Engine Mounts

Engine Mounts: Explained

Engine mounts, also known as motor mounts, are a critical component in any vehicle. They serve as the connection point between the engine and the vehicle’s chassis, absorbing vibrations and reducing noise while ensuring the engine stays securely in place. Whether you’re a car enthusiast looking to upgrade your vehicle for better performance or a professional mechanic seeking high-quality replacement parts, understanding the importance of engine mounts is crucial.

What are Engine Mounts?

Engine mounts are typically made of rubber or metal and are designed to secure the engine to the vehicle’s frame. They absorb the vibrations and shocks produced by the engine and drivetrain, providing a smoother and quieter ride. Engine mounts also prevent the engine from shifting or moving during acceleration, deceleration, or when driving on uneven surfaces.

Why Upgrade Your Engine Mounts?

Upgrading your engine mounts can offer several benefits, especially for performance vehicles or those frequently driven under demanding conditions. Here are some reasons why you might consider upgrading:

Improved Handling: High-performance engine mounts can enhance vehicle handling, providing a more direct and connected feel to the road.
Increased Durability: Performance engine mounts are often more durable than standard mounts, making them a worthwhile investment for high-performance or heavily used vehicles.
Reduced Engine Movement: Upgraded mounts can reduce engine movement, which can improve throttle response and prevent damage to other components.

Choosing the Right Engine Mounts

When selecting engine mounts, it’s essential to consider your vehicle’s make, model, and engine type. You should also consider your driving style and the conditions under which you typically drive. For example, if you frequently drive on rough roads or use your vehicle for racing, you might benefit from heavy-duty or performance engine mounts.

Installation of Engine Mounts

While the process of installing engine mounts can vary depending on the vehicle, it generally involves lifting the engine, removing the old mounts, and installing the new ones. It’s a task that requires some mechanical knowledge and the right tools, so if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to have a professional handle the installation.

Engine Mounts and Performance

Upgrading your engine mounts can significantly enhance your vehicle’s performance. By reducing engine movement, you can improve throttle response and power transfer, leading to a more responsive and enjoyable driving experience. Plus, high-quality engine mounts can help prolong the life of your engine and other components by reducing stress and wear.

Conclusion

Engine mounts may not be the most glamorous part of a vehicle, but they play a crucial role in its performance and comfort. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle for better performance or simply need to replace worn-out mounts, choosing high-quality engine mounts can make a significant difference. Visit our Engine Mounts page to explore our wide selection of high-quality engine mounts suitable for various makes and models.

Frequently Asked Questions about Engine Mounts

What are the cons of camming your car?

Camming your car can enhance performance, but it also comes with several drawbacks:

Increased Engine Wear: A camshaft can put additional stress on engine components, leading to faster wear and potential failure.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Performance cams often result in lower fuel economy due to altered air-fuel mixtures.
Compromised Driveability: Cams can affect low-end torque, making the car less responsive at lower RPMs.
Noise Levels: Performance cams can increase engine noise, which may not be desirable for all drivers.
Potential Emissions Issues: Altered engine performance can lead to higher emissions, potentially causing issues with regulations.
Cost of Installation: Upgrading to a performance camshaft can be expensive, including parts and labour.
Compatibility Issues: Not all engines are compatible with aftermarket cams, which can limit options.

Do camshafts change engine sound?

Yes, camshafts can change the engine sound. The design and specifications of a camshaft influence the timing and duration of valve openings, which affects the engine's performance and acoustics. Factors that contribute to changes in engine sound include:

Lift and Duration: Higher lift and longer duration can create a more aggressive sound.
Profile: Different camshaft profiles can alter the exhaust note.
Engine RPM: Camshafts designed for higher RPMs may produce a different sound compared to those for lower RPMs.
Engine Type: The overall engine configuration (e.g., V8, inline) also affects how camshaft changes impact sound.

Why do cammed cars sound choppy?

Cammed cars sound choppy primarily due to the characteristics of the camshaft profile. Here are the main reasons:

Lift and Duration: A camshaft with higher lift and longer duration allows more air and fuel into the engine, creating a more aggressive sound.
Overlap: Increased overlap between the intake and exhaust valves can lead to a rougher idle, contributing to the choppy sound.
Idle Speed: Cams designed for performance often require a higher idle speed, which can accentuate the choppy noise.
Exhaust Note: The changes in exhaust flow dynamics due to the cam profile can alter the exhaust note, making it sound more aggressive and choppy.

