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I'm hoping everyone has watched all of the videos these guys have made about the 4.0 because they all have heaps of knowledge when it comes to making XJ power.
The reason I'm bringing up this video though is because at 16:50 he brings up upgrading the harmonic balancer to an ATI which I would love to do because I'm big on USA parts and I believe, correct me if I'm wrong but ATI products are made in the US. If anyone has done this and knows of what machining needs to be done to make this work let me know, I have a machine shop guy near me that can basically do anything so I'd love to figure this one out.
As you can see here there is serpentine dampeners in there shop so don't be deceived by the lack of teeth on his dampener.
Are you after just a balancer upgrade or the crank sensor set up?
Just the balancer, honestly I just wanted to see if I could get a reply. Looking at this now with my motor in and a good ol OEM one I'm really not going to complain. But this still seemed like a good idea especially for a turbo guy like you.
Also I apologize for how bad I put this thread together, I refuse to edit it though these are my roots
Can you provide a link or the name of the video or something? My work computer wont play the video, but I can get to it if I search the 'net or have a link to click to take me to it.
Can you provide a link or the name of the video or something? My work computer wont play the video, but I can get to it if I search the 'net or have a link to click to take me to it.
youtu.be/F7o4OkKjXZc
Turbo Jeep Smashes World Records! (w/ Newcomer Racing)
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
This just my opinion, so everyone chill. The 4.0 is really a very detuned engine to start with. Always was, even when it was a 4.2. It was designed by American motors who was known for building quality engines that would last a long time. They did this by cutting total output. So bottom line is that when you juice up an engine, it cuts its life expectancy. They did know however to build in horsepower, the 401 would hold its own or surpass a 427 vette engine. A friend of mine proved that at a regional meet back in the day. But I have digressed. When you have a detuned engine, a fancy degree type harmonic balancer marking is not necessary. Your ECM changes your timing a little anyway. On an engine like that, it is necessary. You can bet the stock ECM is in the trash somewhere. You can also bet that the cam has been degreed also, something else not necessary on a 4.0. So personally I wouldn't spend the money on something like that unless I was going full on build. Another thing is that engine is undoubtedly been completely balanced down to a gnats eyebrow, so with that solid harmonic balancer would actually throw the balance off and the engine would shake. Stick with what you have unless you are prepared to tear your engine completely down, replace just about everything but the block and spend a lot of money
This just my opinion, so everyone chill. The 4.0 is really a very detuned engine to start with. Always was, even when it was a 4.2. It was designed by American motors who was known for building quality engines that would last a long time. They did this by cutting total output. So bottom line is that when you juice up an engine, it cuts its life expectancy. They did know however to build in horsepower, the 401 would hold its own or surpass a 427 vette engine. A friend of mine proved that at a regional meet back in the day. But I have digressed. When you have a detuned engine, a fancy degree type harmonic balancer marking is not necessary. Your ECM changes your timing a little anyway. On an engine like that, it is necessary. You can bet the stock ECM is in the trash somewhere. You can also bet that the cam has been degreed also, something else not necessary on a 4.0. So personally I wouldn't spend the money on something like that unless I was going full on build. Another thing is that engine is undoubtedly been completely balanced down to a gnats eyebrow, so with that solid harmonic balancer would actually throw the balance off and the engine would shake. Stick with what you have unless you are prepared to tear your engine completely down, replace just about everything but the block and spend a lot of money
The juicy facts come out! My motor has been balanced and blueprinted so I guess I have nothing to worry about, should run as smooth as it possibly can.
Was it balanced with or without the harmonic balancer?
With. I also bought a harmonic balancer that was completely neutral so I believe he actually didn't even need to take off any material. I have him on speed dial so if I need to ask him something just let me know. I am in no way a master builder yet so I'm learning still.
Has no one else tried this?
