TurbineTech Front Motor Mount Review

[CWP_MS3]

Originally Posted by Nliiitend1 I just bought a used one of these... I'm excited to see if it lives up to the hype.

Post up when you do. I think you'll find its a great addition to your CP-e mount.

[specvspeedfreak]

Where are you guys finding used ones?

[Nliiitend1]

I bought mine from @TWOptSL0W;...

[Nliiitend1]

@Mauro_Penguin; : Did your finger slip, or did I miss something??

[Mauro_Penguin]

Originally Posted by Nliiitend1 @Mauro_Penguin; : Did your finger slip, or did I miss something??

Yes, sorry about that! I meant to hit thank you, I was reading the thread on my phone at break time and hit the wrong button by mistake.

Sorry man, I'm actually really eagerly awaiting another review on this, so thank you in advance for it!

[Ferdball]

@jbarone update?

Does this add any structural rigidity?

[Mauro_Penguin]

I'm sure it stiffens up the front even more, and by providing a new support point might even reduces vibes? WTF do I know, I'm eagerly awaiting more info as well

[JBR]

The mount I'm working on will add no structural rigidity and I could care less about vibration. If it doesn't vibrate, it doesn't work.

[El_Diablo]

inb4solidFMMfromjbr

[Nliiitend1]

I still haven't gotten around to putting mine on...

I currently only have the part that is attached to the motor on the car, because I need to relocate my OCC slightly and decide whether or not to grind down this weld on my car or clearance the TT driver's side piece in order to get it to butt up against the car properly:

[El_Diablo]

Make the part fit the car, it's always easier to fix the part than the car.

[Nliiitend1]

Originally Posted by El_Diablo Make the part fit the car, it's always easier to fix the part than the car.

Yeah, that's my inclination, though the only reason the weld is an issue is because it was a shitty/messy weld job (done by a robot in Hiroshima)...

Regardless, I will probably take a little chunk out of the aluminum of the TT mount to make it work.

[Nliiitend1]

Originally Posted by Nliiitend1 I just bought a used one of these... I'm excited to see if it lives up to the hype.

I've only driven it a little bit since finally putting this thing on yesterday...but my initial impression is that it absolutely lives up to the hype.



Basically no more vibration than I was experiencing with my prior setup (OEM original TMM and PMM with a cp-E Stage 2 RMM) but now I have ZERO wheel hop and I can tell that my entire front end's rigidity has been increased. I'm sure the latter effect is amplified by the fact that I have the Whiteline ALK and Whiteline forward LCA bushings as well, as they certainly shifted some of the "slack in the system" from the bushings to the actual subframe (i.e., my car's subframe sees more flexing stress than cars with the OEM rubber LCA bushings), but nevertheless I'm impressed. Gen2 guys probably wouldn't realize the full benefit that I'm experiencing either, due to the lack of tie-in to the LCAs, but I guess that's the price you guys pay for the Gen2 mount being less costly.

At any rate, even though I bought mine used for a little less $$, I would gladly pay full price for this thing if I had to now that I've tried it out.

I can't wait to get this thing on the track.

[frothy]

Having stumbled across this thread and having read the glowing reviews, I decided to take the plunge and purchase the Turbine Tech front motor mount for my Gen1. I've yet to actually install it, but seeing as all of the feedback here, so far, is from people who have acquired the mount second-hand, I thought i'd take the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with this kit as an original buyer.


Let's start by addressing the included manual:
It's printed in black and white, no doubt from a printer that was flashing "low toner" at the time of conception. The pictures are worthy of a Rorschach test but the text is easy enough to decipher. Unlike the digital copy for the Gen2 that was posted earlier in this thread, the Gen1 manual contains NO torque specs. The only time torquing anything to spec is even brought up is after they have you remove the front control arm bolts -- they casually add, "Use the shop manual for torque reference." Yeah... Thanks. (That magic number is 95.9--110.6 ft·lb, btw)


No worries... Manual-be-damned! Bars with holes... A bag of nuts and bolts... Should be able to piece this together with a little common sense.



Included Hardware:



1: x5 M8x1.25 bolts (Class 10.9) ~1" long w/ self-locking shoulder nuts
2: x4 M10x1.50 bolts (Class 8.8) ~1.4" long
3: x3 M8x1.25 bolts (Class 10.9) ~1.4" long w/ self-locking shoulder nuts
4: x1 1/2" bolt (Grade 5) ~3.2" long w/ 2 washers and a self-locking nylon nut
5: x2 lock nut washers




1: Torque Damper
2: Cross Bar
3: Right Support Bar
4: Left Support Bar

...and this is where I got confused and had to turn to the manual and take notes.


Quality Control:
Long story short(er): What had me baffled was that my kit is missing 2 lock nut washers (these are for the torque damper, btw) and 1 each of the short and long M8x1.25 bolts (and their nuts).

At this point, i'd like to confess there was something extra included with my kit as well:



Fit and Finish:


The edges are serrated and sharp. I've spent a considerable amount of time deburring and sanding...

