MX3 Rear Mount on a Probe - Done

[hppwdn]

Well, it was a lot quicker than I thought, only took a couple hours while I was doing my laundry. I even took pics throughout the process.

Before I get on to the pics I'd like to make a small disclaimer regarding this initial version. For this version I attempted to modify a probe crossmember to accept the rear mount mounting points for an mx3. It's a pretty straightforward and easy way to do it, but having some 1/4" steel stock laying around that you could cut to fit and drill holes for the rear mount may work better. Using part of the mx3 crossmember resulted in some lackluster welds and large gaps to cover. It's plenty strong the way it is, but when I do the next one I'll be trying the new method.

Cutout the area where the mx3 rear mount will come thru. You have to cut out pretty close to the holes where the xmember mounts to the frame.


MX3 and Probe xmember side by side


Mocked up a little






Pardon the exceptionally crappy welds, but it all sticks together. I had to use a couple pieces of square tubing to fill in some of the larger gaps. There's also a ton of welds on the topside not seen in the pics so it's a lot more sturdy than the pics may lead on.



Pic of the MX3Mount on the tranny on the top side of the xmember


And it even clears the lateral crossmember when you're done. Here it is all buttoned up.




Now we have to fill the motor mounts and Sean has to put on tranny #11 and we'll be out testing this theory. I would guess in about 2 weeks.

[phatgt4me]

why would an mx3 mount hold up better? I missed this theory somehow??? lol

[siknin]

Very very nice

[lthomas2g]

looks good what kinda welder did you guys use kinda looks like a acr or a mig with flexcore

[siknin]

why would an mx3 mount hold up better? I missed this theory somehow??? lol

its all bout extra support. The rear mount is bolted near the firewall and this mx3 mount is on the xmember. Stock probe mount is in a spot that puts more stress on the trans... so it makes it easier to break things. This one is added to make more support and relieve some stress.

And with the kl trans being made of glass we need the extra support.


It doesn take much power to break all a kl trans. All thats needed is bad/warn mounts and some abuse and you just trashed a trans.

[phatgt4me]

oooo how'd i miss that. So now its got a front and rear mount on the x member. FTW. Run that setup with awr mounts...that engine wont be able to move a centimeter gj

[hppwdn]

looks good what kinda welder did you guys use kinda looks like a acr or a mig with flexcore

Miller sidekick, mig with gas. It's some of the worst welds I've done in awhile, but there were some really large gaps between the mx3 mount piece and the probe xmember.

[short4stuff]

So did you pull the probe rear or leave it in place? IMO shouldnt it be removed?

[hppwdn]

So did you pull the probe rear or leave it in place? IMO shouldnt it be removed?

It still has the pgt rear mount and tranny saver in tact. All five of them fit just perfectly. No reason to remove the PGT rear as it will serve to add additional stability over the just the mx3 rear.

[polarexpress17]

i dont think he pulled it, it wont hurt anything leaving it there, if anything it would add extra support. i know when i do mine i will be leaving the factory one there.

EDIT: beat me to the reply.

I'm considering adding mine to the side-side crossmember, as i do not have a front>rear one.

[klde94]

finally, good job! looks good too.. 2 weeks? is sean really that lazy to install a tranny Lol

[short4stuff]

Only thing I see wrong with leaving the rear is aren't you mixing up the possible results of the "mx3" theory. Your adding another piece to the puzzle. (Correct me if I am wrong but mx3's dont have that rear firewall mount)

I was thinking have the mx3 mount and the trans saver. Or maybe even make a different trans saver that connects to all 5 bolt holes that the trans has back there. But doesn't mount to the chassis of the car.

[hppwdn]

I'm considering adding mine to the side-side crossmember, as i do not have a front>rear one.

That could be done, but the lateral bar would be much more susceptible to torsional stress than the front to back one. It also negates the gains of the front and rear mount being mounted to the same piece.

Only thing I see wrong with leaving the rear is aren't you mixing up the possible results of the "mx3" theory. Your adding another piece to the puzzle. (Correct me if I am wrong but mx3's dont have that rear firewall mount)

I was thinking have the mx3 mount and the trans saver. Or maybe even make a different trans saver that connects to all 5 bolt holes that the trans has back there. But doesn't mount to the chassis of the car.

I don't see any issue with leaving in the pgt rear mount. As for the tranny saver, it's kinda useless without the pgt rear mount. It's purpose is to distribute the force applied on the tranny from the rear mount more evenly.

finally, good job! looks good too.. 2 weeks? is sean really that lazy to install a tranny Lol

Takes a week for the urethane to cure after he takes off the mounts and we fill them.

[BoostedMan]

Hmm looks similiar to the 1st gen rear tranny mount

[polarexpress17]

That could be done, but the lateral bar would be much more susceptible to torsional stress than the front to back one. It also negates the gains of the front and rear mount being mounted to the same piece.

I was thinking of that too, its the only thing that's stopping me from putting it on the lateral one. I suppose i will have to figure something out to connect my front bar and the rear one.

Either way, glad to see you got it done