Racingline engine mount for VAG 1.8 T

Racingline Performance lower engine mount (VWR15G503)

Racingline Performance Subframe Torque Link Mount, often also called a lower engine mount, pendulum mount or “dog-bone” mount, is one of the more effective upgrades for performance Volkswagens, Audis, SEATs and Škodas. It replaces the soft factory rubber mount with a precisely manufactured replacement assembly that keeps the powertrain securely mounted during hard acceleration and gear changes.

What is the lower engine mount for?

The engine and gearbox are secured by three mounts. Two support the weight of the powertrain, while the third – the lower pendulum or “dog-bone” mount – controls engine movement during acceleration and braking.

The standard mount uses very soft rubber to reduce vibrations in the cabin. This is suitable for a standard vehicle, but with more power or more dynamic driving, the soft rubber allows noticeable engine movement. The result is a less precise, jerky feel from the powertrain and wheel hop during hard launches, when the engine and gearbox shake in their mounts.

On vehicles with higher mileage, worn factory mounts can also contribute to cracked exhaust manifolds and driveshaft failures under load due to excessive powertrain movement.

What difference does the Racingline mount make?

Rather than simply filling the voids in the standard mount with inserts, Racingline has designed a complete replacement assembly. It uses a 75A polyurethane bush that effectively limits powertrain movement while retaining some compliance to filter out the most pronounced vibrations.

The result is a noticeably more direct driving feel:

• quicker response to applying and lifting off the throttle,
• smoother and more precise gear changes,
• significantly less wheel hop during take-off,
• better transfer of power to the road or race track.

You will notice slightly more powertrain noise in the cabin, but most drivers who enjoy dynamic driving accept this as a better feeling of connection with the vehicle. For most performance road vehicles, fitting only this lower mount while retaining both upper factory mounts offers the best balance between improved driving feel and comfort. For heavily modified, track or competition vehicles, upgrading all three mounts at the same time is recommended.

Compatibility

The mount is intended for VW Group vehicles with a transversely mounted engine. The supplier’s description lists the following engines:

• 2.0 TFSI,
• 2.0 TSI,
• 2.5 TFSI,
• 3.2 V6.

The enclosed vehicle table lists versions with the 1.8 T or 1.8 20V T engine for the VW Golf IV, SEAT Leon I and Škoda Octavia I models.

Why upgrade?

The lower engine mount may not be the most noticeable modification, but it can significantly change the way the vehicle drives. Reducing powertrain movement improves response, gear-change precision and power transfer, making this one of the more immediately noticeable powertrain upgrades.

Weight: 1.10 kg

Suitable for: SEAT Leon I (1M1), Škoda Octavia I (1U2) / I (1U5), VW Golf IV (1J).

Compatible vehicles (manufacturer data)

Before ordering, check that the product matches your vehicle (model, year and engine). If in doubt, write to us — we will check for you.