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Summer of 2016 I will be doing some work to the '79. Heads and cam. I will be replacing the harmonic balancer as well. I am looking at the Fluidamper brand. Are there any real advantages to the aftermarket balancer? Does anyone have any recommendations/suggestions?
The factory 8" balancer goes for about $130 the cheapest Fluidamper is about $230. Others may know more but the only advantage I see for a street driven car is the Fluidamper is partially degreed going to + or - 40.
I recommend the Professional Products 80000.
It is smaller and lighter.....built well...and has the marks you need to set true timing.
It is also a bargain......
If you are not racing or turning a lot of RPM's skip the costly Fluid unit.
I ordered a stock replacement from rockauto. It was under a hundred if I recall correctly and the timing mark was spot on when I checked it. It took 20 for my old one to slip, hopefully I'll get the same out of this one.
According to testing the heaviest balancer is the the best for engines turning up to 6000 RPM to produce the best power. Above 6000, then lighter.
Fluid dampers are not worth the money IMO for less than race builds and may not be then either.