460 Harmonic balancer

Johnson · #1 (**permalink**) 07-28-2006, 09:42 AM

What type of balancer have you had best luck with? A local ford builder recomended a TCI Rattler ($340.00), said they work best for big ford engines. I've always been parcial to Fluidampr ($400.00), but this is my first BBF.
Thanks.

CarsByCarl · #2 (**permalink**) 07-28-2006, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnson

What type of balancer have you had best luck with? A local ford builder recomended a TCI Rattler ($340.00), said they work best for big ford engines. I've always been parcial to Fluidampr ($400.00), but this is my first BBF.
Thanks.

Fluid dampers are bad news. I know of several BBF's that have had bearing problems from using them. They work fine at a steady state, but during acceleration, the fluid can't do it's job. Don't know anyone that has used a rattler.

In my experience, stock style elastomer dampers work just fine. I use them on all my builds. No bearing problems, and more durable than anything else available.

ByronRACE · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 05:04 PM

I use, and recommend ATI.

I can't speak for the performance of stock dampers on 460's, but from what I've seen on the small blocks...and based on what appears to be similar construction...I would never use one on a performance engine.

http://www.atiperformanceproducts.co...pers/index.htm

ScatStroker · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 06:51 PM

ATI makes a great balancer, but they're pricey.

Stock balancers tend to fail over time - which is our major complaint about them. Most people assume that they can reuse a balancer but a 30 year old balancer is going to have cracked elasticimer and is going to be on it's way out. If it's a stock rebuild a replacement balancer is an option, but IMO a Powerbond is a good value, higher quality replacement.

As Cart stated we're also not a big fan of Fluidampr's - Scat for example will not warranty a crank that has been used for one. Continuous RPM they work fine, for variable RPM I wouldn't use one.

Romac's and Powerbond's are usually our choice. Both are Australian made, solid type balancers. Powerbond's are a little more reasonably priced and have worked very well in my experience.

$.02

Brian