Where Power Meets Chassis
Every time your engine produces torque, it wants to rotate in the opposite direction of the crankshaft—a force that must be controlled by the mounts securing your powertrain to the chassis. Factory rubber mounts are engineered to absorb vibration and provide quiet, comfortable operation, but this compliance comes at the cost of drivetrain movement under hard acceleration, deceleration, and cornering. Upgrading your drivetrain mounts and bushings reduces this unwanted movement, delivering more direct power transfer, improved shift feel, and better overall drivetrain response.
Engine Mounts and Their Function
Engine mounts secure your motor to the chassis while managing the constant vibration and torque reaction forces generated during operation. Stock rubber mounts deteriorate over time, becoming soft and cracked, allowing excessive engine movement that manifests as clunking sounds, imprecise shifts, and a vague connection between throttle input and vehicle response. Performance engine mounts use denser rubber compounds, polyurethane inserts, or solid construction to limit this deflection while still providing appropriate isolation from vibration. The right mount selection depends on your tolerance for increased NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) in exchange for improved drivetrain feel.
Transmission and Differential Mounts
Your transmission mount secures the gearbox to the chassis and crossmember, controlling the rotational forces that occur during gear changes and hard acceleration. Worn or soft transmission mounts allow the gearbox to shift position, causing sloppy shift feel, missed gears, and potential damage to linkage components. Upgraded transmission mounts provide a more solid platform that improves shift precision and eliminates the slack that makes gear selection feel vague. Differential mounts in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive applications similarly benefit from reduced compliance, minimizing driveline movement and ensuring consistent power delivery to the wheels.
Pitch Stop and Torque Arm Solutions
Pitch stop mounts—sometimes called dogbone mounts or torque arms—specifically control fore-and-aft engine movement during acceleration and braking. When you apply throttle, the engine attempts to rotate backward; when you brake or lift off throttle, it rocks forward. This pitching motion creates hesitation between throttle input and power delivery while also contributing to wheel hop during aggressive launches. Upgraded pitch stop mounts with stiffer bushings or adjustable designs limit this movement, providing more immediate throttle response and reducing wheel hop. Many Subaru owners consider the pitch stop mount upgrade among the most noticeable drivetrain improvements available.
Vehicle Applications
Our drivetrain mount and bushing selection covers Subaru WRX, STI, BRZ, Forester XT, and Legacy GT; Honda Civic, Civic Type R, S2000, and Accord; Toyota GR86, Supra, and 86; Nissan 370Z, 350Z, and GT-R; Mazda MX-5 Miata and Mazdaspeed3; Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution; and additional performance platforms requiring improved drivetrain control.