Ok, it's time to get going on fixing up the STE. First order of business, the desparately needed engine and tranny mounts. Which ones have you guys found to work out the best? Do the polyurethanes cause considerable extra vibration? And where did you find the best prices on them? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
On my STE I did the ChrisA recomended "fiero" bushing mod to my dogbones http://home.att.net/~aldridgec/
This mod took forever....3 hrs with a drill press. I would recommend gettig some Aluminum dogbones to do this mod (easier to drill + weigh less) and am looking for some aluminum ones to try myself.
I also have a set of the FFP dobones that I think will work great.
good luck!
I got it done in half the time you did.. although I did go through 2 drill bits in the process. I only did the motor side of the mounts, but the end result was worth it, much less movement. I got the bushings here in town for like $17 I think.
How bout this one?
(http://aldridgec.home.att.net/TGP/Store/Engine/hddogboneb.jpg)
I know what that is!!! :wink: Upper drivers side dogbone mount for a 5-speed GP (or W-body)! I want my cookie now! :lol:
Only problem with the 5-speed mount is the stock airbox will not bolt in place because the lower part of the three point obstructs the orginal path of the hose. If you are using a K$N cone filter...no issues. But an awesome mount! 8)
How about this one, it's from a 5 speed GP. It had one aluminum dogbone and one regular cast iron dogbone. Anyways, they are a a lot lighter and much easier to drill. By the way, I did the dogbone mod listed on Chris A's site and it is a great mod. I work at a machine shop so I just milled the holes out on a bridgeport. I highly suggest this mod, especially with the lighter aluminum dogbones 8)
(http://fp.enter.net/~nicolette/images/aludogbone.jpg)
Well, I'd love to do the Chris A version of the dogbones, but time is one thing I do not have right now with full time work and full time school. I was just looking for the best upgrades to buy ready to install and where to buy them for the best price. I'd even be open for used ones, if anyone has them, since the polys are suppose to be indestructable.
If you're looking for prefabed ones check out FFP's poly dogbones. Here is the link: http://www.fastfwdperformance.com/ They are a bit expensive but they were a great mod for me. Easy install and they look great. They do cause a bit of vibration though. I have some pictures on my TGP page if you want to see them installed. Here is the link for that: http://home.earthlink.net/~mtruck/TGP.html
you do not have to drill out the holes if you don't want to. all you have to do (what i did) is grind the poly bushings in the shape of the inside of the dogbone and then just push them in. I could probably do it in 30 minutes now.