SLS Motor mounts

[BondoBob]

First, a disclaimer: I waited too long to replace the motor mounts on my MP3. I admit it. I knew they were in trouble, ordered two sets (one AWR & the SLS pieces) and they sat with me thinking that I'd get around to replacing them in the warmth of the summer or fall.

Anyway, this finally bit me in the ass (right around the pocket area) when I broke the j pipe that I had installed with a used front cat this summer. It was a stress crack from the @#$% engine moving too much.

I brought the SLS mounts to my mechanic and he replaced both the busted and ugly passenger side mount with the nice, neat SLS mount. He also replaced the front motor mount with the correct SLS mount and also put on a new j-pipe (stock) with all the springs and gaskets required. Great.

I picked up the car, knowing that there would be a little more vibration. However, I wonder how much there really should be with these (less than the AWRs, I was told). Now you feel it on startup, acceleration and iding. It is loud enough to make it hard to listen to the stereo or the passenger until you get to, say, 3000 RPM or higher...then it seems to smooth out some.

It has been colder than a well-digger's ass (as my great-grandma used to say) and I've just either dealt with it or drove the Tribute.

Any thoughts?

Bob

 

[Tom03es]

I can't comment directly on the SLS mounts because I have the AWR mounts, but I can say for sure that when it's cold, the polyurethane used in the mounts becomes stiffer and produces more vibrations felt in the cabin.

So you only have the front and passenger mounts, right? I have those PLUS the driver's side mount and I don't think vibrations are all that bad. Once I get off idle, everything smooths out. And I have the 88 durometer mounts.

 

[njaremka]

keep an eye on that SLS passenger mount - they are know to be weak. either get a drivers side or a rear mount, and have that installed to really help keep the engine secure.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

x2...had the SLS side mount bracket break after a month with only daily driver action.

 

[BOOSTR]

I'm using both SLS pieces without issue! The vibration is slight only at idle and with the a/c on. Seats do not vibrate and the dash does not sound like its going to rattle off. I'd buy them again without hesitation over the others available.

 

[808MP5]

I have the AWR Rear Mount, Street Unit Driver Side Mount, SLS Front Mount, SLS Passenger Side Mount....

Vibration was harsh for the first month or so... It really doesn't vibrate much at all anymore... No rattling or anything. Ohh and no broken mounts. And i tore the sh!t out of my car... Literally blown two holes in my block. Car currently in the shop getting an engine swap.

 

[maskedSONY]

How often have the SLS side mount breaks been happening?

I'm in the same spot right now with respect to engine mounts. I might just get only the front mount, and buy new OEM side and rear mounts to replace my current ones which have 100K miles on them. (offhand where do you buy new OEM mounts on the net?)

 

[808MP5]

Haven't heard any recent cases of the SLS mounts breaking.... I think they revised the mount.

You could probably find the OEM one at www.onlinemazdaparts.com

 

[Brach]

Haven't heard any recent cases of the SLS mounts breaking.... I think they revised the mount.

You could probably find the OEM one at www.onlinemazdaparts.com

They did revise the side motor mount bracket and from what I have heard," No more problems"

People would rather talk about the negative/drama than about the good.

 

[SIBalla23]

I have both sls mounts in my car and vibration is minimal. It stopped almost all of the engine movement. I did have the passenger side mount bracket break but once I got in contact with SLS, I recieved a new revised bracket in like two days. The first bracket was aluminum, but now its steel, so no more worries of it breaking.

 

[BondoBob]

Thanks to all for your comments. I'm stopping in Monday morning to put it in the garage and have them check it out.

Bob

 

[Brach]

I have been tossing around the idea of making billet aluminum motor mounts for the protege.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

They did revise the side motor mount bracket and from what I have heard," No more problems"

People would rather talk about the negative/drama than about the good.

I also praised the customer service side of the house for getting a new bracket out & without hassle.

 

[maskedSONY]

Is the rear OEM mount on the 2.0L engines any different with the automatic or manual transmissions?

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Is the rear OEM mount on the 2.0L engines any different with the automatic or manual transmissions?

IIRC, the only one that is different is the driver's side one that attaches to the tranny.

 

[njaremka]

the rear mount is interchangeable, but is mildly different - has a different stiffness or something.

the passenger side has slightly different mounting dimensions, and is not REALLY interchangeable, but i have heard it can be.

the drivers side is also mildly different - the manual version has a tab to mount the clutch line. not sure if this one is interchangeable or not.

the front mount is interchangeable, but again has mild differences - i'm not sure what the major differences are here.

 

[Gasological]

I've got SLS front and sides, and they've served rather well once broken in. Some noticable vibration when the A/C is on, but that's it. Then again, I bought the car used, and the rubber had totally separated from the ring on my stock mounts, so I was probably accustomed to more vibration than most. The side mount hasn't given me any trouble, and it was pretty light, so I think I might have had one of the aluminium brackets. The main mounting bolt has backed out an eighth of an inch, but that's me being lazy and not maintaining it, not the mount's fault.

 

[maskedSONY]

I had the SLS mounts (65 durometer) installed on the front and the passenger side. The mounts were steel, not aluminum and felt like a very solid product.

This upgrade was worth every penny. At idle the vibration and noise has increased, but I will live with it for the increased traction while accelerating, and also for the more efficient driving experience. I inspected the stock mounts after they were removed and boy was I disgusted. They were pretty much torn or weak as hell. I threw them out right after looking at them - they cost me several exhaust pipe repairs due to their flexing. :mad:

Props to Eric at SLS Performance, who provided me with very helpful information, and was totally knowledgeable about the whole mount replacement process.

I accidentally ordered two side mounts, so I have one that I will be putting up for sale shortly. PM me if interested.

 

[Jake_isr]

My sls mount on the pass side doesnt line up correctly, I just purchased it in Dec 07 and I dont know what to do really.

 

[turbolife]

My SLS front mount works well, fit well, and has been on for almost a year now.