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View Poll Results: Ati balancer worth it or not
Yes 9 64.29%
No 5 35.71%
Voters: 14. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 01-16-2022, 08:52 AM   #1
Purplt1
 
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Ati balancer worth it or not?

Been looking at a ATI balancer for my heads and cam car. But not sure if it would be worth the $500. Looking for some reviews to see if it's worth it or not. Thanks
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Old 01-16-2022, 05:13 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Purplt1 View Post
Been looking at a ATI balancer for my heads and cam car. But not sure if it would be worth the $500. Looking for some reviews to see if it's worth it or not. Thanks
the biggest PITA is removing original, putting on the ATI unit which requires a different belt and reinstalling the A/C stretch fit belt. One would have to have all the right tools or pay a decent buck to have it done . Have to weight the work, all the expenses etc for a max of maybe 10 horsepower or less. I have been contemplating it also, but cannot convince myself its worth it.
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Old 01-16-2022, 05:22 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by lt4camaro View Post
the biggest PITA is removing original, putting on the ATI unit which requires a different belt and reinstalling the A/C stretch fit belt. One would have to have all the right tools or pay a decent buck to have it done . Have to weight the work, all the expenses etc for a max of maybe 10 horsepower or less. I have been contemplating it also, but cannot convince myself its worth it.
I have the tools to install it but not sure if it's worth the time, still deciding though.
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Old 01-16-2022, 05:32 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Purplt1 View Post
I have the tools to install it but not sure if it's worth the time, still deciding though.
Would need the correct puller, correct device to press back on. I would think the new serp belt would be $30.00 or more? I have removed the a/c belt which is easy but to put it back on.... whew it took me and a friend to do it. What have you heard to be a realistic horsepower gain??
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Old 01-16-2022, 06:28 PM   #5
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Anyone have a link or video for the tool to replace the A/C belt?
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Old 01-17-2022, 07:28 AM   #6
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Anyone have a link or video for the tool to replace the A/C belt?
Also a tool to hold the engine from turning over so the you can torque the balancer bolt to what I have heard to 180 lb ft. Most likely need to have a second person under the car to hold the flexplate with what ever tool you use.
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Old 01-17-2022, 07:45 AM   #7
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Anyone have a link or video for the tool to replace the A/C belt?
There are a couple of threads on installing the ac belt. It's a pita regardless of the tools or technique though. One tip is to reuse the original if it's in good shape, you can easily jump it back on without any special tools or tricks. If you replace the belt, use the OEM part. I wrestled with a Gates belt for hours before giving up and getting an AC Delco belt. The OEM is no walk in the park, but it's doable.
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Old 01-18-2022, 12:49 PM   #8
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Its not too bad, remove intake, probably tb, drop the starter, remove belts. Drain coolant and remove fan to make room for puller. The removal tools work to get the ac belt off but are worthless getting it back on. Crank bolt is a mfer, but it'll eventually bust. Need a 3 prong puller and flywheel lock which are both cheap. The install tool i bought was for a stock damper but made it work. Ati crank bolt torqued to 240 lb ft. Was able to get the ac belt back on with some pressure from my thumb in the right spot as I turned the crank bolt.
Just to give you an idea
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Old 01-18-2022, 01:09 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenZLE View Post
Anyone have a link or video for the tool to replace the A/C belt?
There is one on YouTube removal and install. Should help.


https://youtu.be/O5Qn6YmkGl0
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Old 01-18-2022, 01:31 PM   #10
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The Chrysler pullers will allow you to not open the coolant system or touch the fan
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Old 01-18-2022, 06:20 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Evansa22 View Post
Its not too bad, remove intake, probably tb, drop the starter, remove belts. Drain coolant and remove fan to make room for puller. The removal tools work to get the ac belt off but are worthless getting it back on. Crank bolt is a mfer, but it'll eventually bust. Need a 3 prong puller and flywheel lock which are both cheap. The install tool i bought was for a stock damper but made it work. Ati crank bolt torqued to 240 lb ft. Was able to get the ac belt back on with some pressure from my thumb in the right spot as I turned the crank bolt.
Just to give you an idea
So between the balancer, new belt, tools, possible crank bolt or around $600 and all the very hard work, is it worth the very small 5 to maybe 10 HP gain??
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Old 01-18-2022, 06:21 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by lt4camaro View Post
So between the balancer, new belt, tools, possible crank bolt or around $600 and all the very hard work, is it worth the very small 5 to maybe 10 HP gain??
Yes - certainly less nvh and potentially less wear on the engine. Plus more power I’m in!
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Old 01-19-2022, 02:17 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by lt4camaro View Post
So between the balancer, new belt, tools, possible crank bolt or around $600 and all the very hard work, is it worth the very small 5 to maybe 10 HP gain??
Different for me as I have a zl1 and it allows pulley changes, so it was worth it. For an lt1 engine? I'm not sure but it says on the damper best insurance for your engine you can buy, not sure what that means. I assume less weight on the crank, engine doesn't have to work as hard to turn.. Seems to rev a little quicker as well. It may be worth it if your trying to get the most out of your engine and want it to run as smooth and efficiently as possible. It's only time and money
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Old 01-19-2022, 03:40 PM   #14
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$600 for 10 hp.

same hp:dollar as a rotofab
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