Motor Mounts, Plates & Engine Struts

Types of Motor Mounts and Plates

This category covers five main types of motor mounts and plates, and each one solves a different problem in a street, swap, or race build. Here's what you'll find as you shop:

• Rubber mounts, including the Trans Dapt biscuit-style mount for small-block Chevy 283-350 and 4.3L V6 engines
• Polyurethane mounts and inserts that firm up engine location while still filtering some vibration
• Solid mounts and replacement pads, such as Trans Dapt 4229 pads for Chevy 2.8L and 4.3L V6 engines
• Front motor plates and mid-mount plates that bolt the engine directly to a race chassis
• Engine swap mount kits and LS universal mount kits for fitting a new engine into an older vehicle

Each type trades comfort for control in a different way, so start with how you drive and how much power you make. Browse motor mount hardware and insulators for the parts that complete an install.

Rubber vs. Polyurethane vs. Solid Motor Mounts

Rubber motor mounts ride quietest, polyurethane mounts cut engine movement with some added vibration, and solid mounts stop movement but transmit the most vibration. The right pick depends on how you drive and how much torque your engine makes.

Rubber is the factory standard. It soaks up vibration and suits daily drivers and mild street builds, but it can flex under high torque and wear out over time.

Polyurethane is firmer than rubber, so it limits engine rock under hard launches. Energy Suspension sells a polyurethane motor mount set as a pair, and Prothane offers motor mount inserts for Dodge Ram trucks.

Solid mounts don't flex at all. Moroso solid motor mounts for Chrysler 273-360 engines measure .187" thick, and the JEGS solid motor mount kit fits 1974-81 F-body cars. Expect more noise and vibration, which is why solid mounts show up most often in drag and track cars.

Front Motor Plates and Mid-Mount Plates for Race Engines

Front motor plates and mid-mount plates replace conventional mounts on race cars by bolting the engine directly to the chassis. You get a rigid, repeatable engine location with no rubber to flex or wear out.

A front motor plate attaches to the front of the engine and ties into the frame. Competition Engineering offers a front motor plate for big-block Chrysler 383-440 and 426 Hemi engines. ICT Billet makes a front motor plate for Fox-body and SN95 Mustangs running LS engines.

A mid-mount plate sits between the engine and the bellhousing and supports the engine near its center. Competition Engineering mid-mount plates fit small-block and big-block Chevy engines and 90-degree V6 engines. There's also a Ford version for 289-302, 351C, and 351W engines.

Plates transfer nearly all engine vibration into the chassis, so they suit dedicated race cars. To limit engine twist under hard launches, pair your setup with engine torque struts.

Engine Swap Motor Mounts and LS Swap Kits

Engine swap motor mounts let you bolt a different engine into your chassis without fabricating your own brackets. Each kit is matched to a specific engine and vehicle combination, so confirm both before you order.

Trans Dapt swap kits cover Mopar 340-360 and big-block B/RB engines into A-body cars, plus small-block Chevy engines into 2WD S10 and S15 trucks. There's also a clamshell-style kit for 4WD S10 and Blazer models.

For LS swaps, ICT Billet offers a universal LS mount kit and mounts for 1970-81 and 1982-92 F-body, 1978-88 G-body, and 1988-98 OBS trucks. The JEGS LS to SBC chassis swap kit uses rubber mounts to fit an LS into a chassis set up for a small-block Chevy. JEGS billet aluminum LS motor-mount adapters are also available.

If you want a complete bracket setup, shop motor mount brackets and swap kits. To compare popular options by vehicle, read our guide to the best LS swap kits.

How to Choose the Right Engine Mounts for Your Build

Choose engine mounts by matching three things: your engine, your chassis, and how you use the car. Start with engine make and size, then confirm the mount fits your vehicle's year and body style.

Next, pick a material based on use. Rubber suits daily drivers, polyurethane suits street-and-strip cars that see hard launches, and solid mounts or plates suit dedicated race cars. If you're adding power, a firmer mount helps keep the engine from rocking and stressing nearby parts.

Then check the details. Look at position, since some mounts sell individually and others come as a pair. Confirm whether mounting hardware is included, and match the finish to your engine bay. You can filter this category by each of those, plus brand, product line, and grade type.

Still deciding what else your build needs? Shop all motor mounts and K-members to see the full lineup.