Bad engine mount replaced...

[sd_boxster]

I ordered a Pedro's Racing Mount a while back - and started a thread commending Pedro for his style of doing business.

I was planning to keep the mount sitting around for use when/if I felt my stock mount let go. However, I was Jonesing for a project today, so I decided to install my mount, even if I didn't need it.

I needed it.





I hope the photos accurately depict how shot the stock mount on my Boxster with 30K miles and 5 autocrosses. I genuinely did not expect to find the OEM mount torn in several places.

The Pedro mount transmits more motor vibration to the cabin, especially when engine braking and high revs, but it is definitely tolerable. On the plus side, my 5-speed's reluctance to shift into first when the gearbox is cold seems to be fixed.

So, if you are assuming like I was that your stock mount is probably fine because your Box is low-mileage and/or you don't beat the he!! out of it, you may want to give that some additional thought...

[sd_boxster]

Some additional comments...

When I ordered the part from Pedro, I also got an install quote from a very reputable San Diego shop: $150. After doing this myself, $150 seems like a very fair price if you're not inclined to tackle it on your own or you'd need to acquire more than $150 worth of tools to complete the install.

I used this install as an excuse to finally buy a set of metric ratcheting wrenches ($50); if Pedro will buy my core from me, I'll break even on the install.

Things to have for this project:

* Ratcheting metric wrenches
* A set of Torx bits (I needed these to remove the splash panels)
* Metric socket set, including extensions and deep sockets
* Torque wrench
* Breaker bar (just in case - I only needed this for one bolt)
* Pedro's install guide

I removed the access panel behind the seats to get better access at the top passenger-side bolt on the top of the motor mount. You could do everything from below if you prefer - Pedro does not mention the access panel in his instructions.

I used ramps for the rear wheels, and I also jacked up the front and used bricks under the front wheels. Getting the front end up really makes working underneath the Boxster easier for those of us with no access to a lift. In addition to the bricks, I used jack stands up front... just in case.

If you use a floor jack to support the engine, don't overtighten the release screw on your jack - this will make it a little less stressful when you're trying to drop the motor a couple of inches. I always crank the stupid screw down too hard when I'm changing tires, which makes lowering the jack smoothly very difficult.

I supplemented the jack under the motor with a jack stand - I don't know how far that sucker will drop with the mount off, and I didn't want to find out by using my head as a gauge.

This project is very, very DIYable. I'd rate this easier than the EVOMS intake install - about the same as headers.

[23109VC]

how would you describe the "before" vs. "after" in terms of how the car feels / drives?

my car has 75k miles and i believe my mount is stock / never replaced. it must need to get changed!

one thing I haven't considered / but wonder about - is suppose my car goes into the shop, and I jus thave my mechanic install a standard / stock OEM mount... are the odds that I will notice just as much improvement as I would with one of these racing or enthusiast mounts from Pedro?

i sometimes wonder is the improvement is really noticed because the stock part has broken...and ANY new part wil make it better..or would someone taking out a brand new OEM mount notice an "improvement" by puttin in the Pedro mount?

another question - since you went with the "racing" mount - do you find the "increased vibration" to be objectionable or no big deal?

on a past car of mine, I swapped out a similar engine mount with something like Pedros..it was stiffer / poly mount and when it first went in, I noticed quiet a bit of increased vibration, but also much crisper/bertter steering feel...and over the next few days, the "vibration" that initially seemed to be "a lot" seemed like no big deal.... so i kinda wonder on a car like tghe boxster, where I only drive it once in a while, and it's supposed to be "fun" and a good handling car, and "vibration" is not a big deal...maybe the racing mount is what i want..unless it vibrates so much it makes the steering wheel shake and it really is a big no no on a street car..but I can't imagien that's the case...

what do you think? is hte vibration *that* bad?

[eightsandaces]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

how would you describe the "before" vs. "after" in terms of how the car feels / drives?

my car has 75k miles and i believe my mount is stock / never replaced. it must need to get changed!

I did mine two months ago, the smoothness of shifting was immediately improved as was some shaking I felt occasionally on hard deceleration. As for the ease of installation, I found it to be a bit of a puzzle even though only simple hand tools are involved, patience is priceless. A correct size crow foot would have been gold too but the one bolt will come, just takes a week or two when you can only bite and turn it a 1/4 each time..

[23109VC]

what is the consensus on whether the "racing" or "enthusiast" mount is the best to get???

the fact that he offers both makes me wonder if the "race" one is too stiff....but then again, it is a "race" car... its a porsche! and I like to push my car hard...so i can handle a little vibration in the steering wheel.... and I know it's very subjective..but is it REALLY that bad of vibration?

anyone get teh race mount and then HATE it and have to swap to the enthusiast mount?

anyone who has either, feel free to chime in on WHICH one you installed and how you like it!

[ekam]

If I were to do this I'd replace it with the 987 OEM revised engine mount first, then if that breaks again I'd replace the rubber mount with Pedro's or Wevo's.

http://www.wevo.com/Products/ChassisProducts/WevoChassisProducts-BoxsterSSEngineMounts.htm

[ekam]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

anyone get teh race mount and then HATE it and have to swap to the enthusiast mount?

Enthusiast mount is the racing mount with straight-thru holes drilled on 4 corners, as illustrated on Pedro's product page.