HOW TO: Install TRZ DogBone Rear MotorMount [Archive]

View Full Version : HOW TO: Install TRZ DogBone Rear MotorMount

ZooMIN3

11-09-2007, 04:44 PM

I've searched, and could only come up with the how to EPOXY ones rear motor mount, and haven't come across one how to on the rear motor mount.
If I over looked it, and posted another how to, bite me... lol j/k

This install was a breeze; took at least 15 minutes to get it in once you have your car on jackstands. So easy, a caveman can do it!!!

On with the install.

Tools You'll Need:
Ratchet
17mm socket
Jackstands
Floor jack
wheel chocks
Lock-Tite
20-30 minutes of nothing important to do! lol
Optional:
Mechanix Gloves
Eyeball Protector READ: Goggles

Last Minute Info:
Torque Specs: 65-80ftlbs Thanks to redrocketz at ProtegeGarage for the info! (headbang)

On with the install.... for real this time!

First, you'll need to chock your wheels in the rear. SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
Don't mind the brake dust, I haven't washed my car yet.....(hand)
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3283.jpg

Next you'll want to get your car up on jackstands, do that to both sides as pictured here... you'll need the ground clearance to get underneath your car if you're wondering why. (yes)
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3284.jpg

After that, you'll need to crawl underneath, with your ratcheting tool, and socket in hand... and undo this bolt,
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3289.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3291.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3294.jpg

then undo this next bolt.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3293.jpg
Pop them out, and voila, you're halfway finished with the uninstall of the stock mount.

Don't worry about supporting the engine, or the tranny portion where the mount is attached to. The engine will not fall from the mount, I've checked, I even used my floor jack to make sure it doesn't fall when I took out both of the bolts that held the mount in place. I moved the jack when I was pretty sure it wouldn't fall on my grape, so for that added insurance, use it; then when you're sure it won't fall; you can move it. (You can skip this part altogether if you want, the using of the floor jack to hold the engine up.) I will not be held liable if your engine falls and makes a pancake out of your head though....)

Ok, now that you have the bolts removed, you'll want to pull the tranny towards the front of the car as much as it'll go, while pulling on the mount at the SAME time, yank it out of its perch.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3305.jpg
(same pic used further below since my camera died here..got fresh batteries now though!)

Pull the mount at a downward angle, maybe 45 degree angle.... or somewhere along those lines, and wiggle it out.... be careful, don't pinch a finger or anything. This is where the mechanix gloves come in handy, so you don't get all banged up. lol
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3296.jpg

Here are the mounts side by side. Nice, eh?
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3300.jpg

Ok, on with the show.

Remember when you pulled that mount out? The perch where the STOCK motor mount sat will be the starting point of inserting the TRZ Dog Bone mount.

First, you'll want to insert the mount ALL THE way into the perch. That'll give you enough clearance to push the rest of the mount into position where the bolts will be inserted into. I'm pointing at it here, it's hard to see since its all black and dark in there, but you'll see it when you're under your car.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3307.jpg

See the way I'm pointing? That's the direction you'll want to pull the tranny in order to get the DogBone in there with enough clearance.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3305.jpg

Now pull.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3304.jpg

And you should have enough clearance to feed the mount into position here.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3302.jpg

almost in.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3310.jpg

There, now it'll go in perfectly. Good job!
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3306.jpg

Now once you have the mount in; this is where you'll want to put lock-tite on your bolts before inserting them back into their resting place.

If you look on the bolts when you took them off, you'll see some risidue where "lock-tite" was put on from the factory. I just cleaned off what I could, and put on some new lock-tite in those areas. Then insert, and tighten. Like so.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3311.jpg

With fresh lock-tite:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3313.jpg

I'm not sure exactly what the torque specs are for this bolt, but I tightened it as tight as it was when I took them off. You'll be able to figure this out on your own when you do this.

Here is the finished install!! If you made it this far, congraulations!!!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3314.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3315.jpg

The last step is to clean up, and take your car off its jacks.... don't forget the wheel chocks when you back up!! lol

Take your ride for a spin, and enjoy the new found torque that was lost with the stock motor mount!!!(headbang)

Hope this helps anyone else who was wondering if this is easy, or what not.

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being hard, I rate this a 0, 0 being So easy, a caveman can do it. lol

If I forgot anything, or anyone have any questions, let me know!! I'll be posting another post soon on how the ride is.... By the way, I have the stiffest mount offered by TRZ....lol

-J

Hirudin

11-09-2007, 08:30 PM

...
On a scale of 1-10, 10 being hard, I rate this a 0, 0 being So easy, a caveman can do it. lol
...
HAHA! Nice writeup, thanks a ton! (My mount, the softer TRZ dogbone, just came today.)

Captain KRM P5

11-09-2007, 08:41 PM

good write up :)

ZooMIN3

11-09-2007, 08:46 PM

Thanks, guys! Hope it helps you out Hirudin.

By the way Ken, if you want; you can print out these steps, and send them out with each Dog Bone you send out! lol or just direct them to this post lol

-J

Vindikacione

11-11-2007, 07:32 AM

ZooMIN3

11-11-2007, 12:27 PM

Great install!

Dumb questions:

1) Is this the mount that required the recall?
2) Does anyone know the correct torque wrench setting?
3) Has anyone rechecked theirs to see if the delrin cracked or bolts got loosened? I would think that once the delrin has settled, the bolt might need to be tightened.
4) What effect does it have on the other mounts, if any?

