Where does NHRA stand on our harmonic balancers?

[Maltman]

Question of whether or not I'm going to run into problems running at the track (11s) with a stock flywheel and balancer.......

Question #2: Can we even run "aftermarket" balancers on our cars? I'm thinking no....but I do have an ever so slight vibration at about 3000 rpm that might be dampened by an aftermarket.

In either case, I don't have a clue and the searches aren't answer my questions with any explanation.

 

[NastyGn]

Originally posted by Maltman
Question of whether or not I'm going to run into problems running at the track (11s) with a stock flywheel and balancer.......

Question #2: Can we even run "aftermarket" balancers on our cars? I'm thinking no....but I do have an ever so slight vibration at about 3000 rpm that might be dampened by an aftermarket.

In either case, I don't have a clue and the searches aren't answer my questions with any explanation.

To your first question the Buick balancer is legal because it's steel and one piece. People can use them but most people who build up a stage II will spend the money and add an after market balancer.

Yes they do make and after market SFI balancer for our cars. Mine was bought at Conley's and I'm sure other vendors can get them.

As for the flywheel. NHRA requires a SFI flywheel or flexplate. It might be a good idea to get one but I have to admit I have never had someone crawl under the car to check it.

Good Luck

 

[Maltman]

Ok...so the balancer isn't really necessary...unless I'm going to a different block.

I'm guessing that my torque convertor might have something to do with the vibrations anyway since the engine was balanced/blued....maybe not...either way, it is a minor vibration at best.

As for the flywheel....well, I don't have my inspection pan on so they "could" see the flywheel. It isn't the original, but I think it is an oem replacement....which means that I'm "not" legal. However, is any car that comes in off the street legal, or do they start that rule when you hit a certain time.

Thanks Nastygn

 

[TurboDave]

Re: Re: Where does NHRA stand on our harmonic balancers?

Originally posted by NastyGn


<snip>


As for the flywheel. NHRA requires a SFI flywheel or flexplate. It might be a good idea to get one but I have to admit I have never had someone crawl under the car to check it.

Good Luck

Not for running in the 11's it's not required.

 

[Maltman]

Great...because I'm sick of doing things "twice"...that tranny is not easy to do when you don't have a lift! ...or the patience

...thanks TurboDave

 

[MSDGN]

Stock balancer and flexplate is good to 11.00...after that you need SFI stuff...

 

[musclecar neal]

Sorry to say that the stock damper is NOT legal in NHRA competition past 11.00. No matter what it is made from ( it is cast Iron or cast steel) no cast units are legal and all units must meet SFI Certification. I have asked the Division 2 Tech Director about this matter more than once and as the rules state " all cars running faster than 11.00 must have an SFI Certified Damper installed" Those are the rules no matter what anyone else said. are stock dampers are not legal past 11.00.

Neal

 

[azgn]

correct....10.99 and faster needs SFI balancer.......stock flex plate is good to 9.99