ECS Dogbone Mount Insert
WhyStandard VW layout for engine mounts and composition of lower engine mount leads to excess engine movement under various conditions.
This insert fills the void in the standard lower mount , thereby removing some level of 'slack'.
Suits a std car , but is considered of greater use when additional torque from a remap is added.
SourcingAny good GTI tuner will stock these.
I got mine from Awesome GTI
http://www.awesome-gti.co.uk/product.php?xProd=6803&xSec=158ECS Tuning is proud to release it's dogbone mount insert for the Mk5 platform. The ECS dogbone mount insert works with the OEM rubber bushing to provide a better more rigid connection between the transmission mount and subframe. Less movement in the system will result in smoother shifts and less engine movement under heavy acceleration. Made of a 70A Torque durometer. Kit includes dogbone insert, retaining washer, centering washer and new stretch bolt.
Around £25
I believe theres also a cheap link available from the USA
FittingEasy
Remove old bolt , lube up the new insert and fit.
Minimal charge from garage if you dont want to do it.
Only caveat is you need space under the car , so be SAFE!
Other versionsVarious other forms of the dogbone are available from other tuners
e.g. Neuspeed (doesnt include the bolt) which can also be of varying rubber hardness.
I have also seen some metal based inserts but these are probably too hard to general road use.
A new bolt can be bought from VW , no concensus as to whether its a one time only stretch bolt or not (although ECS info above states it is!)
Plus PointsConsiderably reduces engine movement under all conditions
Car feels tighter
May lead to reduced wheelspin and better control as transition from decel to accel can be made smoother.
Reduced wheel hop /axle tramp type vibrations
Fabulous cost/benefit ratio
Can easily be reversed if reqd
Vastly improves the clutch judder I used to have at the biting point
Minus PointsDoes increase the level of vibration felt through pedals/handbrake , although this is very minimal.
For me its not even a consideration.
SummaryThis is how it should have come from the factory : GET ONE :