Notice how the torque damper fits to the cross bar above?

Here's how that 2nd torque damper fits:


No joke, i'd probably have to knock it into place with a deadblow for it to seat. Fortuitous that they included two, I suppose.

Also, that 1/2" bolt that "goes through" the bushing? RIDICULOUSLY tight. I seated it partially to test fit and had to knock it out with a punch.

We'll see how things go upon install...

tl;dr

So far, i'm not impressed with Turbine Tech...

[Mauro_Penguin]

I'm always eagerly awaiting more reviews or info on these things. Sucks to hear about the quality of your mount, but hopefully that's all just superficial. It should still provide great support, or at least one would hope.

@jbarone; please tell me this is still an up and coming project?

[JBR]

Originally Posted by Mauro_Penguin I'm always eagerly awaiting more reviews or info on these things. Sucks to hear about the quality of your mount, but hopefully that's all just superficial. It should still provide great support, or at least one would hope. @jbarone; please tell me this is still an up and coming project?

For the MS6 very possible the MS3 not sure. It's a very, very expensive kit for the MS3 and I think the demand for them would be low. The 6 is not.

[Mauro_Penguin]

That hurts my heart and made my morning wood go flacid.

Can anyone with the turbine tech mount on a Gen Pu post up some good shots of this thing please? I don't mine hacking up stuff and am legitimately curious as to how it interferes with intercooler piping.

[frothy]

Turbine Tech was kind enough to e-mail me a pdf copy of the Gen1 manual.
I'm attaching it, should it benefit/interest anyone...

Unlike the Gen2, you need to alter your car somewhat -- there's plastic baffling around the driver's side frame rail that needs to be cut out or shaved to make room for one of the supports.

[TORQUERULES]

This piece is on my wish list now. Such a good idea.

Sent from my Windows Phone

[frothy]

Okay, I haven't put a ton of miles on my car since the install, but I figured i'd update nonetheless.

The Install:
A bitch. The biggest speed-bump for me was tapping the holes for the torque damper. The instructions state to blow out the pre-threaded holes with compressed air and you're good to go from there. Not so much (for me, at least)...

Because of the lack of clearance, you can't use a standard T-handle, either. So I ended up, very slowly, tapping three of the holes out with a tap and ignition wrench. I stopped after three because my neck and back were beginning to ache and frustration was setting in.




I took a couple days off from this project and bought some adjustable Irwin tap sockets thinking I could then attach the tap to a stubby ratchet and proceed with ease. This didn't work out, and in the end, I finished up that fourth hole the same as the other three.

Moving on...

The cutting of the driver's side baffle. (Gen1 MS3 only)
Don't be a minimalist here... Make sure you cut away enough material not just for the bars to fit, but for sufficient clearance for your wrench when it comes time to tighten down the hardware. The instructions show the use of a reciprocating saw to perform this step. BE CAREFUL. There is in fact wiring behind that baffling. I used a Dremel mostly. This turned the plastic into fine strands and dust, much of which wound up trapped behind the baffle. Don't do what I did and use a blow gun to clean up, you'll end up with your engine bay coated in a fine plastic powder. A vacuum is your friend.

From here on out it was mostly a matter of fitting the pieces together.

For both disassembly and assembly I found the use of a flex-head ratchet and ratcheting flex-head wrench to be a necessity. There are some tight spots that I don't think I could have accessed without them.

I also needed a small C-Clamp to temporarily tighten one of the support bars to the frame rail. Without it, I couldn't get enough threading from the bolts through to put the corresponding nuts on.

...a lot of what i've stated is Gen1 specific. The GenPu design seems much more simplistic and straightforward. You MIGHT run into the headache I had with having to tap out holes, but other than that it should be pretty easy.

With all of the negativity out of the way, I can say that so far I am indeed happy with my purchase. The FMM makes a significant difference and lives up to the hype. I noticed a VERY minimal increase in vibes upon first start-up, but after putting 2 miles on the odometer that disappeared for good. As mentioned earlier in this thread, the Gen1 MS3 seems to have an extra benefit from having the support bars connect to the LCAs -- this provides extra rigidity. This added plus, though, also has a negative aspect to it, which is added cabin noise. For the time being, i've relied upon the radio to drown it out. It isn't horrible -- I can live with it -- but i'm hoping that over time it'll settle down some.

One other thing to metion: With the FMM installed the splash shield is pushed outward some. The four bolts in the rear will attach as normal, but I can no longer attach any of the OEM bolts in the front -- they're too short. Not a big deal, easily rectified, but I figured i'd mention it.

[Nliiitend1]

Originally Posted by frothy One other thing to metion: With the FMM installed the splash shield is pushed outward some. The four bolts in the rear will attach as normal, but I can no longer attach any of the OEM bolts in the front -- they're too short. Not a big deal, easily rectified, but I figured i'd mention it.

I have no issues with my splash shield, for what it's worth.

Nice little write-up!

[CWP_MS3]

Glad you like it, minus all your fail. Lol. Twas problem free for me.