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for the props. :-)

As for your questions, there's no such thing as dumb questions. lol

1) I believe the motor mount recall was for the one under the battery box.
2) I wish I knew, "search" is useless..... I just guesstimated.
3) I'll be doing that undercarriage check next weekend, maybe a good week wil be enough to let things settle.
4) I'd imagine it doesn't put much stress on the other mounts since it holds the motor pretty much still just about. Granted there are vibrations when starting, and downshifting. Regular driving doesn't seem to be affected however. I could be wrong though. Let's hope not! (boom06)

Give me a few, and I'll post some info under my other link with the reviews so far.

-J

ZooMIN3

11-11-2007, 12:46 PM

Click Here for the review.

"The Review" (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123688149)

MS38449

11-11-2007, 01:09 PM

No the recall was on the other side of the car. Mazda Had pictures of the break. After blah blah date ther is no recall. They said they did mine but I can't see any deferents or dot on the new 1

ZooMIN3

11-11-2007, 01:37 PM

No the recall was on the other side of the car. Mazda Had pictures of the break. After blah blah date ther is no recall. They said they did mine but I can't see any deferents or dot on the new 1

w3rd. thanks for the clarifaction. :-)

subparpunk03

11-11-2007, 06:58 PM

Nutari

11-11-2007, 07:02 PM

ZooMIN3

11-11-2007, 08:36 PM

So I also just got done putting in my delrin TRZ....

I dunno man, mine is sort of making some clunking noises in addition to vibrations, I'm not too happy about that. Maybe I didn't tighten things as much as I should have, or switched the bolts around or something.

I'm gonna get back under there and see if I can get it fixed up, but otherwise I think this thing might only be going on during track days :(

Your's make clunking noise at start up, and shifting into first?

I'm sure it'll gradually decrease as you drive more with it installed. I don't hear that clunking noise much anymore, just barely when I turn on my car. It'll just vibrate a tad when I shift into first. If anything, do the epoxy mod with your stock mount, and like you said; throw on the delrin when you hit the tracks. As for mine, I'm happy with it.

-J

redrocketz

11-11-2007, 08:45 PM

well you need to torque the thing to between 65-80 ft/lbs when installing it. I would check that first if you have any other problems please feel free to call us
(847) 247-5090 (10-8 central)

sleeper3

11-16-2007, 08:33 AM

Nice write up!!!

I hope you washed your car after the install kekekekekeeee

also, as for the torque setting, judging by the hardware, I'd say the torque is not overly critical. The tendency would be to over tighten, and since there is locktite on the bolts, you really don't need to flex your huge manly muscles on this one. as long as you're nice and snug and tight, you're fine. no need to break out the torque wrench. that's for clutches and head bolts and stuff that actually needs to be on spec with tension.

my two cents

ZooMIN3

11-16-2007, 10:16 AM

thanks dude!

oh yeah, i def. washed my car!! it's black mica again, and not charcoal colored.. lol

sleeper3

11-16-2007, 10:57 AM

no problem. I spun wrenches for a land rover dealership for a while, and the only thing we really torqued down to spec were the wheels and the occasional "more in depth" job. if we weren't going deep, you get to the point where you can gauge just about all of the bolts. even the plugs came with crush washers and you could feel when they were tightened down properly. Like I said, overtightening is usually the problem, so as long as you don't go nuts, everything should be gravy. I'm sure when I start modding the speed, I'll be making many threads like this. again, good job on the explanation and the plethora of pictures. you can never have too many!

ZooMIN3

11-16-2007, 05:32 PM

lol i agree with the pix!! i hope to read up on your installs soon!

perhaps a turbo upgrade or something? lol

Jays07MS3

11-20-2007, 04:35 PM

Thanks for the write up ZooMIN! I should be getting my mount in about a week so I'll definitely be using your guide.

ZooMIN3

11-21-2007, 12:06 AM

Thanks for the write up ZooMIN! I should be getting my mount in about a week so I'll definitely be using your guide.

cool!! if you need help, let me know, i can help you install...you'd just have to drive down to miramar from escondido...lol a few beers, and we'd be good to go! lol

-J

Jays07MS3

11-26-2007, 07:06 PM

cool!! if you need help, let me know, i can help you install...you'd just have to drive down to miramar from escondido...lol a few beers, and we'd be good to go! lol

-J

Thanks man, I appreciate it. But it looks so damn easy that I'll probably just knock it out at home. But maybe the next mod I'll have to stop by ;) There's also Ballast Point Brewery right near you so I can stop by and get some of the good shit as well :)

ZooMIN3

11-26-2007, 07:39 PM

Thanks man, I appreciate it. But it looks so damn easy that I'll probably just knock it out at home. But maybe the next mod I'll have to stop by ;) There's also Ballast Point Brewery right near you so I can stop by and get some of the good shit as well :)

lol yeah, it is E-Z... I just wanted to do the install again...lol

everyone knows, So easy a caveman can do it...lol

Hey by the by, you goin to the autocross at Qualcomm on the 9th? I think there is a practice session on the 8th too... no entirely sure. I should be going, let me know bro.

-J

TRSpeed3

12-13-2007, 08:32 AM

installed it last night it took me about 15-20 min...it was a cake walk...no heres the review....Car is noisier inside the cabin, i get vibes on idle and when i let the motor down shift...car hooks like its on a train track and pulls insanely hard...

ZooMIN3

12-13-2007, 03:40 PM

Jays07MS3

12-15-2007, 04:43 PM

lol yeah, it is E-Z... I just wanted to do the install again...lol

everyone knows, So easy a caveman can do it...lol

Hey by the by, you goin to the autocross at Qualcomm on the 9th? I think there is a practice session on the 8th too... no entirely sure. I should be going, let me know bro.

