Engine Mount - Strut

Replacement of the engine strut mount (upper torque strut) that connects the engine to the firewall/chassis on the 2005 Dodge Viper 8.3L V10, controlling engine movement under load.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Remove engine cover if equipped (pull upward to disengage clips)
6. Inspect the engine strut mount location at the top of the engine bay between the engine and firewall to familiarize yourself with component orientation

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the engine weight
   Position an engine support fixture across the engine bay to take up the weight, or if using a floor jack place a broad wood block under a structural portion of the block (not directly on the aluminum oil pan, which can crack). Raise the jack or adjust the support fixture to just contact the engine and take up the weight without lifting. The engine should be firmly supported but not raised from its normal position. Verify the support is stable and centered to prevent tipping.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil to fasteners
   Spray penetrating oil on all visible fasteners securing the engine strut mount to both the engine bracket and the firewall/chassis mounting point. Allow 10-15 minutes for penetration. This is especially important on a 2005 vehicle where corrosion may be present.
3. 3

   Remove upper firewall mounting fasteners
   Locate the upper mounting bracket where the strut attaches to the firewall or chassis rail. Remove the mounting fasteners securing the strut to the firewall bracket. These are typically accessible from the engine bay. Note the fastener count, size, and any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove lower engine bracket mounting fasteners
   Locate the lower mounting point where the strut connects to the engine block or engine-mounted bracket. Remove the fasteners securing the strut to the engine bracket. Support the strut with one hand as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from dropping.
5. 5

   Remove strut mount assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully extract the engine strut mount from the engine bay. The mount may need to be maneuvered at an angle to clear surrounding components. If the mount is bound or difficult to remove, verify all fasteners have been removed and check for corrosion bonding at the mounting points.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and clean surfaces
   Inspect both the engine-side and firewall-side mounting brackets for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or damage. Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces and fastener threads, removing any corrosion or debris. This ensures proper seating of the new mount and accurate torque application.
7. 7

   Position new strut mount assembly
   Position the new engine strut mount between the engine bracket and firewall bracket. Align the mounting holes, ensuring the strut is oriented correctly with the bushings or isolators properly positioned. The strut may have a specific orientation marked by 'UP' or 'FRONT' labels. Thread fasteners loosely by hand at both mounting points to hold the assembly in position.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting fasteners
   Install all washers and spacers in their original positions. Begin by tightening the engine-side mounting fasteners to snug, then the firewall-side fasteners to snug. Once all fasteners are snug, torque the engine-side fasteners to specification, followed by the firewall-side fasteners. Torque all mounting fasteners to the OEM specification from the factory service manual. Do not substitute a generic torque value—confirm the correct spec before final tightening, ensuring equal tension on both sides.
9. 9

   Remove engine support
   Carefully lower the floor jack or release tension on the engine support fixture, allowing the engine weight to transfer to the new strut mount. Remove the support equipment from under the engine. Observe the engine position to ensure it settles naturally onto the new mount without excessive movement or misalignment.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if removed by aligning clips and pressing down until seated
2. Reconnect negative battery cable and tighten securely
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground

Verification

• Start engine and observe for excessive vibration or abnormal movement at idle
• With engine running, have an assistant apply throttle to approximately 2000 RPM while you observe the engine strut mount for proper engagement and no excessive engine roll
• Test drive vehicle and verify no unusual vibrations, clunking noises during acceleration/deceleration, or excessive engine movement
• After test drive, recheck all mount fastener torque to ensure nothing has loosened
• Inspect strut mount visually for proper alignment and no signs of contact with surrounding components

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