The week before the ‘09 Blue Ridge Parkway Tour, my dad and I got to work installing this VIP engine stabilizer (some folk call it a damper, I calls it a stabilizer mmmhmm). Thankfully my neighbor has a large shop with all the right tools for the job, such as a 90 degree drill and the right length drill bits. Otherwise you are required to remove some suspension bits in order to drill the holes from the wheel well inwards. Adding the stabilizer has the two-fold advantage of giving the engine’s power a more direct feel (and reducing lunge) as well as protecting the weak passenger side hydraulic motor mount. I’m on currently on my second motor mount, the first started leaking badly under warranty.

I have to say I’m really impressed by the more direct feel it gives my MINI in certain situations, and the steptronic shifting actually feels quicker now as well. This mod (or one that achieves the same result) is a must for first-gen MINIs with hydraulic motor mounts.

Visit the VIP Custom Parts website.

Mods