Harmonic Balancers

[KEast]

Is there any reason to upgrade the factory crank blancer to something like a ATI balancer if the botom end is stock?

Thanks

 

[Casey]

If you are going with a SC, yes, upgrade!

 

[Racer Robbie]

turbo or sc yes

 

[MKB96Viper]

Upgrade the balancer. I just had my second viper loose a balancer and damage the crank. Two in two years. First my 96 and now my 2000. Dodge will do absolutely nothing about it. Its a known problem and Dodge knows but does nothing. Its about a $7,000 - $8,000 fix so do the balancer asap. I can't believe Dodge will not accept responsibility for this problem. Anyone else feel my pain?

Keith

 

[Racer Robbie]

I feel your pain brother. Chuck Tator pins the balancer in 4 places and he tells me that he has never had a failure after installing 4 pins in it.

 

[Daniel Cragin/DC Performance Inc]

If the balancer bolt is properly torqued and a locking compound used, you will not have a problem. All the balancers I have seen come off, the bolt came loose. On SC engines the cast balancer can crack if you run higher than stock boost, its a good idea to replace it.

 

[rblong]

Does this also apply to Gen III?

 

[Viper Specialty]

Does this also apply to Gen III?

Sure does... actually moreso due to the smaller damper bolts used in 2004's. They are notorious for coming loose.

 

[VENOMAHOLIC]

Roe Racing has a 2 pin kit that is so far doing the job for me after my damper fell off. I wonder if the Gen IV engine at NAIAS has a key or a pin from the factory?

 

[Viper Specialty]

Roe Racing has a 2 pin kit that is so far doing the job for me after my damper fell off. I wonder if the Gen IV engine at NAIAS has a key or a pin from the factory?

Doubtful... the new engine is still NA, and dodge learned their lesson with small bolts (2004). A properly torqued damper bolt should come loose, even without a key, so long as OEM accessory drag isnt far surpassed (blower)

 

[Viper Specialty]

Duh... above post should say SHOULDNT come loose.