MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 06, 2017, 02:55:20 pm

Title: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 06, 2017, 02:55:20 pm
Anyone tried these?

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/91927bd26db0d24a1ac4170a85198e12.png)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/edcbe9d0dcfef2bde410c9d13a4fd406.png)
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: pudding on October 06, 2017, 03:30:25 pm
Saw those a couple of weeks ago.  Great idea and cost effective.  I suspect they will work better in new / recent mounts than old collapsed ones.

If I didn't already have the Vibrators, I'd be trying those for sure!
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 06, 2017, 05:12:36 pm
Impressed with all the other powerflex stuff I have installed...
I can't find anyone that's fitted these, I might have to be the guinea pig
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: pudding on October 06, 2017, 05:59:55 pm
Go for it mate  :happy2:
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Stig_gti on October 06, 2017, 07:48:15 pm
That looks like a great option I might give these ago
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on October 06, 2017, 09:40:06 pm
Fitting mine tomorrow hopefully, had them sat here all week waiting for 5 minutes to myself
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 07, 2017, 06:01:16 pm
Fitting mine tomorrow hopefully, had them sat here all week waiting for 5 minutes to myself
Let us know
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on October 07, 2017, 10:12:18 pm
Lifted most of this from my Facebook post...

First thing to note is that there are different upper engine mount void designs, much like the differences with the rear dog bone... and typically I have the wrong type of engine mount..... However I managed to modify it to make it fit and work sufficiently....

They do everything I had hoped for without the drawbacks you constantly hear with uprated mounts.

Revving the engine at idle = no movement at all. Previously there was a lot with my standard mounts, even with the dogbone mount insert I have fitted.

Driving= can feel straight away when pulling off. Solid but without horrific vibrations. The only vibrations I noticed were when pulling off without enough throttle - rattled the contents of my door pocket.

Absolutely no vibration or rattles at idle, feels as smooth as it ever did once I fixed the fuel line rattle.... I'd disturbed it as I did the cambelt and pump at the same time as fitting these inserts.

The wheel hop I've suffered with for 4 years is finally gone too. The engine is solidly mounted yet perfectly civil for a daily drive.

Not been out for spirited drive with some twisties yet but I've no doubt it'll feel much better, especially when coming on/off the throttle.

All in all, aside from the upper engine mount difference (metal centre piece is a much wider oval profile compared with the rounded smaller one shown in the kit)......once you get past that, either with the correct mount or some creative trimming, I would whole heartedly recommend these along with the rear mount insert (I already fitted)
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 08, 2017, 12:25:29 am
Result
Next on my list then
Thanks for the feedback mate
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: rich83 on October 08, 2017, 12:27:40 am
I had almost convinced myself that no more mods would be purchased for my ed30.....  :thinking:
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: mk1mad on October 08, 2017, 09:31:11 am
Excellent write up Dan_FR :happy2: I will be fitting them.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: AJP on October 08, 2017, 10:13:59 am
Sounds promising. Cheers for the review, Dan. Keep us updated after a few months/miles please.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Andy on October 08, 2017, 10:16:28 am
mm like the look of them
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 08, 2017, 02:49:37 pm
Lifted most of this from my Facebook post...

First thing to note is that there are different upper engine mount void designs, much like the differences with the rear dog bone... and typically I have the wrong type of engine mount..... However I managed to modify it to make it fit and work sufficiently....

They do everything I had hoped for without the drawbacks you constantly hear with uprated mounts.

Revving the engine at idle = no movement at all. Previously there was a lot with my standard mounts, even with the dogbone mount insert I have fitted.

Driving= can feel straight away when pulling off. Solid but without horrific vibrations. The only vibrations I noticed were when pulling off without enough throttle - rattled the contents of my door pocket.

Absolutely no vibration or rattles at idle, feels as smooth as it ever did once I fixed the fuel line rattle.... I'd disturbed it as I did the cambelt and pump at the same time as fitting these inserts.

The wheel hop I've suffered with for 4 years is finally gone too. The engine is solidly mounted yet perfectly civil for a daily drive.

Not been out for spirited drive with some twisties yet but I've no doubt it'll feel much better, especially when coming on/off the throttle.

All in all, aside from the upper engine mount difference (metal centre piece is a much wider oval profile compared with the rounded smaller one shown in the kit)......nonce you get past that, either with the correct mount or some creative trimming, I would whole heartedly recommend these along with the rear mount insert (I already fitted)
Dan did you go for the black series?
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on October 08, 2017, 04:39:49 pm
Day 2: kicked the cars head in a bit as had to do an airport run. Feels so much more stable, especially when feeding in the power... no more pendulum effect whilst waiting for the slack in the mounts to be taken up.... Even the other half managed to drive the car with no complaints so it's win win.

