ATI Performance Products‘ Super Damper harmonic dampers have become very popular with enthusiasts and racers in every category and class of racing. Providing engine protection, ATI’s Super Dampers are available for practically every GM engine and every style, including a supercharged damper with grooves machined into the outer shell to accommodate blower belts.
These dampers are designed for built engines that are likely to see high performance applications. As such, they require some attention that OE dampers don’t and ATI has some tips and recommendations for these prominent engine saving components.
Zero balance units should not be drilled and should not be on the crankshaft for balancing. Install the damper at engine assembly. Since the inertia weight in the Super Damper is not bonded, it may not be on center until the engine is started. The damper may show out of balance until the engine reaches 2,000 RPM the first time and the inertia weight centers itself.
Dampers with Aluminum Hubs:
All dampers with aluminum hubs have a .002-inch press fit between the crank and the hub. You must not alter the press fit of the hub in any way because the press fit on the aluminum hub is slightly tighter to compensate for the elasticity of the aluminum.
To expand the hub slightly and help it slide onto the crank, place hub in boiling water or coffee pot burner for five-minutes. Use gloves to handle the hub after it has been heated. After installing the hub, allow time for it to cool.
For street and drag race motors (up to 800 hp) the damper should be rebuilt every 10 years. Above 800 hp, blown or nitrous racing, the damper should be rebuilt annually. Circle Track/Endurance dampers should be rebuilt during each engine rebuild.
For five and a half-inch dampers, rebuild depends on horsepower:
- 400 hp–rebuild every five years
- 400-600 hp–rebuild every two to three years
- 600+ hp– rebuild annually
For more information on ATI Performance Product’s Super Dampers or other high performance products, visit them online at www.atiracing.com.