VSC 2015-2021 WRX FA Motor Engine Mounts Installation Guide

: June 5, 2024
: VSC

VSC 2015-2021 WRX FA Motor Engine Mounts

BEFORE YOU START

Suggested Tools

○ Factory Service Manual
○ 3/8” Drive Ratchet Handle
○ 3“and 6” Extensions
○ 17mm Socket
○ 14mm Socket
○ 12mm Socket
○ 12mm Wrench
○ 14mm Wrench
○ 3/8” Torque Wrench
○ Pliers
○ Flat Head Screwdriver
○ Pick or Pry Bar
○ Floor Jack or Lift
○ Engine Hoist or Transmission Jack
○ Threaded Jack Stand
(if using lift)
○ Jack Stands
(if working on the ground)

What’s Included

● 2x Engine Mount
● 2x FA Motor Adapter Block

CAUTION: NOTES BEFORE STARTING

This document uses a 2020 STI for the installation process. Your experience may differ slightly depending on year and model.

Make sure you have all necessary tools before beginning installation. We recommend taking your vehicle to an appropriate shop for the installation of this part if anything in this process is outside of your experience.

Take care on vehicles with aftermarket headers. To avoid damage, the Urethane bushings in these mounts should be shielded from excessive heat generated from aftermarket headers.

Please reference your Factory Service Manual for specific part removal instructions on your specific vehicle. Factory Service Manuals can be purchased at:https://techinfo.subaru.com/

SAFETY CHECK

Always make sure the vehicle is adequately supported on ramps, jack stands, or a lift.

Warning: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack!

PART 01

Preparing Engine to Lift

Remove air intake inlet
Remove top mounted intercooler (this step may vary with aftermarket intercoolers)
Remove pitch stop mount
Lift car off the ground and secure appropriately with jack stands
Remove splash guard
Remove (4) 12mm bolts securing crash bars and skid plate assembly to sub-frame
-This can be removed in a singular piece
Disconnect air intake connection at turbo inlet
Remove steering rack cover by removing (4) 14mm bolts
Remove (8) 14mm bolts securing steering rack to the chassis
– Two brackets will be removed in this process – Take note of the orientation when removing for easier reinstallation
– Once bolts are removed pull steering rack down away from chassis approximately 2″
Remove (2) 14mm nuts from transmission mount studs
Disconnect JPipe (This step may vary with aftermarket JPipe
– OEM JPipe will require removal of heats shields to gain access to nuts and bolts
– Removal may require replacement of the gasket, in most cases it’s a good idea to replace
– Disconnect JPipe from Catback if necessary and remove entire pipe (this step may vary based on the JPipe if aftermarket or OEM)
Remove (2) flanged 14mm nuts securing motor mounts to sub-frame
The engine is now free to lift

PART 02

Lifting the Engine

Jack the engine up approximately 4″ – Place jack so it pushes up on the engine where it meets the transmission – Place a block of wood on your jack to prevent damage to the transmission case – Keep an eye on all connections particularly the radiator hoses and A/C lines to ensure nothing becomes too tight
Support engine with a threaded jack stand or a piece of wood can be placed between the engine and the subframe this is for your safety