[specvspeedfreak]

Revival

I caved in and finally ordered this from newageauto. I waited to see if Matt or Jamie would make one but it doesn't seem it'll happened.

Nate the owner of newageauto purchased the rights to the Turbine Tech mazdaspeed line products. I know there is a warning thread about him but that crap seems to be behind him now. I have a tracking number and paid with paypal so we will see what happens. Hopefully i can update this thread with my impressions.

Edit: Nate sent me a pic of it boxed up without me even asking. I guess the "brand" is called White Widow.

[specvspeedfreak]

Update: Received the mount this morning and already installed it. Quality seems very good. I believe the welds are nice but I'm no expert. Fit is tight but perfect IMO (you will need a mallet or heavy palm banging to squeeze over the bushing). Even the side brackets a very tight fit. The only thing I would recommend is getting thick washers for the 3 smaller shoulder nuts that are used for the side brackets. It wasn't included but I let Nate know it's needed. No big deal though.

Initial impressions: I only drove very little around the block. First thing I noticed was a low buzz/whine noise. Maybe it'll go away I don't know. What I was surprised about was that I felt a difference immediately. I mean even just by backing out and creeping forward. There was no engine movement whats so ever. I never thought the engine movement without the mount was that bad but this mount will make you think twice about that. Engine reaction and car motion to throttle input is instant. I felt no extra vibes. Shifting felt better. I am going to need some more behind the seat to get used to this and I will update the thread. I feel this mount is a winner.

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[macdiesel]

Couldn't imagine rocking this mount in addition to a fully mounted set up. Looks beefy though

[specvspeedfreak]

Originally Posted by macdiesel Couldn't imagine rocking this mount in addition to a fully mounted set up. Looks beefy though

I agree unless u want less NVH... then this mount with a CPE or DMM would be best. Honestly after driving it some more i dont see how being fully mounted would be anymore solid than this. I have done the TMM thing but it got old.. and from the sounds of it PMM is even worse.

[specvspeedfreak]

Update 2: Just to make people aware. There is a lot of trans/gear noise with this mount. It's not unbearable by any means but it's very apparent. I am not sure how much the TMM inserts or Ford trans fluid contribute to noise but it could possibly be exasperating it. The noise is hard to describe. Normal driving it's not so apparent but once you get on it you can definitely hear it. At idle it's not like having a TMM (tractor noise). There is slight whine noise all the time. Cabin noise has increased.

In saying that, I still feel it's great option. The improvement from this mount is worth the noise. My initial impressions haven't changed, it's still a kick as mount.
@macdiesel; so I was wrong. There is Noise with this mount. But it lacks vibration or harshness. Pick your poison I guess lol

[frothy]

I had the same low buzz/whine noise, it should go away on its own after putting some miles on the car.

As things currently stand for me, the NVH is either the same as it was before I installed the FMM or i've just grown accustomed to it.

I have no regrets having purchased this mount.

[Nliiitend1]

Originally Posted by frothy I had the same low buzz/whine noise, it should go away on its own after putting some miles on the car. As things currently stand for me, the NVH is either the same as it was before I installed the FMM or i've just grown accustomed to it. I have no regrets having purchased this mount.

This echoes my experience as well.

[CWP_MS3]

Glad to read that everyone who has purchased one is happy with it.

[specvspeedfreak]

Originally Posted by CWP_MS3 Glad to read that everyone who has purchased one is happy with it.

Did you notice extra noise? If so, did it go away ?

[CWP_MS3]

Originally Posted by specvspeedfreak Did you notice extra noise? If so, did it go away ?

Not that I can recall, but the mount I got was used so maybe its a break in thing.

[macdiesel]

I was heading towards this mount but Damond came out with a full set. Fo might be too much mount

[specvspeedfreak]

Originally Posted by CWP_MS3 Not that I can recall, but the mount I got was used so maybe its a break in thing.

Okay thanks. I removed my TMM insert so we will. It could of been a break in thing but i figured i did not need it anyway considering how solid this mount makes everything.

I'll update after i drive it.

[CWP_MS3]

Yeah, its pretty impressive how well it helps out without adding any potentially unwanted side effects.

[specvspeedfreak]

Update: so I can confirm the whining noise is still there after the TMM insert removed. Doubt changing fluid will help unless it's with something thicker. it's definitely trans noise though.

[Nliiitend1]

As a side note:

With the CP-E Stage 2 RMM and OEM Passenger Side mount, this front mount holds the engine in place more than well enough to easily swap out the OEM TMM without supporting things underneath with a jack.

[specvspeedfreak]

Originally Posted by Nliiitend1 As a side note: With the CP-E Stage 2 RMM and OEM Passenger Side mount, this front mount holds the engine in place more than well enough to easily swap out the OEM TMM without supporting things underneath with a jack.

haha he's right cause I did the same lol

[RhINoX^]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I have been looking everywhere for a fmm for gen 2. The online store mentioned few posts ago is mia. Help, please.

[CWP_MS3]

Did you email them?