Well here's the reason I needed INNOVATIVE mounts in such a rush. Once again a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the guys at INNOVATIVE for helping me out.
If you guys remember my disaster with the Cold Air Intake and a really deep puddle you'll remember that this is my Fit's second engine. Apparently the stock engine mount FAILED and I was driving around on just 2 engine mounts!
I just can't win right?
Luckily, I was considering getting some upgraded billet mounts from INNOVATIVE down the line...just not this soon!
Credit Card and the best Honda mechanic I know - Lance(AKA - Gettinafit) to the rescue! FedEx did an overnight Saturday delivery so that we could get these slapped in ASAP.
INNOVATIVE did a super sweet job on the candy apple blue powdercoat and it looks great with the black 75A hardness bushing!
After removing all the packaging material. Initial thoughts? Wow these things look substantially tough! And they're pretty as heck!
Looking into the engine compartment, this will replace the right side engine mount.
Looking into the engine compartment, this will replace the rear engine mount.
Looking into the engine compartment, these two pieces will replace the left side engine mount(the one I needed to replace).
Here you can see the left side mount and how it pieces together. You'll also notice how nicely their candy apple blue powdercoat matches the OEM Vivid Blue Pearl paint.
Next we moved on to replacing the right side mount. We seemed to experience the same problem that Leonine did. The mount needed some coaxing to fit onto the frame - luckily we had a rubber mallet handy!
After a few smashes we got it to go in. I hope INNOVATIVE modifies this part so that future customers don't experience this minor problem. If you look closely we did scuff the powdercoating but it didn't matter to me as you can't see it when the battery tray is replaced. Once again you'll notice how nicely the paint matches the T1R brand Grounding kit.
Here's a good look at the scuff marks...big deal. In no way will it affect the performance of the mount itself.
Here's a look at the OEM right side mount. Notice the lack of material in the mount? Looks cheap compared to the INNOVATIVE product.
We didn't get any shots of the rear mount install because we were quickly running out of daylight and because it was pretty tight quarters. According to Lance, this was the toughest part of the install only because it was so hard to move around in there.
Here's a good shot comparing the OEM rear mount vs. the INNOVATIVE part.
Aaaaaah. All fixed!
Engine no longer holding on with just 2 OEM mounts.
Good shot of the completed left side mount installed.
And somewhere in there is the right side mount. I told you guys you wouldn't see the scuff marks!
Final thoughts:
- If you're going to install these mounts make sure you have the proper tools necessary as well as the time and mechanical know how to get the job done right. If not, seriously find someone that does!
- Red LocTite is your friend!
- I recently went on a road trip from Long Island, New York to Virginia Beach, Virginia and back. I also commute 120 miles a day at least 5 days a week. I have had no issues/problems with the upgraded mounts so far.
- Innovative's 75A bushing hardness sacrifices comfort for increased performance. The cabin rattles at 1500RPM and when the engine is cold. When it's warmed up it isn't so bad but it's definitely there. You also hear more engine noise at all RPM's as the stiffer mounts transfer everything back your way. Some people may like it, others won't. I intend to go forced induction sooner or later so 75A was a must for me, in my opinion.
- If you want OEM-like comfort you can always order their 60A bushing hardness. Innovative mounts will still be better than anything OEM.
Once again all statements and opinions posted above are my own based on my own knowledge of my 2007 Honda Fit Sport A/T. YMMV. Happy motoring guys........
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