And these are the standard density purple/yellow inserts... I do have a black edition insert for the dogbone though and would highly recommend this combination, even in older mounts, mine have done near enough 75k

I have noticed some slight vibration through the steering wheel on a cold start, until the revs settle after 30 seconds or so, and there is a slight split second of vibration when you blip the throttle from idle, at literally just above idle speeds -800 to 900 rpm ish but it is slight. If you didn't know any better I doubt you would notice it, but after 4 years with the car I notice everything.

I would recommend confirming the engine mount design you have and even finding one of the correct design though for convenience of a proper fit. Very easy to do though and still thoroughly recommended
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 08, 2017, 04:42:51 pm
Brill cheers dan
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Paradox1 on October 09, 2017, 10:31:47 am
I had almost convinced myself that no more mods would be purchased for my ed30.....  :thinking:

hahahahaha Same as everyone on this forum
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: pudding on October 09, 2017, 11:06:26 am
Sounds exactly like the Vibratechnics behavior....... but without the hefty price tag.

If my VTs ever collapse into a pile of rubber dust, I'll give these inserts a look.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on October 09, 2017, 11:37:03 am
Day 3:  :sad1:

Noticed the insert has moved and is slipping out of the mount a little. Likely because it is not the correct mount and the design/void is slightly different. Can't feel it in the car yet, the insert is still doing its job but I'm not happy with it. Currently on the lookout for a cheap engine mount of the correct type/design to fit the kit to.

Check those engine mounts first folks, post up a picture if unsure  :happy2:
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 09, 2017, 11:43:40 am
Am I right in thinking the engine mount designs differ between DSG and manual?
I'm guessing the trans mount would be...
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Shoduchi on October 09, 2017, 12:08:51 pm
I've ordered these inserts and I'm just waiting to receive them to get them fitted. Hope my Ed. 30 has the mounts that Powerflex thinks it has, since no other are listed for mk5 Golf GTI... :smiley:
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Paradox1 on October 09, 2017, 12:52:01 pm
Where are you buying these from?

Powerflex directly?
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on October 09, 2017, 01:36:28 pm
Most resellers have them, they're on eBay etc. I bought mine from PSI Tuning as they were the cheapest at the time.

Think my issue is more of a 'Leon' thing so you guys might be ok since this is a Golf page and all.....
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Molesy on October 09, 2017, 02:09:15 pm
Interesting Mod this, defo one for the future given the price when my engine mounts need doing it would be silly to go give them a whirl. Found them on Awesome as well 

https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/powerflex/powerflex-upper-engine-mount-insert-kit-pff85-531/ (https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/powerflex/powerflex-upper-engine-mount-insert-kit-pff85-531/)
https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/powerflex/powerflex-transmission-mount-insert-kit-pff85-530/ (https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/powerflex/powerflex-transmission-mount-insert-kit-pff85-530/)
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 09, 2017, 02:23:56 pm
As quoted by awesome:

Trans mount:

Suitable for the original OEM Part Numbers:
- 1K0199555Q
- 1K0199555R
- 1K0199555L
- 1K0199555M
- 1K0199555N
- 1K0199555AB
- 1K0199555BE

Engine mount:

Suitable for the original OEM Part Numbers:
- 1K0199262AM
- 1K0199262AR
- 8J0199262
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on October 09, 2017, 02:51:25 pm
Problem is getting access to check them, especially the transmission mount.

I foolishly didn't check the engine side. Going to look for the right type I think
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 09, 2017, 03:10:05 pm
According to ETKA, my trans mount should be 1K0199555R (BWA, DSG)
But like you say, mission to know for sure
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on October 16, 2017, 11:51:48 am
Quick update: The drivers side engine mount had to be replaced as the insert was sliding out of position. Went with the AM part number listed as being compatible with the kit, and all is well with the world.

Anyone finding they have the other/wrong engine mount as I did - some advice:- Get the correct type mount and don't modify it to fit. Lesson learned and how 100% happy with the kit
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: MIJ_JAGGER on October 16, 2017, 12:23:48 pm
Quick update: The drivers side engine mount has to be replaced as the insert was sliding out of position. Went with the AM part number listed as being compatible, and all is well with the world.