PART 03

Engine Mount Removal and Installation

Remove OEM engine mounts by removing the (2) 14mm bolts securing each mount to the block
– The forward bolt will require a wobble socket through the header
– You’ll be able to work the OEM mount out through the back of the cross member
– Take note of the positioning of each mount
– Match the VSC Performance Engine Mount to the corresponding side
this will be noted on the bottom surface of the mount
– Note the block on the OEM mount located on the rearmost mounting location
Position the VSC Performance Engine Mount onto the block and ensure that mounting points sit flush against the block
– Loosely secure the forward bolt with washer in place first to hold the mount to the case (be careful not to cross-thread or over tighten these bolts this may cause substantial damage to your block)
– Slide the spacer in the rearward bolt location then feed the bolt with washer through both the mount and spacer (Note the arrow should point toward the front of the car, and “R” should appear right side up on the right and “L” on the left)
– Carefully thread the bolts back into the block be careful not to cross- thread or over tighten these bolts this may cause substantial damage to your block
– Torque bolts to 30 ft/lbs.
– Repeat for second mount
– When you’re done the “L” and “R” should be visible and right side up on their respective rightand left-hand sides
Remove wooden support brace between engine and subframe
Slowly lower engine watching that the studs on the engine mounts find the slots in the subframe – Some manipulation of the stud end of the engine mount may be necessary to ensure proper installation – Stud can be pivoted with some force, but do not hit or pry stud, this may cause damage to the threads on the stud
Once studs align to slots in the subframe finish lowering the engine
Secure Engine Mounts with OEM flanged 14mm nuts and torque to 45 ft/lbs

PART 04

Reassembly

Reinstall steering rack by securing brackets and (8) 14mm bolts and torque to 45 ft/lbs
Reinstall steering rack cover with (4) 14mm bolts and torque to 45 ft/lb
Reinstall (2) 14mm nuts on transmission mount studs and torque to 45 ft/lbs
Attach downpipe to catback and torque to 25 ft/lbs
Reconnect air intake to turbo inlet
Install aluminum crash bars with skid plate to chassis and torque to 45 ft/lbs
Reinstall splash guard
Lower vehicle to access engine bay
Reinstall pitch stop mount
– Secure rear bolt to 43 ft/lbs. and front bolt & nut to 37 ft/lbs
Reinstall intercooler

PART 05

Finished

Start and run the engine and observe for anything unusual take the car out for a test drive and you’ll notice an increase in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), which is normal
For bigger builds, check the condition of the engine mounts during regular services to ensure bushings have not been damaged from excessive heat. Some vehicles with aftermarket headers may require a heat shield to protect the bushings.

If you have questions or need help with your install or parts questions, please reach out to us:
Email:support@vtcar.com | Phone: 802.655.3533

WARNING AND SAFETY RULES

Prior to the installation and/or use of any of products contained herein, whether purchased from or provided by Lance Smith Inc., d/b/a Vermont SportsCar (“VSC”), please read and understand both the installation instructions and these Warning and Safety Rules.

Failure to read, and strictly adhere to both the installation instructions and this Warning and Safety Rules may result in damage to personal property, serious personal injury, and/or death.

Keep all products out of the reach of children, and if children are around the products, always have an adult present.

Follow all instructions regarding the installation and use of all products.

Do not disassemble, modify, or attempt to repair any products for any reason. If damaged or in need of service, please contact VSC at the phone number or email address below.

Do not use products in any manner which has not been approved by VSC, or in connection with any third-party products, unless each has been approved by VSC prior to such use.

Do not install or use products on vehicles which have not been approved by VSC, as stated at www.vtcar.com (the “Website”).

Prior to installation, always store products in a dry and clean location.

Do not strike, hit, crush, shock, drop, pierce or otherwise physically abuse products. Make sure products are located in a place in which they will not be tripped over, damaged, cut or scratched. Do not install or use any product if it appears to be damaged or defective, instead call or email VSC at the phone number or email address below.

Immediately discontinue use of the products in the event they become damaged, deformed, destroyed, or altered in any way due to force or contact.

In the event you become injured during installation or use of products seek immediate medical attention.

If you are for any reason unable or unwilling to follow these instructions, or to comply with the terms above as applicable, please contact VSC at (802)891-6815 or atstore@vtcar.com

Your installation or use of the products will constitute your acknowledgement that you have read the above. Keep this Warning and Safety Rules for your records so that you may return to them as needed.

The Undisputed Destination for Fast.
vtcar.com

Documents / Resources

| VSC 2015-2021 WRX FA Motor Engine Mounts [pdf] Installation Guide
2015-2021 WRX FA Motor Engine Mounts, 2015-2021 WRX, FA Motor Engine Mounts
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