Aftermarket Motor Mounts - A Warning
#51
Instrument Of G0D.
iTrader: (1)
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that it used to be different, but at some point they changed the design realizing they can be the same, and just superseded the part number without considering it a different part or reviewing the fitment?
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that it used to be different, but at some point they changed the design realizing they can be the same, and just superseded the part number without considering it a different part or reviewing the fitment?
#52
Full Member
Thread Starter
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).
#53
Full Member
iTrader: (1)
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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MM54 (04-10-18)
#54
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
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
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
#56
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
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.
#57
HeyHeyHey..Its the Goose
iTrader: (3)
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!
#58
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
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.
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.
#59
Rotary Enthusiast
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.
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.
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!
#60
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
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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Toruki (04-21-18)
#61
Hello World
iTrader: (1)
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?
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?
#62
Instrument Of G0D.
iTrader: (1)
^ 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.
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.
#64
Rotary Enthusiast
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!!
#65
ancient wizard...
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.
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.
#66
Rotary Enthusiast
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!!
#67
Rotary Enthusiast
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.
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.
#68
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
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.
#69
Hello World
iTrader: (1)
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.
#70
Hello World
iTrader: (1)
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?
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?
#71
Full Member
Thread Starter
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.
#72
Hello World
iTrader: (1)
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...?
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jbherri2 (06-18-18)
#74
ancient wizard...
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.
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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jbherri2 (06-18-18)
#75
Lapping = Fapping
iTrader: (13)
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!
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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jbherri2 (06-18-18)