Syko Motor mounts

[FattyMcBaggins]

I have a '90 S13, and I've been saving up my money for an RB25 swap. I've been pricing out some parts that I'll need for my swap and have seen quite a few different sets of engine mounts available. There are the McKinney mounts and the Top Hat mounts, both of which use the KA crossmember. Then there are the Syko mounts, which use the R33 crossmember. I'm interested in the Syko mounts just because of the cleanliness of the install. What are the advantages/disadvantages to using the R33 cross member? It doesn't just bolt right in does it? By the way, I read through the FAQ's, and I didn't see this mentioned. If I missed it, I'm sorry!

[Joe]

what do you mean cleanliness of install?

the cleanliness of install on those vs mckinney or top hat is basically the same. you cant REALLY see the engine mounts...

[FattyMcBaggins]

The reasons cited on the Syko website seemed to make sense to me. They're kit costs about the same as all of the McKinney parts would cost. So I'm just curious if there is alot of extra work involved with using the R33 crossmember, or if there are any big advantages/disadvantages.

"Designed to be used with OE Skyline R33 GTS-T engine cross member and engine brackets (not provided)

Much stronger than bracket style conversion kits Much cleaner looking (factory installed look)



Custom Polyurethane engine mounts

Positions engine rearward for improved weight distribution and more clearance to radiatorPositions engine lower for proper hood clearance and lower center of gravityHigh durometer urethane utilized to support high levels of torque which the RB25DET engine can produceLimits engine movement for better throttle response & more precise shiftingDesigned for minimal vibration transferEmbedded steel plates for extra strength

Machined T-6 aluminum sway bar spacers and heavy duty transmission relocation brackets included Our transmission relocation system provides much better ground clearance than the "monkey bar" that others sell"

[Carl H]

i like the syko kit because its MUCH studier than the other 'plate' style kits like mckinney or tophat...the factory xmember is VERY sturdy and i trust it more than the mount kits that are out there, the few that ive seen torque badly under heavy load simply because of the design.i personaly use a r32 xmember on my rb20'ed s14, you can do the same with your rb25 as long as you have rb20 engine mount plates and a r32 xmember.each to his own but oem works best when it can be used...

[FattyMcBaggins]

That's what I was thinking. Seems like it would be the sturdiest option. I'm planning to get an R33 front clip, so I'll have a crossmember from it. Does the crossmember just bolt on? What kind of modifications are needed in order to mount the cross member?

[klh6686]

im not sure if its the same on a r33 crossemember, it should be though, but you'll have to unbolt the steering rack and unbolt the lower control arms. then just unbolt the crossmember from the frame rails and re-do everything in reverse order

[FattyMcBaggins]

I knew about the power steering rack and control arms having to get moved from one to the other...do that and the crossmember lines up with the S13 crossmember holes and bolts right in? That's amazing! Seems almost too easy. I'm waiting for the catch!

[kouki-gymkhana]

I actually tried to use an R33 crossmember with modified RB25 mounts when I was swapping my motor in...Yes, the crossmember will bolt right up but you'll have to monkey around with the PS hardlines. I ended up going with McKinney mounts due to time constraints but if I had more time, I would have preferred to use the r33 crossmember since it's BEEFY.

[FattyMcBaggins]

The Syko website says that their included instructions will tell what modifications to make to the power steering lines. They're kit seems to be pretty complete. http://www.sykoperformance.com/FAQ.htm

[300Plus]

If my sold metal mounts give me toooo much vibration I'm going with their mounts. Do you think they are available without the kit ?

The R33 crossmemeber bolts up beautifully in the s14, almost like it was made to be there.

[Bluefire]

I question how far back and low this kit will put the motor without having to pound the firewall? IMO if you want the motor to sit as far back as possible, the firewall needs to modified with the trusty mallet. Another downside is having to locate an RB crossmember, which adds to the cost and easiness of the swap. Not to mention bending the P.S. Lines to fit the RB Cross member. I would also like to see the transmission mount and see how it compares to the "monkey bar" transmission mounts out there.

The one advantage I see to this kit is the DP + Elbow Combo.

-Bluefire

[Bluefire]

Also found this to be pretty interesting.

"High durometer urethane utilized to support high levels of torque which the RB25DET engine can produceLimits engine movement for better throttle response & more precise shiftingDesigned for minimal vibration transfer"

When you use a stiffer mount that "limits engine movement", simple physics tells us that the vibrations from the motor MUST get transfered somewhere else (rest of the car). If you want to minimize vibration transfer you would need softer mounts to absorb or damp the vibrations

-Bluefire

[FattyMcBaggins]

I think that the vibration transfer comment is trying to say that it's designed for minimal vibrational transfer within it's design. If you read the FAQ, the writer says he was surprised by how little engine vibration there is, seeing as how they're really stiff mounts.

[FattyMcBaggins]

Has anybody used this kit? Or should I try it out and then deliver my opinions on it!? haha

[Bluefire]

Go ahead and try it and let us know. But you might want to get the one pieve drive shaft made locally. You'll proabably save some money there

-Bluefire