Balancer/damper replacement

C4fan · 02-26-2011, 10:39am

Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement for the OEM balancer on the LT1? I don't want to cheap out now (despite the billion some odd $'s already spent) but I don't think I need to spend the bucks on and ATI. Most of the parts stores offer a Dorman replacement for about $85 and I'm thinking that will do. But, I don't mind spending a little more for a better part if there is one available.

Midnight85 · 02-26-2011, 12:55pm

Check out Summit, they have some with their own logo on them and they do look pretty nice. They are similar to the Professional Products dampener but the guy I talked to at Summit said they were not the same.

C4fan · 02-26-2011, 1:09pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight85

Check out Summit, they have some with their own logo on them and they do look pretty nice. They are similar to the Professional Products dampener but the guy I talked to at Summit said they were not the same.

I have looked at Summit, didn't see andy Professional Products brand. ATI, Pioneer and Auto Specialties.

PLRX · 02-26-2011, 2:19pm

I considered the ATI for my LT4 Build up. The thing is that with the ATI, once you drop the engine the frame will not allow the damper to come off.

We know that soon or later you have to change those infamous oil seals. Can you live with the oil leaks or willing to pull the engine because the ATI balancer is thicker than OEM?

Q: Is your LT1 out?

C4fan · 02-26-2011, 2:35pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLRX

I considered the ATI for my LT4 Build up. The thing is that with the ATI, once you drop the engine the frame will not allow the damper to come off.

We know that soon or later you have to change those infamous oil seals. Can you live with the oil leaks or willing to pull the engine because the ATI balancer is thicker than OEM?

Q: Is your LT1 out?

Yeah, it's my new stroker. I haven't put it in yet.

C4fan · 02-26-2011, 5:00pm

Here is another possible problem. The stock Part # for my balancer should be 10128489. The number on my balancer is 630344EX5 found on the center part.

Does anyone know how to properly measure the diameter of the balancer? If it is measured at the largest diameter of the balaner then it should be about 7 3/32 like the Dorman replacement. Unfortunately, most of the after market types are 7.5" or 6.75".

PLRX · 02-26-2011, 5:52pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by C4fan

Here is another possible problem. The stock Part # for my balancer should be 10128489. The number on my balancer is 630344EX5 found on the center part.

Does anyone know how to properly measure the diameter of the balancer? If it is measured at the largest diameter of the balaner then it should be about 7 3/32 like the Dorman replacement. Unfortunately, most of the after market types are 7.5" or 6.75".

Contact Brian here or Brian Cunningham at the CF. I know Brian C uses the ATI and has an oil leak but, he is building a 500 HP blown LT1.

mike100 · 02-26-2011, 9:13pm

If your stroker is internally balanced, I'd just get the $85 stock replacement. The oem rubber isolated ring over hub is really durable. I've seen the fancy fluid dampers go bad and make a ton of noise- nobody can see that part on C4's and it won't change hp output- get the cheap oem replacement.

Midnight85 · 02-26-2011, 11:41pm

Actually, I have the cheap PP balancer on my 383 and it is fine. I was answering above pertaining to your statement you didn't want to cheap out.
I just finished checking mine all over to see if it was still in the position it's supposed to be, it is just like I installed it 4 years ago.

C4fan · 02-27-2011, 12:06am

The LT1 has a one piece balancer/pulley. I think my biggest hurdle at this point is getting the correct diameter. It seems most aftermarket are 6 3/4 or 7 1/2 and my stock one is really in the middle at 7" (or just slightly bigger).

Midnight85 · 02-27-2011, 3:37am

Just don't go bigger, the amount that the aftermarket one is smaller won't hurt a thing.

C4fan · 02-27-2011, 9:13am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight85

Just don't go bigger, the amount that the aftermarket one is smaller won't hurt a thing.

but again here is the dilemma. My short block builder told me I had a 7.5 and at least some of the 6 3/4" balancers were listed on Summit as undersized. So that 2 votes for the bigger one. I think I'm just going to have to contact one of the aftermarket companies to get their answer.

Thanks to everyone who helped. I'll post up what ever I come up with.

C4fan · 03-02-2011, 9:20am

Damn, this is getting old. I've never had so much trouble buying a part. I looked at Orielly's auto parts web site and found one for a decent price and decided to go for it. Part #PB1481-N (Powerbond), the specs on their page are diameter 6.732, width 3.228, bore ID 1.672. I asked him to measure the diameter for me and he comes up with diameter 7.500, width 1 3/8, bore 1.622.

, he even called another store that had one in stock and it measured the same.

Then I actually called and talked to a rep from Pioneer who gave me a part #872013. I found this on ebay sold by Summit and it says on the sale page, and I quote.

"Weight is 8.80 lbs. Marked for TDC only. Will not fit Corvette models."

Again,

, I've spent hours reading old post and getting only half the story. I ordered all the rest of my parts yesterday and hopefully they will be here by this weekend. But, I'm afraid this one will not allow me to work on my car this weekend, or at least as far as I wanted to go.

OK, I feel better now.

dclafleur · 03-06-2011, 12:56pm

Sorry you're having the trouble, I hope you get your car buttoned up soon I expect to see you on the road chasin' down Chilipepper in the C6!

C4fan · 03-06-2011, 11:03pm

Hey man, the troubles are minor. Just trying to get the last minute stuff. Wasn't able this weekend but next weekend is looking good. Hopefully a little warmer too.

C4fan · 03-14-2011, 1:21pm

Just to put a close on this thread. I ended up getting a Dorman from RockAuto. The cost was $55 and looks nearly identical to OEM. I was not impressed with the workmanship though. There was rust in the belt grooves that was painted over when they painted it. Other than that it looks OK, I just hope their quality control was a little better when they put it together.

dclafleur · 03-14-2011, 7:49pm

So did you start putting the new iron in the car on Sunday?

C4fan · 03-14-2011, 11:36pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by dclafleur

So did you start putting the new iron in the car on Sunday?

Yep, Sunday we got the engine in sitting on the motor mounts but still on the hoist. Tonight we got the bottom 2 bolts on each side of the tranny put in (they are the easy ones in case you didn't know that, lol). I would have done more but I had to convert one of my floor jacks into a transmission jack.

C4fan · 03-24-2011, 10:51pm

Strick · 10-24-2011, 9:53am

Couldn't you order a damper from the stealership?

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