Motor mounts may not be the most glamorous part of a performance build, but they play a crucial role in your vehicle's overall performance and driving experience. Motor mounts secure the engine to the chassis, isolating engine vibrations while maintaining engine alignment under various driving conditions. Upgrading to performance motor mounts can significantly improve handling, throttle response, and even power delivery, especially in high-performance applications where the stock mounts might not be up to the task.
Why Upgrade Your Motor Mounts?
Stock motor mounts are designed with comfort in mind, often using rubber to dampen engine vibrations and noise. While this provides a smooth and quiet ride, it can also allow for excessive engine movement, especially under hard acceleration, braking, or cornering. This movement can lead to misalignment, reduced throttle response, and even drivetrain damage over time. Upgrading to performance motor mounts addresses these issues by offering greater rigidity and improved engine stability.
Benefits of Upgraded Motor Mounts:
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Improved Engine Stability: Performance motor mounts are designed to minimize engine movement, keeping the engine firmly in place under all driving conditions. This stability helps maintain proper engine alignment, which is critical for optimal power delivery and drivetrain longevity.
- Reduced Engine Flex: With less movement, the engine remains aligned with the transmission and driveshaft, improving the efficiency of power transfer to the wheels.
- Enhanced Driving Dynamics: Greater engine stability translates to better throttle response, sharper handling, and a more connected driving experience.
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Increased Durability: Performance motor mounts are typically made from more durable materials than stock mounts, such as polyurethane or even solid metal. These materials are better suited to withstand the increased stresses of high-performance driving.
- Polyurethane Mounts: Polyurethane offers a balance between rigidity and vibration dampening. It's more resistant to degradation and wear than rubber, making it ideal for street and occasional track use.
- Solid Metal Mounts: These mounts provide the ultimate in rigidity and durability, making them perfect for track-focused builds where engine movement must be minimized at all costs.
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Better Throttle Response: By reducing the engine's movement under load, performance motor mounts can improve throttle response. When the engine is firmly held in place, power is delivered more directly to the drivetrain, resulting in quicker acceleration and a more responsive feel.
- Enhanced Power Delivery: With less flex and movement, the engine's power is more efficiently transferred to the wheels, maximizing the performance of your vehicle.
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Improved Handling and Cornering: Upgraded motor mounts contribute to better vehicle dynamics by reducing the engine’s influence on handling. When the engine stays put during aggressive cornering, the car's weight distribution remains more consistent, leading to sharper, more predictable handling.
- Increased Control: With a stable engine, the vehicle's chassis behaves more predictably, allowing for more precise steering input and better control during high-speed maneuvers.
Choosing the Right Motor Mounts:
Selecting the right motor mounts depends on your vehicle’s use and your performance goals. For daily-driven street cars that see occasional track use, polyurethane mounts are an excellent choice as they offer a good balance between comfort and performance. For track-focused vehicles where maximum performance is the priority, solid metal mounts might be the best option, despite the increase in noise and vibration they can bring.
At JM Auto Racing, we recommend Energy Suspension Motor Mounts for those seeking a durable, high-performance option that balances rigidity with some degree of vibration isolation. Energy Suspension mounts are made from high-quality polyurethane, offering a significant upgrade over stock mounts without sacrificing too much comfort. You can explore our selection of Energy Suspension motor mounts here. For those looking for the ultimate in performance, Innovative Mounts provides solid mounts that deliver unmatched stability for track-focused builds. Check out Innovative Mounts here.
Key Considerations When Choosing Motor Mounts:
- Material: Polyurethane offers a good compromise between rigidity and comfort, while solid metal mounts provide maximum performance at the cost of increased noise and vibration.
- Application: Consider how you use your vehicle. Daily drivers may benefit more from the vibration dampening of polyurethane mounts, while track cars may require the firmness of solid mounts.
- Installation: Upgrading motor mounts can be a straightforward process, but it often requires lifting the engine slightly to remove the old mounts and install the new ones. Ensure you have the necessary tools or consult a professional if needed.
A 2017 Honda Civic Type R owner who upgraded to Energy Suspension polyurethane motor mounts reported a significant improvement in throttle response and handling. The mounts provided just the right amount of rigidity to enhance performance without introducing excessive vibration into the cabin, making the car feel more connected and responsive during spirited driving.
In Conclusion:
Upgrading your motor mounts is a critical step in enhancing your vehicle’s performance, especially if you're pushing the engine beyond stock limits. Whether you're looking to improve throttle response, enhance handling, or simply ensure your engine stays firmly in place, choosing the right motor mounts can make a significant difference. At JM Auto Racing, we offer a wide range of high-quality motor mounts to suit various applications and performance goals. Explore our selection today and secure the foundation of your engine’s stability and performance.