Sierra cast alu engine mounts

[voucht]

To make a long story short, I had clearance problem while doing my steering column extension. Using the Sierra rubber engine mount (80mm high), the extension would touch the the cast mount, using the Land rover mounts (35mm high), the extension would touch the water pump outlet.

EngineMount01.jpg

To solve the problem, I needed 63mm hight rubber mounts. I found these neat (and stiff) Volvo mounts, 48mm high, and I made a small 15mm extension to reach the right height.

I'm quite happy with the result, I got the clearance I needed under the water pump and above the cast mounts.

EngineMount02.jpg

Problem : the threaded rod on the Volvo mount is too short to go all the way through the cast aluminium engine mounts from the Sierra's DOHC. The body of the mounts is hollow, but the drilled part is full. So I “machined” them myself. I removed about 15mm of thickness, and it is now about 15mm thick.

EngineMount03.jpg

I really would like to leave them like that, but I don't want my engine mounts to brake. What do you think? Is it too weak to your opinion, or will it support the stress of the engine movements?

EngineMount04.jpg

All opinions, input and advises are welcome

Thank you.