-J

Hey sorry about not getting back to you about the autocross. I didn't see this post til now :( Did you go? If so, how was it?

And I install the mount this morning. Thing is awesome! Install was a breeze. Barely any additional vibes but the car feels a lot more "raw" for lack of a better term. I love it. I can barely tell the difference between AC on/off. I still miss the occasional 2-3 shift when WOT. Guess I'll have to invest in a short shifter.

Thanks for the write up and pics!!! Happy Zoomin!

ZooMIN3

12-17-2007, 06:30 PM

Hey sorry about not getting back to you about the autocross. I didn't see this post til now :( Did you go? If so, how was it?

And I install the mount this morning. Thing is awesome! Install was a breeze. Barely any additional vibes but the car feels a lot more "raw" for lack of a better term. I love it. I can barely tell the difference between AC on/off. I still miss the occasional 2-3 shift when WOT. Guess I'll have to invest in a short shifter.

Thanks for the write up and pics!!! Happy Zoomin!

Sup dude, congrats on the install. I just saw this post..lol I don't know why the posts don't stay bold when you check them out from the forum thread section. hmm....

In any case, glad you're enjoying the new mount. Delrin or poly?

As for the autocross, nah didn't make it due to the rains... But i did end up going to the Car and Coffee shin dig at the Mazda HQ. It was a nice turn out. About 8 Mazda3s (two of them were Speeds), and a red P5. We were able to see the DG MotorSport Speed3. So yeah, there should be another meet this Saturday, would you like to hit this meet up? It's about a 70- 80 mile shot from San Diego, and maybe, maybe 50-65 mile shot from Escondido, i think. If you haven't been, going once wouldn't hurt. Have to leave in the morning though, like 530ish. PM me if you're interested.

-J

discharmingman

02-03-2008, 05:38 PM

Where the heck did this thread go? It's not in the How To section anymore. I had to find it through my subscribed threads...what's up with that?

ZooMIN3

02-21-2008, 06:37 PM

Where the heck did this thread go? It's not in the How To section anymore. I had to find it through my subscribed threads...what's up with that?

lmao! It tends to find its way through the other pages since other threads/posts come up (rei)

MS3077

02-22-2008, 05:15 PM

I'm picking up my SU rear motor mount tonight. Thanks for the write up!

thanotosq

03-08-2008, 11:46 PM

Thanks for the write up ZooMIN! I should be getting my mount in about a week so I'll definitely be using your guide.

Holy crap! I just came to this thread to say the same thing... so... bump for great minds thinking similarly...(boom07)

fructus

03-20-2008, 09:06 PM

Installed my TRZ poly mount today. Before I took the bolts off I checked the torque on them, and it was somewhere in between 85 and 90 lb/ft.

hectik1

03-20-2008, 09:55 PM

Install from start to finish was about 10 minutes. AS far as work goes this was the easiest thing I have done. I couldn't believe it.

For $100 and 10 minutes of my time, this is the best mod ever!

SPEED305

03-21-2008, 08:30 PM

excellent write up...
install like you said was a breeze, 10 minutes tops.

ShadowSolution

05-31-2008, 02:06 AM

just finished my install of my TRZ poly mount.
awsome product!
the vibrations feel great in my opinion!
i swear when i first start the car it feels like my car has 700whp under the hood!
(i can dream cant I?)
it just makes the car feel meaner and more aggressive.
great mod!
thanks for the write up!

ZooMIN3

06-15-2008, 05:41 AM

nice job everyone! glad you all could use this write up! lol

turbo23

06-16-2008, 08:34 PM

Installed mine today, easy install as all have said. I dont feel the vibes at idle, unless the AC is one. Viber are felt around 1900rpm or so, and you can slightly feel them around 3k, but just normal. There is alot more vibes then stock, but it does what I expected it to do, and im sure once it breaks in alittle the vibes will be less. BTW I have the poly, personally I wouldnt recommend the derlin to street drivers, and this is from a solid mount FC RX7 driver.

CWPspeed3

06-19-2008, 06:42 PM

I just installed my TRZ poly mount, your writeup was very helpful and install was a breeze, didnt take more than 20min. Helpful hint, dont replace the motor mount when the trans is hot...

AjaxUSA

06-23-2008, 03:08 PM

can those vibes you guys are talking about damage the car any? I take it that as long as we can handle the vibes, we can also use the mounts for everyday driving....yes?

thanks for the write up.

CWPspeed3

06-23-2008, 04:34 PM

The vibrations are really minimal, they aren't going to rattle your car so much that every screw comes undone and your car falls apart. I would be more worried about damage to the car by not having a stronger motor mount.

turbo23

06-26-2008, 04:40 PM

just a update. As I said the vibes when first installed were very noticable. Now that ive driven 500-1000miles and things are fine, the mount is broken in, and the vibes are very very low. This again is with the poly mount, for anyone who has woes about replacing their mount, shifting is improved 100%

Speed3Rookie

06-26-2008, 11:20 PM

Just installed mine too... (nana)
Vibes...what vibes? :)

AjaxUSA

06-27-2008, 11:58 AM

so even after the vibes go away.....how about when the a/c goes on?

