AndyK

Before I buy new motor mounts, here are my symptoms:

Vibration at idle (usually mounts, right?). Vibration in the shifter that gets a little worse after 4k (?) Not terrible, but if you hold the shifter while driving...you feel it.

Anyone think I need something besides mounts?
Do I need mounts AND something else (balance shaft belt perhaps)?

Also, I've heard solid mounts are bad. Yet the updated OEM 951 mounts are solid rubber? What's the deal?

Andy

Bhj0887

Just get some aftermarket mounts, they're fairly cheap and not too hard to replace. You can check the mount for cracked, collapsed or old cracking rubber. For <$100 they're worth replacing even if you just have vibration. Vibration at 3200 rpm is the signs of balance shaft wear, tension or something like that.

pete944

Don't get the aftermarket mounts!!
I bought the cheapies from Vertex and they were shot after 5000 miles. The good ones are available from Paragon for around $100 a piece. The cheap ones are usualyy around $50 each. You do get what you pay for.

AndyK

What am I looking at as far as cost if my balance shaft belt needs replacing? Or is it the balance shaft itself that causes vibration if worn??

pete944

The balance shaft belt will only cause vibrations if it has jumped a tooth. The vibration would only be at a certain RPM and would be very noticeable. At idle you may not be able to tell.
When were the belts done last?
While idling, rev it to 1200 rpm. If it smooths out it is most likely the mounts.

AndyK

Definately smooths out when I rev it. But the shifter vibration is still there. Could the shifter be picking up more engine movement if the mounts are going? The engine is very smooth at 3k, in 5th doing 70!

Marc Gelefsky

Andy,

If you do mounts, do NOT get the aftermarket ones, dont ask me how I know.

AndyK

Not to worry...I would never buy the aftermarket mounts based on what I've read! I'll be paying a mechanic to install them...don't wanna have to re-vist after 2k miles!

AndyK

Vertex is selling the "OEM' 951 mounts (correct part number) for $49 each!? Did someone say these aren't the real OEM parts?

pete944

That's too cheap for real mounts. I think they may be up to something there.
The ones I bought from them were junk.
Call Paragon. They have the good stuff.

erics944

I'm not sure if I need motor mounts or not. I took it to a mechanic who owns an '83 himself and he said I didn't. These cars vibrate more than others do, but how much is too much? It smoothes out when the rpm's go up. So I know its not the balance shaft or belt. When idleing at around 850 rpm's it feels like i am in a massage chair. Its not violent, just a vibration. Is this normal?

AndyK

All I can say is, when I had my mounts changed on the '88 I had, when I first started it, it felt like the engine was removed and put about 10 feet in front of the car! Right now, I FEEL the engine when it starts...which is why I probably need mounts.