cmbtengnr

I have a 2002 LS1 firebird WS6. I am considering an underdrive pulley/balancer.

Leaning towards going that route when I change out my belts anyway(probably a sooner rather than later project my belts currently do not impress me with their condition) I am looking at the SLP unit at 25% advertised underdrive or the fluidamper at 10% advertised underdrive. Personally I like the press fluidampers get but have never owned one personally to see if I really think it is worth the extra couple hundred bucks.

Any thoughts or feelings on if it matters which or if NOONE likes underdrive pulleys?

98ws6blk

I wouldn't go through all the work for the 10% unless you already have the stock pulley off. That's just my opinion though : )

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

My ATI dampener is one of my favorite purchases. The quality is amazing, it eliminated my belt squeal problem and the motor just feels smoother now.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

My 10% under fluidampr has been awesome. No complaints and high praises for it. The engine feels smoother across the entire RPM range, compared to the stock unit.

Sommer86

iTrader: (46)

I've got the SLP and love it. But if you're an auto, get the alternator over drive pulley as well. I've had mine on for about 70k now and no complaints.

ls1 1990 VN

ATI 10% or standard, none of the others can compare with the quality of these true super dampers

LPE 403

iTrader: (6)

ATI....then there's the rest.

roninsonic

iTrader: (3)

get an ATI... Go ahead and key it while you're down there... That way, when you procharge it later, you're good to go

LPE 403

iTrader: (6)

Quoted for good advice, if you plan on making any power later. Just had to pin mine...

DANOZ28

iTrader: (1)

my 25% ud pulley worked well for about 3 months , now im having voltage meter issue. i 2nd the poster that says you should get an overdrive alternator pulley. i bought a new alt w overdrive pulley not installed yet. my A4 idles at 600 rpm w foot on brake. ls6 cam.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

ATI on mine as well. You make power from the better harmonic dampening of the ATI. The slowing down the accessories makes a little power, but I'd not do that.

The SLP/Powerbond unit is ok, but the ATI is in another universe in terms of performance, price, and quality.

DANOZ28

iTrader: (1)

i sure wish someone would post horsepower gains from an ATI rather than just say its great. twice the price is tuff unless you have unlimited cash flow. thx

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

I got a used Powerbond on ebay for around $120. I would have a hard time justifying the price of a new Powerbond, much less anything more expensive.

Zmg00camaross

iTrader: (11)

Who cares about the power. A proper dampner can do alot. Harmonics kills engines along with rpm! I put a ATI dampner on mine also to help that. Feels a tad smoother, revs a little faster. In my eyes it's not something to skimp on.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

But that's the point. You don't buy an balancer for HP gains. You buy it to balance and dampen the harmonics of the crankshaft. Anything that doesn't excel at that isn't worth using.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

I did a lot of research on ATI super dampers before purchasing one, I wanted to know what made them so great just as you do!

I ran across a lot of information from Kurt urban how he tested single timing chains vs double rollers and how they were binding and that he added a timing chain damper and an ATI super damper and the problem stopped..

This was enough info for me

I also emailed him awhile back and he suggested the full size steel version for street driving!

I took his advice based on his experience vs mine.

In my opinion getting a ATI SD over a stock or regular aftermarket damper is similar to doing the trunion upgrade vs keeping the stock rockers OEM.

They both will work but one is better..

Usually word gets around when something works very well, majority rules in most cases.. Sometimes that theory doesn't work but good products spread by word of mouth!

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Vettes had a problem breaking timing chains. Even the C5R chain. It was because of harmonics at 4500 which, when road racing, is hit quite a bit. Adding the ATI and a timing chain damper solves it as Burken said.

I run a double roller with the Katech LS6 timing chain damper and the ATI balancer.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Exactly, a lot of people are doing "new" mods to their car that they have never done before.

And as jake fusion has said in his build thread, you try to gather as much credible information on parts from "real" racers and engine builders and then make a sensible decision.

In the end I prefer to do preventive maintenance and spend the extra coin on a better proven part, my build had taken almost twice as long because of that but it's a choice I made..

You don't have to get an ATI, but if you notice problems "if" then you'll have the information and can switch later..

DANOZ28

iTrader: (1)

while i wont dispute ATI is the best ,(& costs the most) are you ATI guys saying SLP, POWERBOND etc are not improvements over stock???

Zmg00camaross

iTrader: (11)

Exactly, suprized everyone doesn't know this, if you gain hp it's a bonus.