Disclaimer: Right off the bat, if you can easily remove the header, KNOW that you will need to remove them in order to remove the OEM driver's side mount.
So yesterday I was doing some stuff in the car, (installing Catch Can and minor details), when friend @
jazztennor came home to pickup some parts. I was already under the car so when I saw him pull up at 6 pm I got a warm, cozy feeling and with all the bravery in the world thought to myself: "ha! I have Mike here, we can knock down this motor mount install in half an hour. PIECE OF CAKE!!"
He agreed to help me, and we were off to work. Unbolted the Nameless OP/DP, and started with the right side mount. Jacked up the engine, had to use every bit of muscle in my body possible to break the bolts loose. No big deal! Raised the engine and voila, motor mount is out! Didn't take us more than 20 minutes to do this one.
NOW comes the awesome part: went to the driver's side mount. Jacked up the engine a little more, broke the bolts loose and we were doing awesome. So we start trying to wrestle the mount out of there! first Mike, then me. Nothing. Jacked up the engine at least 6 inches... Still nothing. There is a little nudge in the frame that does not allow the mount to go between it and the oil pan.
I DID NOT want to remove the headers as that meant removing the turbo oil lines, water lines and intake piping. Tried to take the mount out from the top, the steering column is on the way. We lowered the header a couple of inches, still WOULD NOT GO.
We were growing frustrated and two times I almost decided to quit, but this is one of those jobs you cannot leave and come back, (I am working today and for the rest of the week 12 hours a day).
Took a look at the already out passenger's side mount to see what could we do to make it smaller to fit. Thought even about cutting it out. Well, the mount has a metal cover that is held in place by a rubber piece. I managed to mangle the rubber piece and take that metal piece out. Now to do it in the problematic mount was a pain int he ass. Finally was able to take that cover out, the mount still did not want to go out.
After seeveral more failed attempts FINALLY was able to put it in a position where it tightly started coming out. Pulled so hard, it ended up hitting my mouth (I was so happy I couldn't care less, the blood even tasted good!!!).
Installing the Perrin mounts is a breeze except the back bolt which goes in in a weird angle, but nothing that bad.
So at the end, the half hour job ended up being 3 and a half hours. Wow, what a pain in the ass.
My recommendation is whenever you swap your headers (and have plans for big power), just do the mounts and get it over with. I also think I raised the engine enough to make the Spark Plug job manageable. The engine was HIGH!!!
Sorry for the long ass post, but this was an incredibly frustrating experience and I'm sure by posting this, I will save a LOT of time and swearing to the community.