Replacing Harmonic Balancer
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Forked River NJ
Re: Replacing Harmonic Balancer (Tom Johnson)
Stock engine I would say OK. If it is modified and you are going to turn some rpm I would replace it. I run a Fluidamper others have had luck with other brands.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
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Re: Replacing Harmonic Balancer (Tom Johnson)
If you are doing a mild engine rebuild then the expense of an aftermarket balancer might be overkill. But I believe that if you have the cash then a Fluidampr Streetdampr is the thing you want. At $150.00, it will make a real difference on your engine.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: las vegas
Re: Replacing Harmonic Balancer (Smokehouse69)
I have a built engine and put a new stock balancer on it.Within one year it had spun the outer ring more than a quarter of a turn.I went witha Streetdamper as a replacement.It is a one piece unit and can not move.It has engraved timing marks and appears to be well built.The only thing is it comes unpainted, and you must paint it or the warrenty will be voided if its rusts. :seeya
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Pro
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From: Oneida WI
Re: Replacing Harmonic Balancer (Tom Johnson)
I am thinking about replacing the harmonic blancer with a Fluidampr Streetdampr. My stock balancer is 8" and the Streetdampr is 6 3/4". Wil the Streetdampr work? My vette is a 71 with a 350/270hp.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Fremont, CA, USA
Re: Replacing Harmonic Balancer (Tom Johnson)
Tom-----
The 6-3/4" Street Damper will work, but you will need to change your timing pointer. Your 1971 pointer, if it's original, will be spot welled to the timing cover. You'll need to remove this one and install pointer GM #3991425 pointer. This pointer is affixed by 2 of the existing timing cover retaining screws.
Also, you may find that the Street Damper hub section is thinner or thicker than your stock balancer. If it's the same thickness, then you can use your existing crankshaft pullie(s), as-is. If the Street Damper is thinner, then you'll need to shim between the damper and pullies to achieve the same thickness for pulley alignment. If the street damper is thicker (which I doubt), I don't know what you're going to do. I strongly suspect that you'll find that the Street Damper is the same thickness as your stock balancer (1-5/16") but I'd ask before you order one. If it's not, I probably wouldn't bother with it and just go with a stock dampner.
The 6-3/4" Street Damper will work, but you will need to change your timing pointer. Your 1971 pointer, if it's original, will be spot welled to the timing cover. You'll need to remove this one and install pointer GM #3991425 pointer. This pointer is affixed by 2 of the existing timing cover retaining screws.
Also, you may find that the Street Damper hub section is thinner or thicker than your stock balancer. If it's the same thickness, then you can use your existing crankshaft pullie(s), as-is. If the Street Damper is thinner, then you'll need to shim between the damper and pullies to achieve the same thickness for pulley alignment. If the street damper is thicker (which I doubt), I don't know what you're going to do. I strongly suspect that you'll find that the Street Damper is the same thickness as your stock balancer (1-5/16") but I'd ask before you order one. If it's not, I probably wouldn't bother with it and just go with a stock dampner.
Race Director
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: Replacing Harmonic Balancer (Tom Johnson)
Should I go with a stock harmonic balancer or an after market one?
