The engine is safe if the parts are quality. IDT the factory intended the damper to operate above the original power peak, and the rubber has definitely degraded over time.
That's unfortunate. The one on the engine right now is a new factory style balancer so I'm not worried about old rubber but that's good to know.
Originally Posted By: Blackwater
The ATI harmonic balancer is proven and has been used on numerous factory engines. I've personally seen minor horsepower increases JUST from installing this balancer and on top of everything else, it is both tunable and rebuildable! Is is also a non friction unit and doesn't rely on liquids or clutch type functions to work.
The ATI, in my opinion and the opinions of the engineers of SEVERAL O.E.M. manufacturers, is superior to other aftermarket products.
Well it sure looks like a nice unit. Is there any way to use the factory fan with the ATI unit (or the TCI rattler) or does it essentially force you to go to an electric fan?
The ATI unit is used in SEVERAL factory applications! It usually will work in the place of the OEM unit, but you should check with the manufacturer to be certain. For my big block Chevy's it was no problem to run a fan, We usually used an electric fan, but the clearance in our Super Stock cars was fine and one car even used the factory alternator belt and pulley.
Never use a minor caliber bullet on a major caliber adversary
