1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Aftermarket Motor Mounts - A Warning

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Old 03-31-18, 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by MM54
Tracking was wrong, got the mounts today. Here's some info:

Mazda Passenger's side (right) all 79-85: 8545-39-040 - height 1.33" ; diameter of outer 'cup' 4.12" ; has a single silver paint pen or sharpie mark on it
Mazda Driver's side (left) 79-85 (excludes auto GSL-SE): 1668-39-040D - height 1.32" ; diameter of outer 'cup' 4.12" ; no silver markings, otherwise identical to the above part

So they're within what I'd say is a very reasonable tolerance for this sort of part of each other. I wonder what the difference is? Different rubber compound to make up for tension/compression from engine torque? Why wouldn't the one work with automatic -SE's while the competition mounts (and all aftermarket) are interchangeable? I suppose it's possible that it used to be different, but at some point they changed the design realizing they can be the same, and just superseded the part number without considering it a different part or reviewing the fitment?
Those height measurements - is that the complete assembly as it sits in the car? Does that include the top and bottom cup thingies?
Old 04-01-18, 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by WANKfactor
Those height measurements - is that the complete assembly as it sits in the car? Does that include the top and bottom cup thingies?
Those measurements are on the bench, and include the top cup but not the bottom cup (it's assumed you re-use the bottom cup, it just sort of sits there).
Old 04-10-18, 04:08 PM
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As a heads up, I just bought the Poly mounts from Banzai. There is actually less vehicle vibration at idle than there was with my 34 year old motor mounts and they weren't terribly priced. Plus they should never need replaced again. Things fit in well and they look great!
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Old 04-11-18, 09:00 AM
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I just went back to my order to try and let RA know about our findings here. Hope it gets through to them.

Below is the transcript of what I did to let them know.

Please answer the following questions
Please describe how the part is broken or defective. I was able to install the part only by modifying it. I do not want to return or replace it.
Could the part be repaired by either you or your mechanic? Yes
Are you willing to repair the part? Yes, If I Am Reimbursed
How much would you like to be reimbursed? (USD) $ 0.00
What is needed to fix the item? You may attach images as well as a written repair estimate. www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/aftermarket-motor-mounts-warning-1123978
Which is true? I installed the part, but it is not working as it should.
Was this order a warranty replacement for a previous order? No
Do you have a 1980 MAZDA RX-7 1.1L R2? Yes
Does the description and fitment details for the part, and photo (if available), match what you need for your vehicle? Yes
Thanks for letting us know about the problem with your part. We will follow-up with the warehouse to prevent future similar issues. OK
Old 04-11-18, 10:22 AM
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Maybe you're supposed to use these new ones without the lower cup. But then who would want to do that?
Old 04-11-18, 11:41 AM
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I think the lower cup is a safety design. When the rubber fails the lower cup keeps the mount in place with the engine weight on it. Plus it has the rubber ribs around the edges to keep rattles and noise down as the mounts age. Just my 2c worth. I could be completely mistaken on either of these guesses.
Old 04-11-18, 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by miasmicmonky
As a heads up, I just bought the Poly mounts from Banzai. There is actually less vehicle vibration at idle than there was with my 34 year old motor mounts and they weren't terribly priced. Plus they should never need replaced again. Things fit in well and they look great!
That sounds like the solution.
Old 04-20-18, 12:39 PM
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I reinstalled the old mounts. The RA ones raised the engine about 1/2 " at the front which caused my header/exhaust and the tranny fork to hit the chassis when reversing. Very annoying.

Live and learn, I hope others see this and think twice about these from RA. Always been a fan but for our cars they seem to be dropping the ball.
Old 04-20-18, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by t_g_farrell
I reinstalled the old mounts. The RA ones raised the engine about 1/2 " at the front which caused my header/exhaust and the tranny fork to hit the chassis when reversing. Very annoying.

Live and learn, I hope others see this and think twice about these from RA. Always been a fan but for our cars they seem to be dropping the ball.
It's retroactively helping: This thread got me to check the replacements I had put in a couple of years ago, and as you might guess they are the giant ones. AFAIK, I haven't ruined anything, but the engine does sit high, fan's is close to the shroud. My mechanic gave me the old mounts as they were in good shape, one with the silver mark fully visible too. I plan to put the old ones back in.

One question though, how did you support the engine? With jack stands front and rear, I was planning to go from below with the floor jack and some wood....but where? Some say to support where the engine and tranny meet, others say to support via the oil pan.

Thanks!
Old 04-20-18, 08:13 PM
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I used the tire jack and a short piece 2x4 about 5 inches long under the front of the oil pan. The 2x4 will just clear the space between the crossmember and the steering the steering linkage.
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Old 05-09-18, 02:11 PM
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Reading this, I'm tempted to just buy OEM mounts. But ...