Does camshaft affect acceleration?

Yes, the camshaft does affect acceleration. The camshaft controls the timing and duration of the engine's valve openings, which directly influences engine performance. Key factors include:

Valve Timing: Proper timing allows for optimal air-fuel mixture intake and exhaust gas expulsion, enhancing engine efficiency.
Lift and Duration: Higher lift and longer duration can improve power output at higher RPMs, which can lead to better acceleration.
Engine Tuning: A camshaft designed for performance can shift the power band, affecting how quickly the engine accelerates.

In summary, the design and specifications of the camshaft play a crucial role in determining how effectively an engine can accelerate.

Does camming a car make it louder?

Camming a car typically involves installing a performance camshaft, which can indeed make the engine louder. This increase in noise is due to several factors:

Increased Airflow: A performance camshaft allows for greater airflow into and out of the engine, which can enhance the exhaust note.
Higher RPMs: Cams designed for performance often operate at higher RPMs, producing a more aggressive sound.
Exhaust System Interaction: The camshaft can change the way exhaust gases exit the engine, potentially amplifying the sound through the exhaust system.

Overall, while camming a car can lead to a louder engine sound, the extent of the increase will depend on the specific camshaft used and the overall setup of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace a camshaft?

The cost to replace a camshaft can vary significantly based on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, labour costs, and whether you choose an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket part. Typical costs include:

Parts: £200 to £1,000
Labour: £300 to £800

Overall, the total cost for camshaft replacement can range from approximately £500 to £1,800. Always consult with a mechanic for a precise estimate based on your specific vehicle.

Do camshafts increase horsepower?

Yes, camshafts can increase horsepower. They play a crucial role in controlling the timing and duration of the engine's intake and exhaust valves. Upgrading to a performance camshaft can enhance airflow, improve engine efficiency, and increase power output. Benefits of a performance camshaft include:

Improved airflow into and out of the engine
Increased torque and horsepower at higher RPMs
Better throttle response
Optimised engine performance for specific driving conditions

However, the extent of the horsepower increase depends on various factors, including the engine type, other modifications, and tuning.

What does a higher lift camshaft do?

A higher lift camshaft increases the amount of valve lift, allowing the engine to draw in more air and fuel during the intake stroke. This can lead to improved engine performance in several ways:

Increased Airflow: More air entering the combustion chamber can enhance combustion efficiency.
Higher Power Output: With better airflow, the engine can produce more power, especially at higher RPMs.
Improved Torque: A higher lift can also contribute to increased torque, particularly in performance applications.
Enhanced Throttle Response: The engine may respond more quickly to throttle inputs due to improved airflow dynamics.

However, it is important to consider that a higher lift camshaft may require additional modifications to the engine, such as upgraded valve springs and potentially changes to the engine's tuning.

What makes a cam aggressive?

An aggressive camshaft is characterised by several key features that enhance engine performance. These include:

Increased Lift: Higher lift allows the engine to draw in more air and fuel, improving combustion efficiency.
Longer Duration: A longer duration keeps the intake and exhaust valves open for a greater portion of the engine cycle, allowing for better airflow.
Steeper Ramp Rates: Faster opening and closing of the valves can lead to more power at higher RPMs.
Overlap: Increased overlap between the intake and exhaust valves can enhance performance by improving scavenging of exhaust gases.
Profile Shape: The specific shape of the cam lobes can influence how the engine responds at different RPMs, with aggressive profiles typically favouring high RPM performance.

These characteristics contribute to a camshaft that provides more power and responsiveness, particularly in performance-oriented applications.

What is the difference between cam lift and cam duration?

Cam lift and cam duration are two important specifications in an engine's camshaft design that affect engine performance.

Cam Lift: This refers to the maximum height that the cam lobe pushes the valve open. It is measured in millimetres and determines how much air and fuel can enter the combustion chamber. Greater lift can improve engine performance by allowing more airflow.
Cam Duration: This is the length of time, measured in degrees of crankshaft rotation, that the valve remains open during the engine cycle. It affects the timing of the valve opening and closing, influencing engine power and efficiency at different RPMs.

In summary, cam lift affects the volume of air and fuel entering the engine, while cam duration influences the timing of the valve operation.