Harmonic balancer/damper question on engine mods
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 219
From: West Branch, MI
Harmonic balancer/damper question on engine mods
I'm sure this has been beat to death somewhere on the forum, but my searching has been fruitless so far as to my questions. I'd appreciate some input from you great guys!!! 
As some of you may be aware, I'm close to embarking on substantial engine mods in January. New cam, heads, headers, intake, tb, etc... list goes on and on. My question is about the current harmonic balancer. I've got a 98 coupe with 119K miles. No problems with current balancer. No chirping, no wobble, no vibration at any speed or rpm. Since I'm going to be doing all these other mods, should I go ahead and spring for a new damper? What are the reasons for one if the old one is working ok? If a new one is recommended, should I go with a particular brand (like ATI or such) or can anyone recommend a good balancer that works well with our LS1 engines? I've tried to research this, but the exact reason for harmonic balancer changes eluded me, other than the fact that the old one had failed in some manner. Any tips/recommendations would be welcomed. I seem to be a bit weak on this subject. Thanks.
As some of you may be aware, I'm close to embarking on substantial engine mods in January. New cam, heads, headers, intake, tb, etc... list goes on and on. My question is about the current harmonic balancer. I've got a 98 coupe with 119K miles. No problems with current balancer. No chirping, no wobble, no vibration at any speed or rpm. Since I'm going to be doing all these other mods, should I go ahead and spring for a new damper? What are the reasons for one if the old one is working ok? If a new one is recommended, should I go with a particular brand (like ATI or such) or can anyone recommend a good balancer that works well with our LS1 engines? I've tried to research this, but the exact reason for harmonic balancer changes eluded me, other than the fact that the old one had failed in some manner. Any tips/recommendations would be welcomed. I seem to be a bit weak on this subject. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
I say replace it. Even though your current one is fine, I would replace it solely on the fact that an ATI or Powerbond is just a better quality balancer. To me it would be a good piece of mind to not have to worry about if/when my stock pulley will fail. Plus you're already going to be in there so it is the best time to do it.
that's just my $.02
that's just my $.02
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
I'm in the middle of a cam swap. My car only has 23kmi but I replaced the perfect balancer with new OEM. It was only about $67 + shipping so you might as well replace it. At your mileage the balancer maybe worn where the front cover seal touches it.
If your car is a manual, be sure to scribe the balancer location prior to removing!
If your car is a manual, be sure to scribe the balancer location prior to removing!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
My stock one failed at 30k miles. If yours has lasted 119k miles you should consider yourself lucky.
I went with the stock diameter Powerbond. Available from Oreilly's for about $100. I've had it on for about 2 years and absolutely no wobble.
Good luck with your project.
I went with the stock diameter Powerbond. Available from Oreilly's for about $100. I've had it on for about 2 years and absolutely no wobble.
Good luck with your project.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 905
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Absolutely replace it - at the very least, with a new stocker. I am in the middle of a timing cover and waterpump replacement due to leaks in both and I'm changing everything I can get my hands on while I'm in there including belts, hoses, tensioners, timing cover and gasket, timing chain, front seal, crank pulley, crank bolt (w/ ARP bolt) and thermostat. This is the wife's 2002 C5 with ~35K on the clock but no way am I reusing this stuff since I have it all out anyway.
Last edited by Patches; Dec 30, 2012 at 11:37 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 403
From: Portland OR
I'm in the middle of a cam swap. My car only has 23kmi but I replaced the perfect balancer with new OEM. It was only about $67 + shipping so you might as well replace it. At your mileage the balancer maybe worn where the front cover seal touches it.
If your car is a manual, be sure to scribe the balancer location prior to removing!
If your car is a manual, be sure to scribe the balancer location prior to removing!
OP, most people here call the balancer a pulley, so a bit hard to search.
The ATI is probably without a doubt, the best aftermarket balancer. I don't think anyone will dispute that. They are expensive, and they make a bunch of different ones for the LS, so probaly best to call them for the correct part number.
I bought a slightly used powerbond (SLP version) that is 25% UD. Works great. My guess is that someone here will say they are junk. I don't think so.
ASP makes one, but haven't read anything good at all about them.
Even though I have no plans to supercharge my car, I pinned mine with the ATI pin kit. I guess I'm old school, but it just seems like the right thing to do. The ATI pin kit puts the pin in the side of the crank snout. The others that put it in the end are a one time deal as far as I'm concerned.
Have fun! When are you doing all the mods?
Ron
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
