We installed a set of STi Motor Mounts in my RS, and got to thinking about why they are designed the way they are. There was a post on the NASIOC.com short while back debating whether or not to use the silver plates that came with the mounts or reuse the stock plates- use the STi plates. Let me convince you of why- here is a quick side by side view of the two:
There's alot of engineering in those plates, and definitely use the STi plates when you do the swap. Here is a bit more on why (I'm going to do my best to keep this simple, as if I get complex I will confuse myself and everyone else too):
Take a look at where the bolts holding the bushing to the metal bracket lay on the stock plate versus the STi one. The stock bolts are offset from those holding the mount to the engine (probably due mostly to the fact that the plate is so small), whereas the STi plate moves all four holes inline. By placing all four holes inline, you are preventing one set of bolts from acting like a pivot on the other set. This design alone helps reduce how much the bushing can be deflected. Let's move on...
A picture is worth 1000 words they say, and this one is no exception. I superimposed a measure of the width of the STi plate over the stock plate. You can quickly see how much wider the STi plate is versus the stock plate. Start thinking of your Pontiac commercials... "wider is better." The wider the plate is, the greater the footprint it has, and therefore the harder it would be for you rock the plate side to side. Bad explanation, but if you think about it, I think logic will win out. It seems that the STi mount is not only harder, but actually designed in a manner to make it harder to flex the mount. Such a simple item with a whole lot of thought put into it.
Standard Disclaimer: Modification of your car involves risks and may void your warranty. I can not be held responsible for the modifications you consciously decide to undertake nor for the results of doing so.
|
|