Anyone finding they have the other/wrong engine mount as I did - some advice:- Get the correct type mount and don't modify it to fit. Lesson learned and how 100% happy with the kit
What was the part number for the mount you had on there originally?
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on October 16, 2017, 12:34:38 pm
Not sure, would need to check as its still in the boot of the car. All I can say is its not one of the three listed by Powerflex as being suitable for their insert kit
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Shoduchi on October 16, 2017, 02:20:25 pm
Mine should arrive this week but I think I'm just going to get them fitted with my new LSD. :thinking:
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: f00glee on November 29, 2017, 12:44:38 pm
Any more feedback now you've had these a few weeks @Dan_FR (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=9513) ? How involved are they to fit in terms of Labour time?
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: colesey on November 29, 2017, 02:05:22 pm
There's some positive recent feedback on link below. These inserts seem like a great idea.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/529405700525327/?fref=nf
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Dan_FR on November 29, 2017, 03:06:55 pm
No complaints from me. Still very happy with them - big improvement without shaking my fillings loose.

Labour at a garage or DIY? Both sides are an hour maximum in a garage.. I did both of mine in about 15-20 minutes in all honesty - block of wood across the sump using a low profile alu jack to support the engine (didnt even need to remove my under tray or jack the car up) - Drivers side is easily accessible and a 5 minute job with a windy/battery gun. Gearbox side is a little longer as you have to remove the battery, battery tray, aftermarket intake etc. but still a 10 minute job with a battery/windy gun
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: f00glee on November 29, 2017, 04:08:48 pm
Sounds like one to add to the to-do list, then! I have a good set of basic hand tools and a jack (though maybe not low profile enough, remains to be seen!). It sounds like even without the windy I may only looking at an hour for DIY?

That means the saving from not paying garage charges covers the cost of the inserts themselves. (man-math at its finest there  :signLOL:)

Thanks all.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Bodyboarder81 on November 29, 2017, 04:19:17 pm
I also have the inserts and am pretty impressed with them . A really good , cost affective mod .
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: colesey on May 30, 2018, 07:49:36 am
Has anybody else had these fitted and have some feedback to share?
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Shoduchi on May 30, 2018, 11:57:05 am
I fitted the top Powerflex inserts recently. I already had the lower engine mount full bush from Vibratechnics. No added noticeable NVH from the inserts. The engine moves less, which is what I wanted. :smiley:
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: colesey on May 30, 2018, 12:07:40 pm
Thanks for sharing Shoduchi.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: pudding on December 13, 2019, 05:51:26 pm
Thought I'd share my experiences with these engine/trans inserts.

The positives:

Engine rock is greatly reduced and the (manual) gearshift is also improved.  Cheap and easy to fit.

NVH:

Nothing added at idle and part throttle cruising, if anything it idles a fair bit smoother.  I do get a bit of noise/coarseness when accelerating from 2000rpm upwards but it smoothes out as the engine temperature rises.  Overall NVH is a lot better than full aftermarket mounts but there's definitely an increase in NVH. A lot more than I was expecting given the feedback in this thread. Maybe some cars experience less, but in my manual ED30 it's very noticeable!

The negatives:

Whilst the concept is a good idea and very cost effective, it is ultimately flawed in practice.  Why? Because you have two different density materials occupying the same space which aren't bonded to each other or securely fixed in place.  I did already consider this before I bought them, but thought f'ck it, try them anyway.

If you consider the physics.....the gearbox side with the shortest and more rigid driveshaft, and less weight, it tries to pivot the whole drivetrain to the right when you floor it.

This theory was apparently true on the road after a bit of midrange acceleration. The car abruptly kicked to the right.  I got back home and found this:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49214291112_e3bd52fea6_b.jpg)

As I suspected, the opposing force of the transmission side forced the engine mount insert out.

So to solve this problem, I did this:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213526073_c31b169ca3_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213526118_243b5c3a49_b.jpg)

I also had to shorten the main insert legs as they pressed hard against the engine side bracket, preventing them from going fully in.  The securing tangs therefore had to be cut off, but the 2 x M6 bolts keep the upper insert in place, so it's not a problem.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49213526048_9f58be31bd_b.jpg)

This remedial action shouldn't be necessary, but hey, it's only a 30 quid mod and the reinforcements do the trick  :happy2:

I haven't checked the gearbox side yet as it's under the battery, so not easy to see without a wifi borescope camera thing but I suspect it will be fine due to the reasons above.  If the inserts have walked out, I will apply the same measures.

