Harmonic Balancer Question...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Port Townsend WA
Harmonic Balancer Question...
Hi All,
I'm new to the site and have already been over to the intro part, and now I have the first of maybe many questions. I just bought a '99 FRC with high miles on the clock. (It was a well taken care of daily driver)
Anyway I started to hear a whine/chirp coming from the from the front of the engine and found the harmonic balancer has a wobble to it. I'm not comfortable with this so I'm going to change it.
My question is I've found, both SFI approved, a stock style replacement and another with a 25% under drive. This car is going to be a good weather cruzier for my wife and I. I'm would like to know what thoughts there are on which one to install considering our use for the car. I want a car to get into and drive from 5 to 500 mile at any time.
Foot Note: I like to tinker with performance and this is "My Hot Rod".
Thanks,
Don
I'm new to the site and have already been over to the intro part, and now I have the first of maybe many questions. I just bought a '99 FRC with high miles on the clock. (It was a well taken care of daily driver)
Anyway I started to hear a whine/chirp coming from the from the front of the engine and found the harmonic balancer has a wobble to it. I'm not comfortable with this so I'm going to change it.
My question is I've found, both SFI approved, a stock style replacement and another with a 25% under drive. This car is going to be a good weather cruzier for my wife and I. I'm would like to know what thoughts there are on which one to install considering our use for the car. I want a car to get into and drive from 5 to 500 mile at any time.
Foot Note: I like to tinker with performance and this is "My Hot Rod".
Thanks,
Don
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,876
Likes: 0
From: Edmond OK
I experienced a similar issue, and replaced mine with a Powerbond 25% underdrive unit. It is a nice piece, and I have yet to experience any cooling, charging, or other issues. I bought mine from forum vendor Byunspeed as a kit with new belts.
It's quite a job, requiring removal of the steering rack among other things but can be done in one's garage with patience. You will also need a new GM or aftermarket (ARP) crank bolt.
If you EVER plan on installing an aftermarket camshaft, this is the time to do it so you don't have to repeat work. Just a thought.
It's quite a job, requiring removal of the steering rack among other things but can be done in one's garage with patience. You will also need a new GM or aftermarket (ARP) crank bolt.
If you EVER plan on installing an aftermarket camshaft, this is the time to do it so you don't have to repeat work. Just a thought.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 2
From: Troy MI
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Port Townsend WA
Thanks for the feed-back... I think I'll be going with the under drive unit and not think about a cam change for now.
BTW, where would one get a set of ramps that would allow me to get such a low car high enough to roll under? I'm sure some of the work will be easier to get done from below???
Sorry for all the questions, but once I start this job I don't want to stop. We sort of live in a semi remote area and most uncommon (for our area) items take added UPS or Frgt. time.
BTW, where would one get a set of ramps that would allow me to get such a low car high enough to roll under? I'm sure some of the work will be easier to get done from below???
Sorry for all the questions, but once I start this job I don't want to stop. We sort of live in a semi remote area and most uncommon (for our area) items take added UPS or Frgt. time.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Ramps won't really help you, because you'll have to take the front wheels off in order to remove the steering links, as the entire steering rack must be removed to facilitate swapping the balancer.
Also, don't forget to order a new balancer bolt as well, it is a one-time use fastener.
Also, don't forget to order a new balancer bolt as well, it is a one-time use fastener.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,876
Likes: 0
From: Edmond OK
This is the way forward.