so, my buddy recently changed out his stock motor mounts and he is swearing up and down that he can literally feel a difference in engine response. is this even possible? if so, which mounts are the best? i have seem many different sets, prices, and options on ebay and other mustang web sites. so, if anyone out there is a self proclaimed (kidding) subject matter expert - please help shed some light on this one for me. thanks!

 

Your friend is probably noticing two factors.

First off, aftermarket motor mounts are stiffer than OEM. This means that the engine isn't allowed to move around as much. This does indeed transmit a little more power to thewheels becasue less is wasted by the engine moving about. Firmer motor mounts are one of the first mods done to race cars for this reason.

Second, as a side effect of this, more vibration or "feel" from the engine is transferred into the body of the car. This can make the engine literally 'feel' stronger. But of course, the motor mounts don't actually produce any more power.

Generally people install these mounts to get more clearance in the engine compartment for headers or superchargers, or to firm up the chassis as I discussed in my first point above. They can also make shifting easier on these cars becasue they help control the movement of the transmission under acceleration. (stupid remote-mounted shifter...)

I know of only two different motor mounts for these cars: the Steeda ones, which are expensive, or the Prothane "Bullet" type which are just as good but much cheaper. The Prothane ones show up on Ebay, and they are also available elsewhere.

 

I really like my motor mounts from JDM. It feels stronger and more like a muscle car. My engine doesn't move. The extra vibration doesn't bother me. I like it. Let's you feel the power you have under the hood.

 

so one isnt necessarily better than the other - just as long as you have swapped out the OEM mounts?

 

Is this what I'm feeling sometimes when I get on it in 1st and go for second, but when I throw the clutch to make the change the shifter comes out of 1 with a little resistance?

Great info on motor mounts. I'll have to put it on the list of potential stuff to do ;-)

 

There is also the BMP K member with built in mounts that is even better...

 

The BMR mounts are identical to the prothane bullet mounts.They disassemble the prothane mounts and then re-assemble them, using their K-member's integral plateas the support plate instead of the plate provided in the Prothane kit.

BMR's K-member isn't appreciably stiffer than the OEM K-member. It's just lighter....which is a good thing, but the engine mounting is no difference than stock.

I am personally not running one becasue I like the ability to jack up my car by the center of the K-member. However, I am strongly considering getting a BMR K-member and then reenforcing the center of it to allow jacking.

 

I know all of that.. I was making the joke that its the best motor mount since it saves 20lbs...