Engine Mount - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front engine mount on the 2008 Dodge Viper with the 8.4L V10 engine, including proper engine support and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front engine mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts.
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points.
5. Remove engine undertray or splash shield if equipped to access engine mount fasteners from below.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare work area
   Visually inspect the front engine mount from above and below to identify all fastener locations. The front mount is located at the front of the engine block and connects to the front crossmember. Note the condition of the mount and look for signs of oil contamination or damage. Apply penetrating oil to all mount fasteners and allow to soak for several minutes.
2. 2

   Position engine support
   Position a floor jack with a wide wooden block (minimum 12 inches wide) under the engine oil pan, positioned toward the front but not directly on the drain plug. The block distributes load to prevent oil pan damage. Alternatively, install an engine support fixture from above that hooks to the engine lift points. Raise the jack or support fixture until it just contacts the engine with minimal upward pressure - do not lift the engine yet.
3. 3

   Remove mount-to-frame fasteners
   Working from below, locate the 2 bolts securing the engine mount bracket to the front crossmember/frame. Remove these bolts completely and set aside. These are the lower attachment points that secure the mount assembly to the chassis.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support engine weight
   Slowly raise the floor jack or engine support fixture to lift the engine approximately 1/2 inch. This unloads the front mount and allows access to the upper fasteners. Monitor the engine position and ensure no hoses, wiring, or components are being strained. The engine should rise evenly without binding.
5. 5

   Remove through-bolt if equipped
   Check if the mount uses a through-bolt design that passes through the mount isolator. If present, remove the through-bolt nut and withdraw the bolt. This bolt passes horizontally through the mount assembly and may require tapping with a soft mallet to remove if corroded.
   Torque spec

   Through-Bolt85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove mount-to-block fasteners
   Locate the 3 bolts securing the engine mount bracket to the front of the engine block. These bolts thread into the engine block casting. Remove all bolts completely. Access may require working from the side of the engine bay with extensions.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove engine mount assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully extract the front engine mount assembly from between the engine block and crossmember. The mount may need to be maneuvered at an angle to clear surrounding components. If the mount is stuck, gently pry at the bracket edges but avoid prying against the engine block directly.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the engine block mounting surface and the crossmember mounting surface. Remove any rust, dirt, or old thread-locking compound from the bolt holes. Inspect both mounting surfaces for cracks or damage that could affect the new mount installation.
9. 9

   Install new engine mount assembly
   Position the new front engine mount assembly between the engine block and crossmember. Align the mount bracket with the bolt holes on the engine block. The mount isolator should be centered and the bracket oriented correctly for fastener installation. You may need to adjust the jack height slightly to achieve proper alignment.
10. 10

    Install mount-to-block fasteners
    Thread in the 3 engine mount-to-block bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a cross pattern to 65.0 Nm (48.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. This ensures even clamping force on the mount bracket.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Lower engine onto mount
    Slowly lower the floor jack or engine support fixture to settle the engine weight onto the new mount. Lower until the mount is compressed to its normal operating position and the lower bracket aligns with the crossmember mounting holes. The through-bolt holes should also align if applicable.
12. 12

    Install through-bolt if equipped
    If the mount uses a through-bolt, insert the bolt through the mount assembly and install the nut. Torque the through-bolt to 85.0 Nm (63.0 lb-ft). Ensure the bolt passes cleanly through all components without binding.
    Torque spec

    Through-Bolt85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install mount-to-frame fasteners
    Install the 2 bolts securing the engine mount bracket to the front crossmember. Thread bolts by hand first, then torque to 75.0 Nm (55.0 lb-ft). Verify that the mount bracket sits flush against the crossmember before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Remove engine support and finalize
    Carefully remove the floor jack and wooden block or disconnect the engine support fixture from above. The engine is now fully supported by its mounts. Reinstall the engine undertray or splash shield if removed. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
2. Verify engine sits level after mount installation and no components are strained.
3. Double-check that all tools and rags have been removed from the engine bay before lowering vehicle.

Verification

• Start the engine and observe the front mount for proper operation - the engine should not exhibit excessive movement or vibration.
• With the engine running, have an assistant shift between Drive and Reverse (with brake applied) while you observe the mount for proper damping of torque reaction.
• Visually inspect that all bolts are properly seated and torqued.
• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any unusual vibrations or noises that could indicate improper mount installation.
• After the first 50-100 miles, re-check all mount fastener torque values to ensure nothing has loosened.

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