Mazdaspeed3 Extreme Performance

In this review I will discuss my findings and personal opinion on the 2 types of urethane bushing as well as the engine mount. I drove a total of 3,500 miles with the rear engine mount installed at the time of this review. 1,500 Miles with the 90 durometer and 2,000+ with the 70 durometer bushings. You can also see how easy it is to install from my DIY installation of the SURE Motorsports’ rear engine mount post.

For the first 1,500 miles, I installed the 90 durometer bushings. They are the hardest ones offered by SURE Motorsports and they come in blue. These bushings provided excellent results. Power and responsiveness was drastically increased, wheel hop was completely eliminated and engine vibration was bearable.

At idle without the air conditioner on you could barely notice it. There was a slight vibration in the steering. However, in a low gear or with the air conditioner on the vibration was much more noticeable. When accelerating in 5th and 6th gear at low RPMs you really noticed the vibrations of the engine. Although this may sound bad, it isn’t. It is doing exactly what it should do.

+ click image to enlarge

90 durometer bushings wear and tear after 1500 miles. As you can see to the right, just some dirt and minor scratches. With all that vibration and weight, this picture shows quality more so than any words I put down here.

After 1,500 miles with the 90 durometer I switched over to the 70 durometer which is the black bushing provided by SURE Motorsports. This bushing is much smoother and barely noticeable at the wheel. There is almost no vibration at idle and in low gears. Yet, it keeps the tires from hopping and power where it should be, to the wheels! I do notice that on some surfaces there is a slight wheel hop from time to time but it is minimal and rare as compared to the stock engine mount.

My car is a daily driver that I drive to work, stores, road trips, etc. The versatility of the Mazdaspeed 3 makes it a very practical car for those of us that love to drive spiritedly yet need function as well. With this in mind I chose to stay with the 70 durometer urethane bushings. I only track my car for about 4-5 months a year and in that time I only race about 5-6 weekends. I will possible switch back to the 90 durometer bushing during those months since the install is quick and painless.

Rating:

5 of 5

The SURE Motorsports’ rear engine mount is a quality piece that is a must have for all enthusiasts. The hardcore enthusiast would want to install the 90 durometer while the occasional track runners needing a more practical and versatile car would want to stick with the 70 durometer bushings. Or like me… why not get both! 30 minute install and off to the track you go in full force!

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