Is LS1 an internally or externally balanced motor?
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Teching In
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Laurel, MD
Is LS1 an internally or externally balanced motor? I'm considering getting an underdrive pulley setup for my TA but was curious to know if our engines are neutral balanced at the crank since there is no keyway to align the crank pulley in any specific orientation. Can anyone shed any light on this subject?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Laurel, MD
LS! interal or external balanced? Thaks RsSean for the quick reply! I know that U/D pulleys are a common upgrade and some people refer to them as balancers but how could you align one on a keyless crank. (BTW I guess one of those silicone fluid type dampers would be a waste of money?!)
You don't. Keyed balancers (aka damper) are necessary on engines with distributors where you use the balancer as a reference for your ignition timing, and sometimes supercharged engines also. LS1 references ignition timing off of the reluctor wheel on the back of the crank.
The damper on an LS based engine is pretty close to perfectly round therefore it does in fact enhance the engine balance but mostly it absorbs or dampens little sharp vibrations hence the term dampener . I would say Fluidampers are a good thing if You have the extra cash . The better an engine is balanced and smooth the longer it will last and will put a little bit more power out .