You can clearly see in this pic how far off the bolt holes are when the mount is restored back to it's correct position with the inserts!  The gearbox mount is the worst one for wear and NVH.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49214058651_b30f893a10_b.jpg)

So in summary, not that great in my opinion, but the low cost of them makes them worth a shot and the NVH is minimal at best, to acceptable at worst. Just be prepared to modify them if you want them as a long term solution.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: pudding on December 13, 2019, 06:03:24 pm
Oh, and be careful with the two M12 x 70mm bolts that attach the mount to the engine bracket.   With all this removal/refitting of the mounts, the threads stripped out on the main bracket  :doh:   

Tomorrow I'll be helicoiling the threads, hopefully without having to remove the bracket from the engine as drill space is tight. 

Moral of the story - don't f'ck with your daily a day or two before it's needed for work  :grin:
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Cosmos on December 14, 2019, 01:30:13 am
I noticed the same thing happening on my drivers mount with it squeezing the inserts out...

(https://i.postimg.cc/7ZH45XjF/0-A075-E3-C-B727-4038-B0-D3-D88-DB3-CBAE86.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gnTQ5yzs)

(https://i.postimg.cc/mrqW64h4/CD4-C6271-0-A75-4695-8613-7-C2-D1017-C9-C5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXWPJwW1)

They were fitted over a year ago and noticed it early in the summer so i removed the inserts, refitted them and pumped in a bit of clear silicone in places to hold them in place and have been keeping an eye on it and so far so good.

(https://i.postimg.cc/C528Rzxt/76-C791-FA-67-F3-42-F0-87-EC-0-F5892-B79336.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JHb0g7Jc)

(https://i.postimg.cc/MZgNktW7/3174-BC5-C-0206-42-BB-B18-A-0-BA2-C7-D41652.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dDm4r2Z3)

(https://i.postimg.cc/htTmG4Wy/6-F196-B34-1-A9-B-42-E6-8902-54-F83-FE14-A68.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NKGFJc0m)

Am going to check the gearbox insert when ive got time over the xmas holidays. Fingers crossed its not done a similar thing.




Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: colesey on December 14, 2019, 02:01:02 pm
My RH / engine mount inserts are also dislocated after several hundred miles use.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: pudding on December 14, 2019, 04:15:35 pm
Good stuff, glad the silicon is holding  :happy2:  I think my 6mm steel plate to hold the insert in is a bit overkill but the insert is going nowhere!

Managed to Helicoil the engine mount bracket today which was a relief as I need the car for work on Monday.  Thank god for my local Machine Mart is all I can say!

The vibration has reduced considerably since putting the mount back on, which is weird, but I'm happy with it all now.

The engine bracket really does not like frequent removal/torquing up of the bolts.  Still, the helicoils are a lot stronger than the original threads, so it was worth doing.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Cosmos on December 14, 2019, 07:00:02 pm
Looks like i talked too soon as checked again today and it has squeezed out again.Going to devise something like you have
Looking at it now i was daft to think silicone would hold it in place lol
(https://i.postimg.cc/VLP4HmwM/83-CF462-E-95-B5-4-C06-BEE8-C5-B2-EC90256-D.png) (https://postimg.cc/nMTvX8Cc)
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: pudding on December 14, 2019, 08:20:52 pm
Annoying isn't it.  Did you feel any kind of torque steer from that?  I was surprised by how violent the torque steer was on mine from the insert popping out, and mine's 100lbft less than yours!

The upper insert started walking out on mine as well, hence tying that down with the bolts also.  But not inserted too far otherwise the pendulum arm will contact the bolts when accelerating.  I don't think any kind of glue or silicon will be man enough to keep them in place unfortunately.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: Cosmos on December 14, 2019, 08:41:35 pm
Yeah its a pain im going to have to have to get it off again.Will get it done proper this time though.
I never noticed any difference with the mount squeezed out.The other side of the mount still looks all in place.
I have a wavetrac diff in mine and when it spins up which it still does very easy the car still keeps a fairly steady forward motion where before it pulled to one side.
Title: Re: Powerflex Engine and Trans Inserts
Post by: pudding on December 14, 2019, 09:04:05 pm
It's more of a pain having to replace the bolts every time, and they're not cheap!  I think I've got through 5 or 6 sets of bolts messing around with engine mounts over the years.  No wonder the M12 engine bracket threads threw the towel in.

Yeah I had a Quaife and still got lots of wheel spin.  I think a combination of a diff and MK6 XDS ABS unit is the way forward.  The MK5 traction control only works up to 40mph or something low like that.