CWPspeed3

06-27-2008, 12:18 PM

I never really noticed extra vibes with the ac to begin with, I've only had mine in a week and maybe 100 miles so its not even broken in yet.

clos561

06-27-2008, 01:20 PM

delrin makes the car seem like it can go 9sec quarter mile, fun to drive

CosmicBlue71

06-28-2008, 08:48 PM

I know this is supposed to be an easy install, but i can't for the life of me get the new mount back in. I have tried for an hour and there is not enough clearance to get the new mount in. I need some help

Speed3Rookie

06-29-2008, 12:43 AM

You just have to push the tranny/engine back some. Try it...it'll work.

CWPspeed3

06-29-2008, 12:56 AM

Its kind of hard to explain but its not too difficult, try pushing the mount in and push the fork shape off to the driver side then push the trans toward the front of the car and tilt the mount in. Hopefully that makes sense.

lestat13

07-08-2008, 12:28 PM

Hey, I installed inserts a while ago but didn't use locktite, do I need to jack it up immediately and redo.... is my motor in danger of dropping? I torques both bolts to 70 ft/lbs.

ZooMIN3

07-24-2008, 04:56 PM

You may just want to take a look at the bolts after several hundred miles of driving...just to be safe, to see if they haven't backed out or anything. If you feel you should locktite it, then go for it, I'd recommend it though.

-J

kgb

08-18-2008, 10:00 PM

Would you guys recommend putting the frame bolt on first before the tranny bolt?

lestat13

08-18-2008, 10:13 PM

I put lock-tite on my bolt..... but it was ALOT easier to get out the second time. It was still at 80 ft/lbs, but instead of wiggling the motor around to get the bolt to slide out, I just ratched until it came out. Anything to be worried about??

ZooMIN3

08-19-2008, 07:39 AM

ZooMIN3

08-19-2008, 07:45 AM

lol

oops talk about bad grammer... where's the edit button? =\

kgb

08-19-2008, 12:40 PM

To KGB: I put in the the frame bolt in first, then just guided the tranny side in next.

To Lestat: There shouldn't be anything to worry about. Ratcheting the bolt out is just another method without using a regular box end/crecent wrench. =) Besides, ratcheting tends to be faster sometimes.

Thank you...I did the opposite and with all I have read and the feel of my car, I will probably redo the order of things....even if it just makes me feel better (2thumbs)

lestat13

08-19-2008, 04:38 PM

To me it just reasons that if it is easier to get it out the second time, I messed something up and my motor is going to fall out. I know it probably won't, but this is the first car I am paying more than about 2 grand for and I wanna make sure it lasts!!!!! By easier, I not only mean ratcheting, but I could ratchet the bolt out, last time I had to ratched and push the motor forward to get it to drop out. Thoughts?

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

ZooMIN3

08-20-2008, 04:21 AM

No Prob kgb. =)

Lestat, if it came out easier the second time, you may want to ensure that the loc-tite covered the threaded portion that actually stays in contact with the actual threading of the frame. I know some of the threading of the bolt actually goes past the frame's threading. Or it could be that you didn't use enough loc-tite? Not entirely sure, but it should take some umph to "break" it loose, and then ratcheting it out shouldn't take much effort.

lestat13

08-20-2008, 04:15 PM

I took it out a second time because I didn't put lock-tite on the first time. The second time was to put the lock-tite on. I am just trying to cover my ass.

ZooMIN3

08-21-2008, 02:17 AM

oh...lmao now I see.. =\

Zimmer

09-09-2008, 11:14 PM

installed today thanks for the write up. The most difficult part was moving the tranny fwd. I used a long slender piece of wood just to gain some leverage with one hand to move it forward while maneuvering the mount out with the other a little unconventional but it worked. It seemed easier to get the dog bone in this way too. Didn't use loctite instead I used anti-seize compound on the threads so I can remove it if needed. I've seen others before snap bolt heads trying to remove. I plan on checking the bolts to make sure nothing relaxed and became loose.

Immediate impressions. First at start up ... I now know what you all mean ... its like I woke her up. Seconds shifting 1st to 2nd was like spreading butter. I almost felt like I was driving my accord again.

souper

09-10-2008, 09:20 AM

Use a jack to rotate the engine. If you want to rotate downward - position the jack towards the front of the car (between the front bumper and the oil filter). This will make the uninstall and reinstall of your mounts much easier.

speedsports

09-22-2008, 05:33 PM

Great write up! We used the write up on Sunday at it was definetly a breeze. If you have a friend, the best way to get it out is one pulls on the transmission while the other pushes the stock mount out.

Thanks again!

ZooMIN3

09-23-2008, 01:31 AM

^^ Thank u! and your welcome! Glad you found it useful! What are your thoughts on the mount?? Let us know!!

=)

Abilor

09-25-2008, 09:46 PM

Just to be certain, could this be done just as easily with ramps instead of jacks?

twowings

09-25-2008, 09:53 PM

Yes, I installed mine using ramps....15-20 minutes and you're done...

ZooMIN3

09-28-2008, 09:47 PM

^^ what twowings said! =D

almberg32

10-01-2008, 09:41 AM

nice write up. i plan on doing this within the next month. (cool)

ZooMIN3

10-03-2008, 12:01 AM

^AWESOME^

have fun, and good luck with the install! report back in when you get'er done!

Jasnall

10-06-2008, 01:21 PM

Spot on! Used this to do my CS inserts. I used scissor jack method cause I didn't wanna mess with the bolts on the tranny. Either way super easy, great write up!

DaleNixon

10-07-2008, 12:41 PM

dandydaniel

11-15-2008, 11:09 PM

dude, OP, how the hell did you get your car on the jack stands? for the love of god I can't even get the damn car up...