What you guys have said about the Banzai mounts makes them very attractive.
Does anyone have any experience with either of these?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-RX7-R...ox!27713!US!-1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-RX7-R...pe!27713!US!-1

eBay "custom" items make me nervous sometimes, but in these cases ...?

Any thoughts?
Old 05-09-18, 04:48 PM
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^ they are both solid mounts. Cant see how you can really go wrong if thats what you want. Could easily make them yourself too. I was using "LevelZero" polyurethane mounts for a while. No complaints there either. Ended up using longer bolts and an additional PU bush on the other side of the mount bar which took some more vibration out. Same deal with hockey pucks I would imagine, but we cant get them here in Ozzy land.
Have since gone back to rubber mounts (land rover because cheap and readily available) Its a lot nicer. Quieter! Its a 400hp fully balanced motor. But the rubber mounts cut out a lot of noise and harshness. Not sure how they will last with that many horses champing at the bit though. Sitting on the fence on whether to get mazda competition mounts. Too much of a tightarse to justify paying 6x what i think they should cost.
Old 05-09-18, 08:35 PM
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I ordered some DEA mounts for me 80 a few years ago through Worldpac at work and they are absolute garbage! With my 13b swap I couldn't even get them to fit between the subframe and front brace.
Old 05-21-18, 06:36 AM
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Originally Posted by NCross
I ordered some DEA mounts for me 80 a few years ago through Worldpac at work and they are absolute garbage! With my 13b swap I couldn't even get them to fit between the subframe and front brace.
Well I went through all this just last night. James sent me this link and it’s like living the event all over again. I believe, since mine is so STOCK that the driver side mount is marked, as in my case, with a paint spot on each part to indicate driver side. Clearly it is important to have the offset of two different sizes. If not the engine and drivetrain sit too high. My fan was rubbing the radiator fan shroud. Not good, not correct. Im getting mine from Mazdatrix since they clearly show two different sizes. Fingers crossed!!
Old 05-21-18, 02:23 PM
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Paul,unlike all other 1st gens,the SE 13B mounts have a left and a right. One is clearly taller than the other-by design.
Best bet is Mazda oe mounts,another area on the car I never try to save money by using aftermarket parts. Stick with oe=no regrets.
Sorry about not getting back to you sooner,where I've been phone reception is lousy. Have to go outside to make,take texts and calls.
Old 05-21-18, 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by tool and die guy


Well I went through all this just last night. James sent me this link and it’s like living the event all over again. I believe, since mine is so STOCK that the driver side mount is marked, as in my case, with a paint spot on each part to indicate driver side. Clearly it is important to have the offset of two different sizes. If not the engine and drivetrain sit too high. My fan was rubbing the radiator fan shroud. Not good, not correct. Im getting mine from Mazdatrix since they clearly show two different sizes. Fingers crossed!!
I should’ve prefaced these comments with “for gsl se 84-85 and automatic transmission only on FB’s only”. On an SE it’s apparent to me that in order to carry the driveline height correctly from the motor mounts back, you have to start with the correct height. Which means in my case, offset heights of each mount. I’ve seen the billet aluminum ones and that makes no sense to me unless for racing. Seems to me the purpose is to soften the hard torquing under extreme acceleration and minimize the vibration to the transmission hence the rubber vs aluminum or hard urethane. My 2 cents.
Old 05-21-18, 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by GSLSEforme
Paul,unlike all other 1st gens,the SE 13B mounts have a left and a right. One is clearly taller than the other-by design.
Best bet is Mazda oe mounts,another area on the car I never try to save money by using aftermarket parts. Stick with oe=no regrets.
Sorry about not getting back to you sooner,where I've been phone reception is lousy. Have to go outside to make,take texts and calls.
mike!! Glad to see you’re feeling well enough to post! Hope your gal is doing ok too. Hope her complications aren’t severe. OEM is always best especially in my case seeking to keep mine near stock for the purpose of preserving the time capsule it is. I misplaced my “journal” on all the things I’ve done to mine since 2014-15 winter and sat down and rewrote the whole thing from memory. Man what a money pit these 7’s can be. I love it. Every improvement makes me feel better. Lol! I’m going to check our dealer before I order from mazdatrix. Though from their website I’m pretty positive they have the right ones. I saw in another post about this that Tim tried using these wrong ones and it’s an obvious disaster. Throws the entire straight line of the drivetrain out of concentricity. Makes no sense to mess with Japan’s specs especially on this all important mounting. I think I have the correct tranny mount that came w these motor mounts and will try to keep it and send the test back. For all you guys thinking motor mount conversion think the oe is best and NOT a Hockey puck for sure.
Old 05-22-18, 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by tool and die guy

