Sonic Engine rotation delete kit

[jeff@racerxfab]

Well it looks like we lucked out and were able to move forward with a few more products. After we installed the GT28 turbo on our sonic we had the worst experience with engine rotation under load. It was to the point where the engine would move enough for the exhaust system to contact the subframe. However we are not keen on engine mounts as they usually increase noise and vibration into the cabin. We moved forward with building an engine brace to prevent or drastically reduce the rotation. We CNC machined a mount from 6061-T6 aluminum and then we designed a bracket for the subframe that is CNC lasered and formed. Finally we added the brace to connect the two points. The result is an engine brace that works very well and transmits little to no vibration or noise into the cabin. The sonic now unleashes the power like never before!!

Check it out here: https://racerxfabrication.com/sonic/misc/engine-rotation-delete

Few pics of the kit:

 

[YouBeTailsIllBeSonic]

GENIUS. I love it. Will have to add it to the list of things I plan on ordering from you guys xD
*Coughturbomanicough*....wut?

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

 

[Tormach]

Awesomeness!! I am also eagerly awaiting more detail on the water outlet your developing to replace the stock plastic pos... and hopefully many more things

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[cobaltbravo]

So, I purchased the kit from Racer-X recently. I had planned on getting MPfab's front trans mount, but unfortunately it was out of stock and I wanted to get a few parts swapped out while I had a couple weeks off from work, so I purchased the ZZP replacement lower trans mount (with a urethane bushing) and the Racer-X kit instead. In hindsight this was likely overkill. Neither part came with any instructions/torque specs, so be handy if you want to install this and I guess tighten it till you feel comfortable.
I first installed the ZZP part and the Racer-X kit. The rattling was horrible. The whole dash sounded like it was coming loose. Even in 6th at over 65 mph there was still a notable rattle. I’ve driven crazy modified 500hp import cars, this reminded me of some of the clutch engagement you’d feel in those, but it was near constant. No good obviously. I removed the Racer-X kit, and all the rattle went away, leaving an occasional subtle vibration in lower gears. I wanted to give both parts the benefit of the doubt, so I removed the upgraded ZZP lower mount, reinstalled the stock mount (less that 20k miles on it) and re-installed the Racer-X kit. Nearly all the rattle came back with a vengeance. I left it on for a couple days just in case, the rattle never got better.
I went back to the ZZP mount, and I’m happy with it. It greatly decreases engine rotation on a tuned 1.4 (based on butt feel, hard to test in the garage on a manual) while minimizing vibration. I’ll likely replace the upper trans mount with the other ZZP mount at some point soon. The $200 Racer-X kit sits on my work bench right now to remind me not to buy parts that have no reviews. Honestly, as a mechanic, I should have known this was going to happen, there’s a reason most mounts/bushings have a rubber or urethane component to them, it’s to reduce the harsh vibration transmitted through an otherwise metal on metal connection. Bolting the engine/trans directly to the frame will transfer the rattle to the frame. I think the kit is a creative attempt to limit engine rotation, but it didn’t work for me.

 

[jeff@racerxfab]

So, I purchased the kit from Racer-X recently. I had planned on getting MPfab's front trans mount, but unfortunately it was out of stock and I wanted to get a few parts swapped out while I had a couple weeks off from work, so I purchased the ZZP replacement lower trans mount (with a urethane bushing) and the Racer-X kit instead. In hindsight this was likely overkill. Neither part came with any instructions/torque specs, so be handy if you want to install this and I guess tighten it till you feel comfortable.
I first installed the ZZP part and the Racer-X kit. The rattling was horrible. The whole dash sounded like it was coming loose. Even in 6th at over 65 mph there was still a notable rattle. I’ve driven crazy modified 500hp import cars, this reminded me of some of the clutch engagement you’d feel in those, but it was near constant. No good obviously. I removed the Racer-X kit, and all the rattle went away, leaving an occasional subtle vibration in lower gears. I wanted to give both parts the benefit of the doubt, so I removed the upgraded ZZP lower mount, reinstalled the stock mount (less that 20k miles on it) and re-installed the Racer-X kit. Nearly all the rattle came back with a vengeance. I left it on for a couple days just in case, the rattle never got better.
I went back to the ZZP mount, and I’m happy with it. It greatly decreases engine rotation on a tuned 1.4 (based on butt feel, hard to test in the garage on a manual) while minimizing vibration. I’ll likely replace the upper trans mount with the other ZZP mount at some point soon. The $200 Racer-X kit sits on my work bench right now to remind me not to buy parts that have no reviews. Honestly, as a mechanic, I should have known this was going to happen, there’s a reason most mounts/bushings have a rubber or urethane component to them, it’s to reduce the harsh vibration transmitted through an otherwise metal on metal connection. Bolting the engine/trans directly to the frame will transfer the rattle to the frame. I think the kit is a creative attempt to limit engine rotation, but it didn’t work for me.

Sorry to hear about your experience. On a side note the kit is designed to work with the OEM mounts, we have been using it for about 2 months now with no issues or vibrations as you describe. My guess is that you have the shaft that connects the trans to the subframe over torqued in either direction. The idea is to reduce rotation and if you induce preload it will transmit ALL vibration from the engine into the vehicle cabin. If you install the shaft and lightly tighten (if you see the engine moving its too much) this will reduce or completely eliminate the vibration you describe.

We actually have the instructions completed, I do not know why they are not on our website I will follow up this afternoon and have then uploaded.

Appreciate the feedback.

 

[CyberGray13RS]

YES! More lovely parts. Very neat idea. I have seen this type of brace used for controlling movement in control arms to prevent torque steer in fwd vehicles, logically if it works for that it will work for this. Saves money too instead of buying three aftermarket poly mounts.