ZooMIN3

11-18-2008, 12:07 PM

you need to jack up your car, and put the jack stands on the steel lip that juts out. the jacking points i use are right near the front of the vehicle. if you look where my jack stand is located on the picture on the front page, that's the general area you want to jack up from. oh yeah, make sure you place chock blocks on the back of your car... ;-)

Sport6

11-24-2008, 07:54 PM

This is pretty comforting because I didn't use loctite when I installed my CS MM inserts. I torqued the bolts to 70 ft. lbs. I'll just give them a check when I do my oil in about 1000 miles. It still feels really solid.

I didn't use loctite either.. but will keep an eye on it everytime I am under the car.

speed3guy

11-28-2008, 01:16 PM

I was amazed at how easy this install was! Took me like 20 mins with jacking up the car, doing the install and lowering the car back down.

0nsp

12-05-2008, 10:37 PM

stupid q, which side is up?

serialtoon

12-18-2008, 10:51 AM

This is so awesome! i just ordered my poly mount. thanks!

DaleNixon

12-18-2008, 10:56 AM

I didn't use loctite either.. but will keep an eye on it everytime I am under the car.

I checked the non loctited bolt last oil change, and it was solid as a rock.

stageup

01-04-2009, 09:07 PM

wow this literally took me ~10 minutes if that
rhino ramps FTW

just undid both bolts, took pliers to pull the stock mount out
new one went in easily twisted, then twist it the way it's gonna mount
blue locktite, torqued both to 80lbs and done.

i was expecting MAJOR vibes since so many people complain about it
but the vibes aren't bad at all, even if they don't break in, i wouldn't notice it really. now i havent used the a/c yet so we'll see about that in the summer when i need it.

Captain KRM P5

01-05-2009, 01:12 AM

stageup

01-05-2009, 04:24 PM

definitely feels more connected to the road
torque steer isn't as bad as before
vibes aren't bad at all, whoever thinks they are to bad needs
to take the sand out of their vag1na :)

only thing that's weird is you hear a LOT more of the noises
coming from the engine/tranny now.

i still need to find time to put the side mount in, waiting on the tripod piece before i do it tho, hopefully by then someone will have a how to with pics up ;D

stageup

01-05-2009, 05:04 PM

oh and upon inspecting my stock rear motor mount, i didn't have any cracks in the rubber like some others, mine looked ok.

Abilor

01-06-2009, 01:17 PM

Christ I can't wait to do this.

I don't own a torque wrench though. I was at autozone, and 3/8 driver by greatneck is ~$20. Is this par for the course? It's also in pound inches, not feet, 120 - 960. I assume then that 960 pound inches / 12 = 80 lb-ft?

I'd prefer a plain ol' lb-ft torque wrench, and the more I go to autozone the more my impression is it's rather shit. I'm going to an O'Reilly's on the way home to see what they have. Any tips for junior mechanix?

Sorry if these are basic questions, I just don't want to do something glaringly stupid...

DaleNixon

01-06-2009, 01:30 PM

I got a lb*ft torque wrench for my birthday last year. It's 1/2" drive, effing big, and goes up to like 150 lb*ft. I can't recall the brand right now, but it worked perfectly for me when I did the MM inserts. Amazon has a few listed, but they are a bit pricey.

stageup

01-06-2009, 10:10 PM

use the rhino ramps, saves you at least 15-20 minutes jacking up the car
and you can use them for oil changes anyways later on

fuentini

01-07-2009, 08:51 AM

Can someone tell me what each bolt, specifically, should be torqued to.

chasis bolt and tranny bolt.

ps: I've already seen all the previous threads and confusing diagrams. just looking for some clear and updated torque settings.

DaleNixon

01-07-2009, 08:54 AM

just undid both bolts, took pliers to pull the stock mount out new one went in easily twisted, then twist it the way it's gonna mount blue locktite, torqued both to 80lbs and done.

So the dog bone goes in that easily? I had to use my scissor jack to move the engine towards the front of the car to clear the stock mount + mm inserts. That was a tight fit. If the dog bone goes in without any of that nonsense, that might be a selling point for me.

Abilor

01-07-2009, 09:28 AM

Yah I have ramps already for my url changes. I got my first torque wrench at O'Reillys last night, with a 3/8 driver and its in pound inches. 1/2 just looked too goliath for me, including the two foot handle. I got a two ton floor jack too, and I like having all these lift options. I will get jack stands too and place them under even when I ramp - I do enjoy my skull and torso quite a bit.

DaleNixon, Ken told me he was shipping my dogbone today, will have Saturday. Too bad you'll be otherwise occupied... ;)

I'll let you know how install goes.

stageup

01-07-2009, 10:42 AM

stageup

01-07-2009, 10:44 AM

So the dog bone goes in that easily? I had to use my scissor jack to move the engine towards the front of the car to clear the stock mount + mm inserts. That was a tight fit. If the dog bone goes in without any of that nonsense, that might be a selling point for me.

yea after you take the 2 bolts off, it's easy to get the stock one pulled forward and at an angle, almost 35-40 degree angle and you can rock it side to side, i just used pliers to get ahold of the stock mount, used my other hand to pull the tranny towards the front of the car and yanked, it came right out.

for the trz since it's much smaller, i was able to just slide it in sideways, THEN rotate it into place also using the other hand to pull the tranny a little.

it literally took ~10-15 minutes if that, i think i spent more time cleaning the bolt and applying loctite :)

Speed3ForMe

01-23-2009, 01:03 PM

Are you guys serious about the car not vibing a lot?!?

