Harmonic balancer considerations

[RDMG]

Good evening everyone,

My machine shop suggested I replace my stock Rover 4.6 harmonic balancer, and suggested I look at ATI racing products for an aftermarket option.  New OEM Rover harmonic balancers cost over $500, and junkyard dampers on the web are all at least 15 years old now, and are universally sad looking.  That got me thinking.

Rebuilt dampers are about $250-ish on Damper Doctor, and there's a range of options in stock there that may also fit my crankshaft.  I'm not sure which of the 215/3.5/3.9/4.6/Buick300/340/350 dampers interchange.  My RV8 4.6 balancer looks to be much heavier than the early Buick 215 balancers.  I'm guessing that's due to the larger size of the rotating mass at the other end (torque converter or piggish flywheel), as compared to that of the early 215 skylarks

I'm planning to use a lighter flywheel than the original Land Rover, and am wondering if that permits me to use a lighter balancer at the other end of the crank?

Any suggestions out there for what part numbers might work?

I'm still noodling on a custom front cover, so belt/pulley alignment and  belt type is a problem I already have.

Many thanks!

Dave

[MGBV8]

Forget the Buick 300/340/350 dampers.  They are externally balanced.

[roverman]

" Don't try this at home" ! I use the sbc,  Fluidampener.   Internal balanced. I tack-weld a 1/2 height soft steel key, in the slot, bore out , leaving about .003-.005", for hone to fit RV8 crank. A.I.R. , you must broach keyway deeper. Not for everyone. Use at your own risk !     Art.

[BlownMGB-V8]

I use a 6 cylinder Jeep fluiddamper with a custom made adapter which is machined for balance.

Jim

[40indianss]

D&D has the appropriate damper available for the 4.6 and iirc it is about $250 or so.  Fit perfectly and I am using their 10lb flywheel also

[Young olds]

Anyone look at the bhj or ati for the 215? I am looking to replace my stock damper, was leaning towards the ati but there is a note about it being for dry sump use. But I can not think of a reason your oiling system would affect your balancer.

[BlownMGB-V8]

You should ask them. Let us know what they tell you if you would,

Jim

[Young olds]

The ati balancer that summit racing shows fits the 215 does not. Ati told me that one is for Buick's with a Chevy crank snout, and for some reason why it is dry sump only. The bhj is about $600, waiting to hear back from ati wether or not they actually offer one for the 215. In the mean time is there a nice aftermarket balancer around a $200/300 price range? Are most people using stock balancers?

[Young olds]

ATI does not offer one for the 215.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Damper Dudes should have one.

Jim