Why should you upgrade your OEM engine mounts?

Are you looking to take your vehicle’s performance to the next level? One of the most overlooked, yet highly effective upgrades is investing in AWR Racing engine mounts. Stock engine mounts are often made from soft rubber compounds designed to prioritize comfort over performance. While this might be acceptable for daily driving, it can severely hinder your vehicle’s capabilities when pushing it to its limits. AWR Racing engine mounts offer a significant improvement in power transfer, stability, and overall driving experience.

The primary function of engine mounts is to secure the engine to the chassis, absorbing vibrations and minimizing movement. However, factory mounts are designed with a high degree of compliance, which allows for excessive engine movement, particularly during aggressive driving. This movement can lead to several issues:

• Loss of Power: Excessive engine movement absorbs energy that could be used to propel the vehicle forward. This wasted energy translates to reduced acceleration and overall performance.
• Wheel Hop: During hard launches or acceleration, engine movement can disrupt traction, causing wheel hop and further reducing performance.
• Inconsistent Handling: Engine movement can negatively impact vehicle stability and handling, especially during cornering.
• Transmission Shifting: Softer, inadequate engine mounts can result in misalignment of the transmission shifter, leading to missed shifts, particularly in front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Damaged Components: OEM mounts generally wear out quickly and require frequent replacement.

The AWR Racing Advantage:

AWR Racing engine mounts are engineered to address the shortcomings of factory mounts and deliver a noticeable improvement in performance and handling. Here’s how:

Reduced Engine Movement: AWR mounts significantly reduce engine movement, improving power transfer to the wheels. By using steel and Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings, AWR Racing mounts provide a more secure connection between the engine and chassis, minimizing unwanted movement. This ensures that more of the engine’s power is directed to the wheels, resulting in improved acceleration and responsiveness.

Improved Power Transfer: AWR mounts ensure more power reaches the wheels by minimizing energy loss through excessive engine movement. With less engine movement absorbing energy, more of the engine’s power is effectively transferred to the drivetrain and, ultimately, to the wheels. This translates to quicker acceleration, improved throttle response, and enhanced overall performance.

Enhanced Stability and Handling: AWR mounts improve vehicle stability and handling by reducing engine movement during cornering and braking. By minimizing engine movement, AWR Racing mounts contribute to a more stable and predictable driving experience. This is particularly noticeable during cornering and braking, where reduced engine movement helps maintain vehicle balance and control. The result is improved handling and greater confidence behind the wheel.

Choosing the right durometer in your AWR Racing engine mounts:

AWR Racing offers a range of bushing durometers to suit various applications and driving styles. When selecting bushing hardness, consider the following factors:

• Driving Style: For daily driving, our softest 62 durometer is most popular. For aggressive street driving and occasional track use, a stiffer durometer like 70 or 88 is recommended. For dedicated track cars, 95 durometer is preferred.
• Vehicle Modifications: 62 – 70 durometer is recommended for daily driving with little to no mods. 70 – 88 durometer is recommended for lightly to intermediate modification levels. 88 – 95 durometer is recommended for highly modified street and track builds. You can always opt for a different durometer if your first choice doesn’t suit you needs, all of our bushings can be swapped out or replaced!
• Comfort Considerations: Stiffer mounts can transmit more vibration into the cabin, which may be a concern for some drivers. However, choosing a softer durometer in AWR Racing mounts will help minimize NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) while still providing a significant performance improvement. Bushings take around 500 miles to completely settle.

Upgrading to AWR Racing engine mounts is a worthwhile investment for any performance enthusiast looking to maximize their vehicle’s potential. By reducing engine movement, improving power transfer, and enhancing stability, AWR mounts provide a noticeable improvement in overall driving experience. So, ditch those soft factory mounts and unlock the true performance of your ride with AWR Racing’s engine mounts! We are proud to back all of our steel manufactured units with a lifetime warranty.