Engine Torque Dampener

[Dr Evol]

I just installed this today. I had to fabricate the extra mount going from the valve cover to the mounting bracket. I just wanted to make sure it was mounted well and didn't flex.

[chuckerants]

What's it supposed to do?

[Dr Evol]

It helps keep your engine stationary. Less stress on your motor mounts.

Here are some of the other benefits it is supposed to provide:

Greatly improved off-the-line acceleration
Reduced wheel hop
Improved vehicle stability
Reduced shock loads on driveline components
Smoother shifting
Reduced wear on exhaust system joints
Less vibration transmission to the driver compared to polyurethane motor mounts.
Less shock load, compared to torque straps and chains.
Helps reduce shock loads when wheels gain traction.
Reduces motor movement – decreases the chance of motor parts rubbing against the hood and frame.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Notice any difference. I have thought about those for a long time. Even though the Mazda Speed Competition mounts cured my 2-3 shifting problem, I still think that brace has to help.

[Dr Evol]

It's cold here. I haven't driven the car since installation. I may take it for a short drive tomorrow.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Cold here too. Yesterday the high was only 85. Eat your heatr out. :)

[pat conlon]

Eat your heatr out. :)

Eat your what? (Tom's a crackin under the EO strain)

Good idea Chip. Where did you find this damper?

Off topic, but related, do any of you coldsider folks have any experience with the PPF brace that Moss and others, sell? (i.e.The red C channel which bolts on to our existing PPF arm)
Stiffer MazdaSpeed (MS) motor mounts, a PPF brace and Chip's damper should calm things down.
I've herd some grumblings about NVH on the MS rear end bushings....

Pat (sunny 85* today)

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Pat,

I have the MS motor mounts. MS diff mounts, PPF brace and the rear cross brace. I love them all. No noticable NVH.

http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=38925

http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=36326

[Dr Evol]

Pat, I got it off eBay.

Funny you should ask about the PPF Brace. Here is the info I dug up today for one of my winter projects:

Info from Mazda Motorsports

Cost for rear diff comp bushings - 2@$47.15

Cost for comp engine motor mounts - 2@$31.00

PPF Power Kit $190 plus shipping - Goodwin

[pat conlon]

Thanks Tom and Chip, I'll plan accordingly.
Pat (still saving my $$)

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Chip,

Mine came in todays UPS. Did yours come with instructions? I just got a box and parts. looks simple enough it should just bolt up.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

All instaalled. I will work at making a top bracket like yours next time I am up at the shop. Thanks for the tips this morning.

Now, where did I leave that fuel control card so I can drive it again? :)

[Dr Evol]

Tom,

Would you like me to trace a templet to make it easier to fab the top bracket?

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Thanks. That would be great.

[Dr Evol]

I will put it in the mail tomorrow.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Thanks. I'll look for it.

[Dr Evol]

I was bored, so I made a bracket for you. It will be in the mail tomorow. :cool:

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Mui bueno. Gracias mi amigo.

[raceskier]

I recall something on mnet about the Moss PPF brace. I think FM tried it and got the biggest effect with the diff mount insert. (the round plastic part with the fingers) It basically plugs up the gaps in the rubber diff mounts, limiting their deflection. It makes a lot of sense. If you ask me, as someone who designs aerospace structures, the brace reinforcment part attached via rubber grommets is snake oil. The damper approach looks interesting. I take it, it's a generic intended to cover many applications?

[Dr Evol]

The PPF brace is one of the mods on my list for this winter. I wonder if you could replace the rubber gromets with something less flexable?

The engine torque damper is probably generic but the picture on ebay showed it installed on a Miata. Maybe the brackets are Miata specific. I did feel the need to fabricate an additional mounting brace to take advantage of a unused mounting hole.

[MikeyLikesIt]

I've looked at the pic on EBay, will this actually work with a hotside?

Mike

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

I don't think so. I think the SC gets in the way.