Just got finished installing mine and either I did it wrong or I'm overly sensitive to vibes but its really really strong and obvious. It rattles like a monster in all RPMs under 2700-3000RPMs. I've also found insane amount of vibes when taking off the line or when I'm going relatively slow in 2nd and 3rd. My entire body is still rattling and I parked the car like 15 minutes ago.

Did I install it wrong? Or does it require some break-in time?

fructus

01-23-2009, 02:08 PM

There's a break-in of about 1K miles. Then again every car is different. I suppose you have a poly mount not the delrin. Make sure that you torqued the bolts to spec, and, if I'm not mistaken, the tranny bolt has to be tightened first.

Speed3ForMe

01-23-2009, 02:47 PM

Okay...I did the tranny bolt last, can that be the deciding factor? But they are both tight. I worked both bolts in before tightening either one, and then I tighted the chassis bolt and then the tranny bolt and back to the chassis bolt and again to the tranny bolt. I don't think that should cause any problems will it?

fructus

01-23-2009, 02:51 PM

Somehow the sequence plays a role. I'd do it again to be sure.

Speed3ForMe

01-23-2009, 03:01 PM

Interesting...too bad its started to rain. Thanks for the reply!

fructus

01-23-2009, 03:11 PM

To be on the safe side, confirm with someone else the proper sequence of tightening, as I'm not entirely sure, since it's been some time since I installed mine.

Captain KRM P5

01-23-2009, 03:12 PM

how are the vibrations with the AC/defroster off?

Speed3ForMe

01-23-2009, 03:20 PM

At idle its not too obvious, but in 1st gear, from going off the line to maybe 5-10mph, to me at least, it vibrates very strong. Its almost like if I was in 2nd or 3rd gear and trying to get going from a standstill or being in too high of a gear going at too slow of a speed. Its hard to explain, but its very strong. Also, during engine braking the vibes come back, especially at high (80+mph) speeds.

Speed3ForMe

01-23-2009, 03:21 PM

how are the vibrations with the AC/defroster off?

It is off and feels like what I've posted above.

Is there a way to visibly tell if I got the PU or the Delrin mount? I ordered from you guys quite a while back but didnt get around to installing it until today. Maybe I got sent the wrong mount?

Captain KRM P5

01-23-2009, 03:50 PM

It is off and feels like what I've posted above.

Is there a way to visibly tell if I got the PU or the Delrin mount? I ordered from you guys quite a while back but didnt get around to installing it until today. Maybe I got sent the wrong mount?

let me know what your name or order number was and i can tell you what we shipped. if you have a picture of the mount (i know thats a PITA to ask for at this point) i can tell you right away. the differences are subtle, but apparant.

Speed3ForMe

01-23-2009, 03:58 PM

PM Sent.

Abilor

01-23-2009, 04:19 PM

When I did mine, I bolted it down to the frame, worked my trans forward, slipped the bolt through, and tightened them both up with Blue Loctite. The vibes were really "bad" at first (I like them). They are worst in 1st, as poster says. The description of trying to pop the clutch with the wrong gear is a good description. It does calm down a lot though, in my case, within the first 300 - 400 miles. Now it just feels grunty. If I let off the accelerator in fifth, you can feel a vibe.

I wouldn't say I still feel it when I leave my car though. And while the sequence might matter, I can't imagine that if you have the dogbone situated properly and the bolts are in, that it's somehow "wrong." I'd say give it a chance to calm down, and if you're really worried, ramp it and visually verify all is well. Sure you don't have Delrin bushings? And is it cold where you are? My vibes at 30F are worse than at 65F to be sure.

Just saw you're in LA, so cold probably isn't a factor ;)

DaleNixon, can you maybe give a qualitative description of the vibes? Am I just not that sensitive?

DaleNixon

01-23-2009, 04:25 PM

Dude it felt like a massage chair when I was in the car! I can only imagine what it feels like gripping the wheel. I plan on installing the whole TRZ package as soon as Ken has it available for order.

I can deal with the vibes if it means piece of mind about mounts possibly failing.

Abilor

01-23-2009, 04:26 PM

Bear in mind I've probably got 80 - 100 lbs on DaleNixon... That might make a difference in our respective sensations...

Captain KRM P5

01-23-2009, 05:13 PM

we've got over 40 transmission mounts out there so far, not one of them has failed. we have over 400 rear mounts out there, not one of them has failed. not to brag (ok, i'm bragging) but no other mount manufacturer has this success to failure ratio when it comes to either the rear or side mount for these cars.

Speed3ForMe

01-23-2009, 07:58 PM

Thanks Abilor and DN. It seems like I just need to wait for it to break-in.

Heh, its actually raining in LA right now so its relatively "cold".

AllLostThings

01-24-2009, 01:13 PM

THis is a great write up and general info thread. Thanks for taking the time to write this up with pics and all. I've just bought a used mount and, dispite the cold weather, may pull into my girlfriends garage on a warmish day and install mine next week.

stageup

01-25-2009, 03:08 PM

ok im about 500 miles in with the mount now and i think it's fully broken in
i dont notice the vibes at all, hell my wife didnt even notice anything diff
when sitting in my car. i didn't know the tranny bolt was supposed to be tightened first. i did the frame first, then tranny. i dont think it matters really.

