Why Engine Damper?- Not to be confused with "Engine Damper. Why?"

[Sentientbydesign]

Ok, so I was thinking about these engine dampers that are being sold by Stillen and on Ebay.

Now here's the question: Why have an engine damper versus a solid mount? I know there's a good reason and hopefully Steve or somebody with a non flippant answer will chime in.

[smockers83]

Twisting of the chassis? Or excess stress? I would have to imagine that there has to be at least a little give for one of those reasons.

[adren77]

smocekrs hit the nail on the head.

[smockers83]

If you suspended a car in the air and the drive shaft was stationary and you revved the engine, wouldn't the car just spin around the drive shaft? This would kinda be the opposite of a solid mount. So if you had a solid mount and if the engine wasn't allowed to move under high loads, hypothetically you could barrel roll the car. Maybe? Or just have massive amount of tire spin.

[tollboothwilley]

I think that it has something to do with harmonic vibrations and undue stress that would be caused by having no flex

[Sentientbydesign]

If you suspended a car in the air and the drive shaft was stationary and you revved the engine, wouldn't the car just spin around the drive shaft? This would kinda be the opposite of a solid mount. So if you had a solid mount and if the engine wasn't allowed to move under high loads, hypothetically you could barrel roll the car. Maybe? Or just have massive amount of tire spin.

I think you're on the right track, but not quite barrel roll. More likely twisting the chassis to the point of no return.

The reason it wouldn't do a barrel roll is because your theoretical situation requires that the differential be allowed to spin independent of the chassis. Obviously that's not the case.

Thanks for the input guys.

[kmckis1029]

when i first saw that the had engine dampers out i was very happy... its a very cheap way to get lost torque back... i know you have seen an engine flex to the right or left when you press the gas... its looks cool.. but with every flex, thats power you could of had on the road...

i do worry about getting excess stress on the chasis... as someone said they gave the engine some wiggle room for a reason... nissian could of made the engine mounts super rigid.... that would also introduce more vibration into the cabin...

[Sentientbydesign]

I'd love to remove every heavy/flexible chassis component on my coupe and replace it with Titanium

[tollboothwilley]

^ +1

too bad Titanium isn't cheap