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I bought a '93 CSE a couple months ago (155k miles) and have been a busy beaver tending to it's many needs. The mechanic that tended to it wrote in service notes about 5 years ago that both lower engine mounts needed replacement. It is pretty easy to see that the torque arm bushing near the alternative is massively cracked. The transmission support looks saggy as well. From what I can tell from the service records, none have been replaced.
I will not race this car or drive horrendously fast. I do hope to install Bilstein B6 shocks/struts as that seems like a nice sweet spot for me. I expect to add poly rear sway bar bushings as some point. So I am open to using non-oem mounts for this part of the work.
Here is my plan for your collective review-
1) Install ProParts hydraulic mounts for the F+R lower mounts. I have heard some going to solid rubber for one of these (rear?) while retaining one hydraulic. Any thoughts on this?
2) Install a Bilstein-Febi rubber bushing on the torque arm in the location near the firewall and a poly bushing for the one on the alternator bracket. I have read this is a good Goldilocks solution.
3) Install a ProParts rubber bushing on the transmission mount. I have heard mixed reviews of going to poly here (mostly good but not all). A couple contributors (or one in multiple forums) promotes plugging the molded openings with rubber hose for additional stiffness. I like that idea...
4) I have some orientation questions. I notice the torque arm bushings have two webs of rubber 180 degrees apart to provide support and openings in between. Both of mine are installed so the openings are aligned in the direction of fore-aft motion of the head. So that is the orientation for least stiffness. Obviously a poly does not have an orientation issue. Anyone install these so the rubber webbing is in the fore-aft direction for greater stiffness.
Similarly, the transmission mount can be oriented for the weight is carried by two rubber supports (inner metal looks like upside down A) or that it hangs from them (inner metal looks like an A). Anyone know the definitive orientation. Of course I can always install the way it comes out but I can't see as yet.
Thanks,
Dick
posted by 24.117.204...
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