Im having problems with my 4 branch manifold tapping on the steering rack under load. It'll only happen on quicker starts from stationary in 1st gear, and most of the time I can be gentle enough to avoid it. But Im trying to stop it altogether.
Ive now got Vibra technics fast road mounts on the rear and gearbox, and the front is a fairly new standard rubber mount. Changing the standard rear mount for the vibratechnics one did help a lot in reducing movement and reducing the occurance of tapping.
What I want to do is lower the engine at the front mount to move the manifold up relative to the steering rack, increasing clearance to the point that it wont touch it. Im hoping 5-10mm will be enough. Are there any vw mounts that are slimmer than the standard golf mk2 mount?
Im loathe to spend the money on a front vibra technics mount as im not sure it would solve the problem, it would likely reduce movement, but there is only 5-8mm or so between the manifold and top of the rack. So without dropping the height of the mount I cant see an increased stifness being enough.
My other option is to modify the front mount bracket. i.e. cut and weld to reduce the height, hopefully it would be up to that without welds cracking?
Thanks for reading, any ideas appreciated!
