How important is it to have an expensive balancer on my engine? What kinda of real-world differences will a see between a Proform $60 balancer and a more expensive (BIG TIME) Fluidampr Harmonic Dampers? The cost difference is so big, so I'm assuming the latter of the two is probably about 10 times better but does it matter [i]that[/] much with this relatively tame motor?
Thanks
Brady

 

If you plan on running at the track in competition racing (not T&T), it has to be SFI approved = more $$$.

If not, and you're not gonna be spending a lot of time above 5000 RPM, a factory GM replacement will be OK.

But buy a GM replacement or one from some other reputable company. I trust Proform stuff about as far as I can throw a BBC with both of my arms chopped off.

 

Yeah i just threw that out there as the cheapest unit i could find compared to some of the more expensive ones. I can get a brand new GM 8" unit for $90 to my front door.

I do spend some time above 5K RPMs, but that is not where most of the engine's time is at...

Brady

 

Wow... Now thats a vivid image..

 

I tend to agree with him though...

 

yep proform is junk. i don't think they make anything i'd use if it were free.

 

Another fairly cheap alternative for a good balancer is the Streetdamper. It's made by Fluidamper and it's nearly identical to the more expensive Fluidamper, with the exception that it's not SFI approved for racing, which is totally unnecessary for a street car. I've got one of each and the Streetdamper was almost half the cost of the other one. Just something for you to consider. P.S. I gotta agree with AJ on Proform. I often wonder if they're another division of Mr. Gasket! Lol.

 

I've never heard, seen, or had a problem with Mr. Gasket products. Not that I buy a lot either.

I assume you have?

 

Mr. Gasket is commonly referred to as the Always Save of performance parts... They have a lot of good stuff, but they have some bad stuff too... Good stuff: O-ring water neck Bad stuff: two piece timing cover (thats at least an example)