POWERFLEX ENGINE & TRANS MOUNT MODS REVIEW! FOCUS RS

I review the Powerflex Black Series engine and transmission mounts!

I recently installed these 2 poly bush upgrades for my Ford Focus RS MK3 that I did separately but are very much related so I review them together!

The Ford Focus RS MK3 has many rubber-lined bushings with gaps that allow a lot of movement. Although Ford had a decent setup for the RS there is always room for improvement. In steps Powerflex to make things better from a bushing upgrade/compliance perspective!

Instead of replacing the entire OE engine and trans mounts, these Powerflex mods fill voids to add structural rigidity to improve grip and better performance by vastly reducing engine / trans movement, in particular under load - hard acceleration and gear changes - and so should give more predictable, consistent power delivery and gear shifts from the Focus RS as excess component movement can cause hopping and general unbalancing of the front of the car.

There are 2 versions of the Powerflex bushes available - the regular / road (yellow and purple) version, which are 25% to 30% stiffer than stock, and the 'Black Series' which are up to 80% stiffer over stock. I chose the black series version of these upgrades for my Focus RS because I wanted maximum performance improvement - the Black Series is marketed as being the ultimate performance and more track oriented.

I tell you all about how the Black Series Powerflex bushings feel in both areas, detailing the positives and indeed the negatives of engine and trans mount.

I definitely feel that doing both of these upgrades and indeed doing them together is a great thing.

I have of course installed multiple shifter upgrades in pursuit of the ultimate gear shift in the RS, all of which have made an improvement, and the trans mount is a great addition to these mods - the cheery on top of shifter upgrades!

The engine mount is an interesting one, a more complex set of changes that need to be discussed and also along with that a pretty big issue that developed after less than a week - an issue that suggests the Black series is not the way to go!

Because of this quite serious problem, I decided to source another Focus RS engine mount as well as buying the regular/road series Powerflex engine mount insert upgrade and installed it into the new engine mount, so that I could then switch it quickly and easily with my existing engine mount that has the Black Series insert and then go out on a road test to do a full, proper, in depth comparison between the two!

The issue is simply that the Powerflex polyurethane insert failed. At one of the locations where the securing tabs are inserted through a hole in the insert, the polyurethane literally sheered itself apart.

I suspect that this is down to the compound being too stiff - under load with there being practically no give combined with this little tab being quite thin, it just failed.

Very disappointing as track driving would be even harsher than anything I did so would likely fail quicker in the context Powerflex designed it for.

I conclude giving my top tips on the ultimate setup - what I think is the best way to go with regards to Black Series vs regular / road series Powerflex for the engine and trans mount upgrades on the Ford Focus RS MK3!

Powerflex say about the Front Upper Right Engine Mount Insert:
Front Upper Right Engine Mount Insert fits into the latest vehicle fitment and commonly upgraded to mount. This mount was introduced by Ford in 2013 to address excessive engine movement and knocking, but still features heavy voiding and allows for a lot of engine movement and complaints among enthusiasts.

Powerflex say about the Transmission Mount Insert:
Transmission Mount Insert provides further engine and transmission stability to improve shift feel and performance.

Powerflex Black Series upper engine mount insert:

Powerflex Black Series transmission mount insert:

Powerflex rear diff bushing upgrades:

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[cjmackay]

I was going to buy the black series engine mount insert but don’t fancy the pedal vibrations. Do you think the yellow one might be better? Sort of in between stock and the black series. EDIT you answered in the video. 👍🏻

[TheWheelLifeChad]

How is the Black Series trans mount and Street Series Motor mount holding up so far?
I’m about to pull the trigger on both by end of day today. 🤙🏼

[MrLiipasin]

Thank you for the update! Was waiting for this a lot!

[harrybhalbag]

Is that alcantara on the top of your door panels? Did I miss the video on that? Very cool!!
Another great vid!

[-ip]

Awesome very informative review my guy!!!!

[Richard]

I’ve had bottom end forged and balance shafts removed, plus have Cobb Rear Motor Mount. I’ve given up worrying about NVH 😂may give this upgrade a miss though as I don’t want to lose my fillings! 👍

[Tight--LiNeZ]

Gosh. I would use the black series for suspension, but not harder ones for the engine and gearbox mounts. That's nuts and kinda pointless with only downsides.