Speed3ForMe

01-25-2009, 07:47 PM

So you're saying there wasn't that much vibes to start with even right after installing the mount?

ok im about 500 miles in with the mount now and i think it's fully broken in
i dont notice the vibes at all, hell my wife didnt even notice anything diff
when sitting in my car. i didn't know the tranny bolt was supposed to be tightened first. i did the frame first, then tranny. i dont think it matters really.

stageup

01-25-2009, 10:56 PM

So you're saying there wasn't that much vibes to start with even right after installing the mount?

there was a little @ start up, and when taking off from 1st roughly around the 2-3k rpm area, but it wasn't bad at all. with the a/c on you can feel it.
right now i don't notice it anymore so i think it's a combination of a broken in mount, and me being used to it. now to put it into perspective, i read all these reviews saying it vibes like crazy etc... so when i put it on, i was like...that's it? those are the vibes that to others feel like it's gonna tear the car apart? rofl so that was part of it also. the minimal vibes i felt were heavily outweighed by the improvement in drivability.

Speed3ForMe

01-26-2009, 02:48 AM

I guess I should double check my install then because I'm one of those people that feel like its going to tear my car apart.

Thanks for the reply Stage.

Abilor

01-26-2009, 11:38 AM

I'm really wondering if you did end up with the race bushings. And of course, if all else fails and you're really neurotic, reinstall?

Speed3ForMe

01-27-2009, 08:49 PM

Well, good news. Its been roughly 250 miles and 4 days since the install and it doesn't vibe as hard as when I first installed it. Still noticeable, but much more bearable now.

Also, wheel hop is dramatically reduced, clutch engagement and just simple 1st to 2nd shifting is much much smoother. For now, I give it a 9/10. 1 point deduction for the vibes, but hopefully that will go away in due time. At that point, 10/10, one of the must haves for any Speed3.

stageup

01-27-2009, 11:31 PM

awesome :)

Captain KRM P5

01-28-2009, 02:20 AM

keep me posted if you need any assistance

ZooMIN3

02-12-2009, 11:41 AM

Hey everyone!!

Been gone for a little while...last visit was Nov 24!! ><

Glad to see you all able to use our How To!! O.O I see that the side mounts are available!?!?!?!! Gotta check that out!!! =)

I've got the delrin mount just to reiterate, and it vibes a good deal in the cold. After its warmed up a bit though, the vibes aren't as noticable. Either way, I'm a happy speeder!!! (Speed3 owner that is) lol

GongShow

02-21-2009, 05:10 PM

Just finished the install. Removal of old mount was a piece of cake. I had a little more difficulty getting the TRZ in, though. I probably should have jacked the car up a little higher.

My first impression: Yep, I feel the 1st gear engagement vibrations. It's not too awful bad but it's there. I'm sure it will get better over time. Keep in mind, my car only has 600 miles on it. But, no more wandering around for the 3rd gear gate!!!!!!!(cool)

Nice work TRZ. I can't imagine having to live with the 3rd gear hunt forever.

KDiz

02-26-2009, 07:35 PM

well i just installed mine. i was a piece of cake to install. i did run into a problem though. when tightening the bolt that mounts to the engine/tranny, it was harder to tighten than the one that goes to the frame. i thought it was because the holes didn't line up perfectly and the engine and was putting pressure on the bolt. well basically i crossthreaded the nut since there's about an 1/8" gap between the bolt head and the mount. how much added vibration it this going to add? would adding a washer be an easy fix or am i fubared and need to get a new mount?

tokoam

02-27-2009, 11:13 PM

i took it over to my dads shop put it on the lift used air tool was done in about 30 secs lol care feels stronger however i do have the delrin mount and do notice the vibs

DaleNixon

02-27-2009, 11:24 PM

F00k I guess I'll get the TRZ 2 mount package. Ken, do you think a passenger mount is necessary as well or is that only for drag racers?

Nutari

02-27-2009, 11:30 PM

F00k I guess I'll get the TRZ 2 mount package. Ken, do you think a passenger mount is necessary as well or is that only for drag racers?

It is not necessary.

DaleNixon

02-27-2009, 11:33 PM

What about accounts I've read of people's passenger side mounts exploding fluid all over the engine bay and giving up the ghost? Exaggeration? It doesn't seem like a common thing.

GoFast

02-28-2009, 12:04 AM

What about accounts I've read of people's passenger side mounts exploding fluid all over the engine bay and giving up the ghost? Exaggeration? It doesn't seem like a common thing.

oh yeah I have heard about this. It usually happens after their headlight fluid runs out (lol2)

Just givin ya a hard time dale

DaleNixon

02-28-2009, 09:20 AM

Headlight fluid? I need to check mine ASAP!

But seriously I've read a really scary account of the passenger side mount going to hell in another forum. Marketing ploy perhaps?

Nutari

02-28-2009, 09:23 AM

Headlight fluid? I need to check mine ASAP!

But seriously I've read a really scary account of the passenger side mount going to hell in another forum. Marketing ploy perhaps?

Pm me a link please? This is the first time I've heard of this.

jezterr

03-15-2009, 10:11 PM

possibly dumb question: red or blue loctite?

Captain KRM P5

03-15-2009, 10:47 PM

we have a few damper solutions for the passenger side which are going to help alleviate any stress on that mount. we want to approach that mount itself as a replacement with caution. one of the aftermarket mounts had rampant failures reported and we're not looking to repeat that on a product we sell. we're looking to be far more careful moving forward on product releases from the lessons we've learned on our own and with others.

DaleNixon

03-15-2009, 11:24 PM

possibly dumb question: red or blue loctite?

