install was basic but it was a pain crawling under there as usual.. gotta get a crawler...
you must undo the silver audi crossmember (says 'Germany' in the pic) and unbolt &amp; slide out the diff mount<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2261567564_2161bc94cd_b.jpg" alt="apikol diff mount" />&lt;/a&gt;

stock vs apikol - my stock mount was cracked all the way around in the thin areas. the main rubber "arms" were good tho.

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2260772999_bf00b6a40e_b.jpg" alt="stock vs. apikol" />&lt;/a&gt;

Driving impression: (quick coffee run)
-wow, shifting has improved. the "thud" is gone and shift action is positive and heel-toe has a satisfying smooth action. took away the play.

-I noticed it goes into reverse much easier now, as does 1st.

- increased low speed noise (1st/2nd) seems to transmit drivetrain nose to the body and noticeable increase in vibration. I can feel it in the pedals and a dash rattle that would occaisionally act up is now almost constantly buzzing.

- it is not bad, so don't read too much into it- but it is an increase in NVH

-i'm not crazy about the additional harshness but the shifting has gotten better.

-If the Apikol has good durability than it will be worth it.

It does make me curious if a new OEM would be better all-around, however, looking at the design of the OEM rubber bushing-I am not confident in it's long term durability.

The tradeoff of more flex for reduced vibs &amp; noise/ to the Apikol's better shift action- that is my assumption here.

 

Did you paint your's black?

 

sick of looking at it so finally put it in!

 

One for the car and one for a paper weight!

 

blue=standard, red=softer, real rubber option(I know, prob too expensive)... but it would make it more valuable to have a choice in poly durometer to suit the customer.

 

Agreed,

 

and in each instance it ended up something other than the mount itself, it just seemed to amplify whatever issues they were having before. All of the cars we installed this on did not show even a tad bit of increases vibration or noise. Just FYI.

 

1. I can hear 'wind up' noise in 1st
2. there is more drivetrain vibes

I can see where this could be a pre-existing condition and the stiffer mount simply exposes it, where the soft OEM mount insulates it from you.

I cannot say you are wrong, as I do not know if there is some other cause, and it was hidden. Your explaination sounds plausible and possible. I will start inspecting the rest of the drivetrain.

Reading my original post, it makes it sound worse than it really is- the tough part about the internet! the vibes are not severe or even 'bad'- it is simply increased slightly. I cannot guarantee someone would even notice the difference-my g/f didn't.

My car is not raced, I use it as a daily driver and I'm pretty easy on it. With that in mind, take my comments as someone w/ a stock B5 w/ sport suspension &amp; 18's.
If I were tracking it or had it lowered/drove hard, I wouldn't say anything. The performance difference is noticable.

Also, I have only put &lt;-5 miles on it! I have not even gone above 40mph yet!
I am taking a long trip up the coast this weekend so when I get back, I'll give a much better review of it.

If it is not clear, I am happy with the mount so far.
The shift action and elimination of that 'thud' on acceleration/decelleration is a joy.
Heel/toe'ing out of turn and getting on the gas is smooth and seamless- where as before, the slop made the shift more work and the speed change does not feel sloppy.

One more question for you--- how is the urethane holding up? any feedback w/ lots of miles? Thanks.

 

<center><img src="http://i21.tinypic.com/n4jbl3.jpg"></center><p>There should not be any harshness at all. Ours is butter smooth, no vibs or noise at all. You might check into detination quality, balance issues with driveline components or additional upgrades in driveline mounts.

 

detination quality?