mike!! Glad to see you’re feeling well enough to post! Hope your gal is doing ok too. Hope her complications aren’t severe. OEM is always best especially in my case seeking to keep mine near stock for the purpose of preserving the time capsule it is. I misplaced my “journal” on all the things I’ve done to mine since 2014-15 winter and sat down and rewrote the whole thing from memory. Man what a money pit these 7’s can be. I love it. Every improvement makes me feel better. Lol! I’m going to check our dealer before I order from mazdatrix. Though from their website I’m pretty positive they have the right ones. I saw in another post about this that Tim tried using these wrong ones and it’s an obvious disaster. Throws the entire straight line of the drivetrain out of concentricity. Makes no sense to mess with Japan’s specs especially on this all important mounting. I think I have the correct tranny mount that came w these motor mounts and will try to keep it and send the test back. For all you guys thinking motor mount conversion think the oe is best and NOT a Hockey puck for sure.
Good to see you posting Mike. The tranny mount I got from RA was fine but those motor mounts were just not even close. Put the old ones back on because they were still viable and will replace at some time in the future.
Old 06-17-18, 08:58 AM
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At risk of sounding like a complete dummy ... I'm about to replace the original motor and transmission mounts in my 1985 12a. What exactly is the difference between the Mazda stock mounts and the Mazda competition mounts? Looking at Mazdatrix, the stock engine mounts are "handed" (left/right), but the competition mounts are not (same part for both sides). Any insight would be appreciated.
Old 06-17-18, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by jbherri2
Reading this, I'm tempted to just buy OEM mounts. But ...

What you guys have said about the Banzai mounts makes them very attractive.
Does anyone have any experience with either of these?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-RX7-R...ox!27713!US!-1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-RX7-R...pe!27713!US!-1

eBay "custom" items make me nervous sometimes, but in these cases ...?

Any thoughts?
PS - I contacted the seller of the above mounts, and he says they are for the FC and are mis-represented on eBay (not that that ever happens...)
Old 06-17-18, 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by jbherri2
At risk of sounding like a complete dummy ... I'm about to replace the original motor and transmission mounts in my 1985 12a. What exactly is the difference between the Mazda stock mounts and the Mazda competition mounts? Looking at Mazdatrix, the stock engine mounts are "handed" (left/right), but the competition mounts are not (same part for both sides). Any insight would be appreciated.
We haven't been able to tell a distinct difference between the left/right 'normal' stock Mazda mounts (see around post #27). The Competition mounts are a stiffer rubber compound than the regular ones. They will transmit a bit more noise/vibration to the chassis, but will hold the engine in place 'tighter' than the stock mounts. Aftermarket polyurethane will be even stiffer, with hockey pucks closely followed by solid mounts for the stiffest.
Old 06-18-18, 06:38 AM
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Ok and thank you. Another (naive) question .... IF I were to use competition mounts (Say Mazda or Banzai) I should also replace the transmission mount with a competition version at the same time? I'm asking partly because I assume the transmission mount should also be replaced, given that it's the original, and partly because it makes sense to replace both engine mounts and the transmission mount at the same time - thereby covering all mount points. If that makes sense...?
Old 06-18-18, 07:48 AM
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If that transmission mount has never been changed, it probably needs to be changed.
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Old 06-18-18, 09:55 AM
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For most street driving,replacing motor mounts with(oe Mazda) standard motor mounts is recommended. Would also replace trans mount as certain its compromised/separated by age/time.

If you like a vibration free quiet ride,avoid using Mazda comp mounts,Banzai,hockey puck,solid mounts in that order. Some don't care about extra vibes being transmitted into car if being used for track duty,street racing,etc...
Some 1st gens I've owned transmitted more noise/vibration than others with the same set of Mazda comp mounts but they do in combination with a Mazda comp tranny mount greatly reduce the "rubber bandy"" feel to clutch release/shifting the stock/worn mounts exhibit.

I like to take extended(sometimes intermittently spirited)drives with my car and extra vibes/noise don't lend anything positive to the experience. I had comp engine mounts in my SE for about 50 miles before I removed them and installed new Mazda oe mounts.
These and the Mazda comp transmission mount is a good combination/compromise for solid clutch/shifting feel without unwanted noise/vibes and what I would recommend.

For the times I drive more aggressively,I installed a torque brace(Racing Beat) which keeps engine in position by unloading engine movement into body of car. Pain in *** to install but can be adjusted so it allows minimal engine movement during aggressive driving but no additional noise/vibes to car giving same level of performance of comp,solid mounts without associated harshness.
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Old 06-18-18, 10:33 AM
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I would change the trans mount at the same time because they do sag over time.

Even if they aren't separated yet, the sag can really lower the back end of your trans when you swap in new motor mounts.

It would be wise to loosen the exhaust nuts so you aren't introducing unneeded tension in your exhaust system as the engine tilt is being changed. Just remember to snug them back up!
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