MajesticBlueNTO
05-24-2009, 01:23 AM
Ordered Sam from M3Q's (http://torontomazda3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25156) Engine Torque Damper last fall and got around to installing it this past week with the modified rear mount (http://torontomazda3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11368). My passenger side mount was also finished after 5 years of driving, so a new OEM one went in at the same time.
The quality of Sam's brackets is top-notch and it *does* clear the 2004-05 engine cover.
For the installation, I ended up getting 3/8" hole grommets, cutting them in half, and placing them next to the damper, just in case the swivel part of the damper vibrates (see 3rd pic)
Driving impressions:
I'm going to echo the comments by bani in this thread (http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=123037.msg3070494#msg3070494)
Pros:
All shifts are absolutely solid and smooth. It's almost as direct as a manual tranny with rod linkages ....almost. There is no slop or play in the shifter while shifting. Heel and toe shifting is now smoother when giving gas and moving the shifter into gear.
There is increased traction, especially when applying power with the wheels turned. if you're not careful, the torque steer will yank the steering wheel out of your hand. the car is definitely putting power down more effectively now that the engine isn't jumping all over the place.
overall driving the car feels way stiffer, more solid.
The following can either be a Pro or a Con...depending on how you look at it
you hear the engine a LOT more in the cabin all the time, especially under acceleration. the car sounds almost demonic now under WOT.
Cons:
increased torque steer, a result of more traction :)
Noise and Vibration has increased DRAMATICALLY. you can hear the valvetrain in the passenger side of the car ...a side effect of mounting the ETD to the shock tower is that any engine noise resonates through the ETD into the cabin, almost as if you hooked a stethoscope to the engine. There is some added vibration at start-up and in reverse, but tightening/extending the damper itself until taut will alleviate any excessive vibrations....if you have, or can feel, excessive vibes, extend the damper until there is no more slack/wiggle in the damper itself.
These aren't necessarily Cons since, if you're looking to get an ETD, you already know what you're getting into...this is a performance/drivability improvement mod and not a comfort mod.
Overall, I'd highly recommend Sam if you're looking for an ETD. It was shipped the next day after he received payment and comes with everything necessary for installation (I just chose to add the rubber grommets as a precaution). Not sure how much Sam has left but, with mazda3mods getting way over his head and closing shop, Sam's ETD is a cheaper, "local" option.
On with the pics...excuse the dirty arse engine bay, that's 180,000+ kms of dust right there :P
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1354/img8633.jpg
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2379/img8631s.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/5383/img8632q.jpg
The quality of Sam's brackets is top-notch and it *does* clear the 2004-05 engine cover.
For the installation, I ended up getting 3/8" hole grommets, cutting them in half, and placing them next to the damper, just in case the swivel part of the damper vibrates (see 3rd pic)
Driving impressions:
I'm going to echo the comments by bani in this thread (http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=123037.msg3070494#msg3070494)
Pros:
All shifts are absolutely solid and smooth. It's almost as direct as a manual tranny with rod linkages ....almost. There is no slop or play in the shifter while shifting. Heel and toe shifting is now smoother when giving gas and moving the shifter into gear.
There is increased traction, especially when applying power with the wheels turned. if you're not careful, the torque steer will yank the steering wheel out of your hand. the car is definitely putting power down more effectively now that the engine isn't jumping all over the place.
overall driving the car feels way stiffer, more solid.
The following can either be a Pro or a Con...depending on how you look at it
you hear the engine a LOT more in the cabin all the time, especially under acceleration. the car sounds almost demonic now under WOT.
Cons:
increased torque steer, a result of more traction :)
Noise and Vibration has increased DRAMATICALLY. you can hear the valvetrain in the passenger side of the car ...a side effect of mounting the ETD to the shock tower is that any engine noise resonates through the ETD into the cabin, almost as if you hooked a stethoscope to the engine. There is some added vibration at start-up and in reverse, but tightening/extending the damper itself until taut will alleviate any excessive vibrations....if you have, or can feel, excessive vibes, extend the damper until there is no more slack/wiggle in the damper itself.
These aren't necessarily Cons since, if you're looking to get an ETD, you already know what you're getting into...this is a performance/drivability improvement mod and not a comfort mod.
Overall, I'd highly recommend Sam if you're looking for an ETD. It was shipped the next day after he received payment and comes with everything necessary for installation (I just chose to add the rubber grommets as a precaution). Not sure how much Sam has left but, with mazda3mods getting way over his head and closing shop, Sam's ETD is a cheaper, "local" option.
On with the pics...excuse the dirty arse engine bay, that's 180,000+ kms of dust right there :P
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1354/img8633.jpg
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2379/img8631s.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/5383/img8632q.jpg