaper the better, within reason anyway.