I used red on mine.

birdfeather

03-17-2009, 12:26 AM

nice write up dude

karl hungus

03-21-2009, 03:39 PM

many thanks, zoomin3 and everyone else who contributed. this has got to be the easiest mod. however, i probably would have been too chickensh3t to try it w/o the picture pages.

started her up on the ramps and omfg what a difference. the vibes remind me of my old 93 z28 police interceptor. feels like i have an lt1 back under the hood. keep her above 1500 rpm (which you should do anyway) and all is well.

there are two kinds of mods - ones that give you chubbies and others that are more subtle. the trz dogbone is the former.

jezterr

03-21-2009, 08:23 PM

just did this install today. took all of 30 minutes, which was mostly spent trying to fix my cheap ass floor jack. which i'm now heading out to return, and test out the motormount.

thanks for the write up. came in handy.

jezterr

03-21-2009, 10:37 PM

holy crap the vibrations are nuts.

but kinda cool, as i hear/feel more of the engine. probably something i can eventually get used to, even if it doesn't get reduced by the tranny mount that'll go in next week.

Captain KRM P5

03-21-2009, 11:52 PM

the break in over the next tank of gas or two will reduce the amount of vibrations by a good deal, so put the mount through its paces and let us know in a few hundred miles how it has held up!

DaleNixon

03-22-2009, 10:12 AM

^ He's right. After about 200 miles, my mounts have calmed down considerably.

They are approaching the point of feeling like the CS inserts when first installed.

Captain KRM P5

03-23-2009, 02:13 AM

^ He's right. After about 200 miles, my mounts have calmed down considerably.

They are approaching the point of feeling like the CS inserts when first installed.

still providing the good gains though, yes?

DaleNixon

03-23-2009, 09:03 AM

Oh yes, absolutely! Shifting is much easier now that I don't have to deal with the engine flinging around in the engine bay.

I should have specified that I was talking strictly about vibrations, not performance.

Zimmer

03-23-2009, 10:14 AM

the break in over the next tank of gas or two will reduce the amount of vibrations by a good deal, so put the mount through its paces and let us know in a few hundred miles how it has held up!

warmer weather helps too barely noticeable then.

Captain KRM P5

03-23-2009, 03:16 PM

warmer weather helps too barely noticeable then.

good to know(headbang)

AllLostThings

04-04-2009, 10:36 AM

I'm hoping to FINALLY do mine this weekend. I've had it since November...

AllLostThings

04-05-2009, 05:47 PM

I just put this in this afternoon. The longest part was driving to get new jack stands before I started. This is the easiest mod I've done and I love the results!! Excellent write up!

Captain KRM P5

04-05-2009, 10:54 PM

I just put this in this afternoon. The longest part was driving to get new jack stands before I started. This is the easiest mod I've done and I love the results!! Excellent write up!

good stuff. let me know if you want to augment it further with the transmission mount!

karl hungus

04-06-2009, 07:59 AM

definitely do the trz tranny mount. spent all weekend failing to miss 3rd. best bang for the buck mod.

AllLostThings

04-09-2009, 06:59 PM

I'll get one for sure soon after I get my AutoExe bumper...I just HATE removing the battery and all that junk. I did it twice for my SRI/Inlet...

BillTheCat

09-03-2009, 11:35 PM

ReNaToMS3

09-04-2009, 08:51 AM

Got my Dogbone from Ken @ PG a month or two back, but due to my bad back & neck, I didn't install it right away- I can't lay under the car & do anything requiring much torque.

Was at a shop having my fenders rolled today & the owner slapped the Dogbone in for me. First difference I noticed was the vibrations, and I can understand why some folks don't like the Dogbone based on this. However, I don't mind he vibes, and when I got into some spirited motoring & had zero issues with the 2-3 shift, I was sold. The car feel so much more rigid under acceleration, too. It just feels like less energy is being wasted tossing the engine around, which can only mean more of it is getting to the wheels.

Excellent upgrade. Not that this is news. I'm just adding my endorsement to the pile.

Same here... did the upgrade over the weekend and at first i was like "WTF, vibes!" but i got used to it pretty quickly. Most of them goes to the center console or where the radio is installed. Usually just get them in-between shifts (engine tries to move of course) and low RPM (1k-2k). At highway speeds, you don't feel a thing.

Just having better shifting and reduced wheel hop is worth the hassle IMO.

ZooMIN3

09-07-2009, 12:50 AM

Glad to see the "DogBone" still getting some great reviews! My DogBone Delrin version has been installed for a good while, and it is still holding strong.

Just a Note: A few months back, I took out my DogBone and put epoxy in the hole that holds the center sleeve, and I'd say about 80% of the vibes went away. That's an edumacated guess. If anyone else tries that idea out, get back to us on what your experience is like. This isn't a must, but I thought I'd give it a whirl and see where it lead me. Turned out I liked what the end results were. So yeah. (wiggle)

Here is a quick pic of the center sleeve I'm referring to.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Focusondz/DSCF3300-1.jpg

ReNaToMS3

09-11-2009, 06:51 PM

Just a follow-up after 2 weeks of use...

Drove around 500-600 miles and while i thought the vibrations were normal, it felt at times that it was just too much. Mainly when downshifting, the vibrations were crazy!

During installation, i didn't use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts. I used an air gun because i didn't have the wrench at the time. So i decided to jack the car up again and re-tighten the bolts using the torque wrench i got from my friend. When i undid the bolt, it was clearly very tight since i used the gun. Re-tighten the bolts to 80ft/lbs of torque and went out for a spin.

Boy, vibrations are minimum now. Shifting is even better than before. I can only feel the vibrations when idle and up-shifting. The vibrations that i had when downshifting are now pretty much gone. Overall, i think this is the way it should have been at the beginning. I love it even more now.

For those facing severe vibration issues, try to make sure the bolts are torqued to spec (65-80ft/lbs). It helped me out a lot.