Engine mounting insulators

[Sanity Clause]

Has anyone ever had a problem with too much vibration being transmitted from the engine to the bodyshell?

I'm wondering if the rubber insulators on the engine mounts have gone hard. Is that possible?

I checked the part numbers (12361-16020 front x2, and 12371-33010 rear), and they don't appear to be heavy duty items.

I also noticed that the engine doesn't move very much when revved, compared to other AE86s.

(It's a JDM 2 door Levin).

[Ivan141]

They usually go soft with age, it's very likely that your can has cusco or other aftermarket mounts, which are stiffer and transfer more vibration from the engine.

[Sanity Clause]

In my experience, rubber hardens with age.

I actually removed the rubber insulators and checked the part numbers on them in the Toyota EPC. They're standard items.

Just found this... "Rubber ageing results in a loss of flexibility, abrasion resistance and elasticity".
http://composite.about.com/library/PR/2001/blcsiro2.htm

It seems unlikely that these solid blocks would degrade to such an extent, but wondered if anyone else has had an experienced like this.

The car has 175000km on the clock.

[jondee86]

Did you change anything else... suspension bushes for example ??

When I installed TRD suspension bushes I immediately noticed an
increase in noise and vibration inside the car. My guess is that poly
bushes would be even worse.

Cheers... jondee86

[Sanity Clause]

I don't know which bushes are fitted to the car, (they are rubber, though) but it shouldn't make any difference when the car is stationary.
The vibration is being transmitted from the engine, not the road.

It's possible that they are heavy duty items, after all.
Does anyone know of any cheaper alternative replacements?

In the meantime, I've got some Ford Escort/Cortina rubbers in place.
These seem a little too soft, though, and possibly allow a little too much engine movement. It might be worth squishing the rubber a bit more, though.