MazdaSpeed3 - SURE Motorsports’ Rear Engine Mount Install

Courtesy:mazdaspeed-3.com
Link: http://www.mazdaspeed-3.com/2010/11/mazdaspeed-3-sure-motorsports-rear-engine-mount-install/

I received my new SURE Motorsports’ 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 rear engine mount the other day. For this installation I am using the 90 durometer urethane bushing that comes in blue. I will be driving with this installation for 1,500 miles then switching to the 70 durometer urethane bushing and I have a review on it now that testing has been completed. Until then, here are the do it yourself installation instructions for the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 rear engine mount.




Where is it:

The rear engine mount is found under the car towards the back, middle of the engine bay. You must jack up the car to get to it. (1) Place the Jack under the big bolts connecting the subframe to lift the car then place jacks on subframe where you see my stands. Otherwise you risk denting your subframe. (2) I usually release the Jack (slowly) to let the full weight rest on the stands, then lift the Jack snuggly to the bolt and lock it for added safety. (3) Always remember to use something to keep the car from rolling. Even if the surface looks flat, it may not be. Safety first when working under 3,200+ lbs of car!
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Tools Needed:

• 17mm regular and deep socket wrench
• 19 mm regular and deep socket wrench and wrench
• long socket wrench to get the proper torque to break the bolts
• Gloves

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What to do:

Locate the rear engine mount towards the back of the engine bay connected to the subframe. (1) remove the 2 Bolts. (2) Remove 2 bolts and loosen the 3rd bolt so that the bracket frees from the engine mount and hangs down. (3) Pull out OEM engine mount and get your SURE rear engine mount. (4) Slide in the SURE rear engine mount with the logo facing towards the passanger side. It is a tight fit so don’t be afraid to use a little elbow grease.
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(1) Use the Bolt to the right, the one with more threads and shorter. (2) Hand thread the bolt into place and do not tighten all the way at this point. (3) Now slide the screw provided by SURE Motorsports’ through the engine mount and bracket. You will need to pinch, wiggle and pull to get it to go through since the weight of the engine has shifted. Also make sure there is a washer before the 2 bolts on each end. Do not tighten completely at this point. (4) Start replacing bolts on bracket. Once again we have not completely tightened all the bolts at this point because you will need to push, lift and wiggle parts into place to slide the screws back into place. (5) Once all bolts and screws are in place begin to tighten them down. Start with the engine mount and work back to the bracket. Get them nice and tight but don’t break the bolts!
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That is all there is to it! Takes about 30-45 minutes depending on your setup and experience working under the engine. Below are the parts you are left with.
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SURE Motorsports’ Rear Engine Mount Install Review

In this review I will discuss my findings and personal opinion on the 2 types of urethane bushing as well as the engine mount. I drove a total of 3,500 miles with the rear engine mount installed at the time of this review. 1,500 Miles with the 90 durometer and 2,000+ with the 70 durometer bushings. You can also see how easy it is to install from my DIY installation of the SURE Motorsports’ rear engine mount post. For the first 1,500 miles, I installed the 90 durometer bushings. They are the hardest ones offered by SURE Motorsports and they come in blue. These bushings provided excellent results. Power and responsiveness was drastically increased, wheel hop was completely eliminated and engine vibration was bearable.
At idle without the air conditioner on you could barely notice it. There was a slight vibration in the steering. However, in a low gear or with the air conditioner on the vibration was much more noticeable. When accelerating in 5th and 6th gear at low RPMs you really noticed the vibrations of the engine. Although this may sound bad, it isn’t. It is doing exactly what it should do.
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90 durometer bushings wear and tear after 1500 miles. As you can see to the right, just some dirt and minor scratches. With all that vibration and weight, this picture shows quality more so than any words I put down here.
After 1,500 miles with the 90 durometer I switched over to the 70 durometer which is the black bushing provided by SURE Motorsports. This bushing is much smoother and barely noticeable at the wheel. There is almost no vibration at idle and in low gears. Yet, it keeps the tires from hopping and power where it should be, to the wheels! I do notice that on some surfaces there is a slight wheel hop from time to time but it is minimal and rare as compared to the stock engine mount.
My car is a daily driver that I drive to work, stores, road trips, etc. The versatility of the Mazdaspeed 3 makes it a very practical car for those of us that love to drive spiritedly yet need function as well. With this in mind I chose to stay with the 70 durometer urethane bushings. I only track my car for about 4-5 months a year and in that time I only race about 5-6 weekends. I will possible switch back to the 90 durometer bushing during those months since the install is quick and painless.
Rating:

5 of 5
The SURE Motorsports’ rear engine mount is a quality piece that is a must have for all enthusiasts. The hardcore enthusiast would want to install the 90 durometer while the occasional track runners needing a more practical and versatile car would want to stick with the 70 durometer bushings. Or like me… why not get both! 30 minute install and off to the track you go in full force!