TropicalVette

My harmonic balancer caused the belt to start making a loud squeaking noise that won't stop. Need to replace it and I don't want the stock GM one. I've installed ported LS6 heads, LS6 intake, 232/234 Comp cam (with all the other hardware required), long tube headers and other parts. I'm having to replace a crank pulley that I installed less than a year ago, since when I did the cam and heads project I did the new balancer as well.

I would like any of your recommendations for a good aftermarket harmonic balancer. Please help...

pauls99z28

iTrader: (32)

How do you know its a bad Balancer? What kind of diagnostics have you done?
Did you try cleaning the belt grooves? Might just be dirty.

TropicalVette

When I first started the engine up after the build the loud squeaking soundwas evident. I had been working on my project doing body work and hadbeen starting the engine every once and a while for break in. I squirted WD40 atthe belts and the sound would stop but come back after a couple of minutes. I dida lot of research about it and decided that it was the damper. I pulled it out and found that it has a flatspot on the rim. Seems that it had beendropped at the parts store, since I'm sure that I never dropped it. The rubber was irregular and didn't seemcorrect, but I wanted to get the engine part of the restoration project donewith, so I installed the damper as it was. I was concerned of how it looked but I never did see the flat spot onthe rim. The attached link is from thefirst time the engine was started:

Corvette start up - YouTube

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Ati super damper... Get the regular size one too, the UD one will work at your power level but the stock size will better damper your engine..

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

The ATI UD is only a 10% - but most of the power gains come from better harmonic dampening. But I agree. ATI is the way to go.

If you can't swing $420, the Powerbond is a decent alternative. It provides a 25% UD, which is a lot for a street car. I think it's $219 with belts and new bolt from Scoggin Dickey.

TropicalVette

I really appreciate all your comments and suggestions. I always feel confident that I will find the correct answer for my LS1 questions in this forum. Knowledgeable people that are willing to help their fellow enthusiast in a honest and uninterested manner. Thanks!!

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Powerbond 25% here with no issues. Our summers here are HOT so I added a smaller alt pulley to speed it back up to keep up with the AC demand.Check WS6store for proper belt number if you decide to go with the alt pulley along with the 25%.

03Sssnake

iTrader: (20)

Yep...that scoggy powerbond kit one is a deal! Belts, re-usable bolt and balancer for 219!

https://sdparts.com/details/powerbon...pbu1480ss25-fb

Troy5061

iTrader: (19)

I have the Powerbond stock replacement pulley, looks really nice and its only $75 bucks if you look around. Haven't gotten around to installing it yet but it should do the trick. If you need an SFI one Powerbond makes one for around $200, or if you want the best of the best get the ATI but its $400+.

garygnu

check Texas Speed or the ws6 store for balancer

TropicalVette

I did the ATI 917266 purchase through Summit today. Hope to have it on by next Tuesday.

dailydriver

^^^THIS.

Your mods, build, and power level warrant it (even if most on here say otherwise), especially if you are going to wind that LSx out often.

The whole deal will also last longer as well.

redbird555

iTrader: (14)

ATI is the best I run their 10% ud. I got mine for 225 shipped scratch and dent. Call or email ati and see if they can build you a "blemished" pulley like they did for me. my defect is that the timing marks are mis marked but the pulley itself is great

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I recommend raising the idle to offset the lower alternator output with a UD crank pulley. First it allows you to rev higher without over-revving your alternator, and second hp/trq gain from the UD crank pulley is maintained.
IMO, this is a better solution than a OD alt. pulley.

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

Yes, S Dickey all the way, great price on the kit. Installed last weekend, couldnt be happier. Really nice looking balancer btw, much better design than the factory one which was wobbling on mine and makin me nervous.

Atomic

iTrader: (37)

These engines are internally balanced, thus the "dampener" is not a really a dampener, its just a pulley.

97FormulaWS-6

iTrader: (1)

So you're telling me that a LS motor doesn't have any vibrational harmonics in it?