ATI Harmonic Balancer: Honing to Fit Stock Crankshaft

[LSS&B]

I installed an AR224 Timing Cover on 1966 440 engine. It has stock depth.
AR Engineering says "Works with Fluidamper FLU720311 $519.49 or ATI 917122E $377.99 Harmonic Balancer." Mancini Prices
I have seen some older comments about ATI Harmonic Balancer requiring honing at a machine shop to achieve correct internal diameter to install on a stock crankshaft.
Is this still true?
If so, is there a quality damper that is bolt-on and price competitive to ATI? Thanks
ATI Standard Harmonic Balancer

 

[Charlie Brown]

I installed the same damper on my 426W a few years back. It was a tight fit, but it went on OK using the balanccer bolt with washer. One thing to know though, your bottom pully will not be in the stock location (allignment) with your other pullies. Any where from 1/8 to 3/8 inch offset. I uesd a Ford pully to compenstate.

 

[pnora]

I have never had to hone one. I will say they do fit extremely tight. No problems removing or installing with the right tools.

 

[pnora]

When installing I would coat it and the crank snout with a film of anti seize.

 

[BSB67]

I hit the crank snout with emery cloth and the balancer with a wheel cylinder hone. Made the install easier. You’ll need to put something in the keyway for honing.

The ATI 917470E is the correct balancer for the pulleys to line-up.

 

[Rebelrouser]

I have had to hone a lot of different brand balancers usually on new cranks. If it is an OEM crank most of the time they will go on. One thing to think about is If it is going on tight with an installation tool, many times you might be rolling metal from either the balancer or the crank and you will push those cuttings into the oil pan and many times never know it.
to answer your question, you just have to buy one then and measure and try it.

 

[rickseeman]

In the old days you got a Mopar balancer and it fit. How simple. The spec was .0005"-.0015" interference fit and everything was fine. ATI is supposed to be the best so I use them. I think they make them too small, then you can't return them because they don't fit. They just tell you to hone it. ATI calls for .0007"-.0009" interference fit. You have to have some pretty good measuring equipment for that. And even if you know someone with a Sunnen hone, the keyway mandrel to do it costs $500. Nothings easy nowadays. I prefer the 1970's.

 

[6PKRTSE]

We measure and if needed hone to fit. It doesn't matter if it is Pro Race, Powerbond, Pioneer, TCI, ATI or other. Sometimes they all need a quick hone job.

 

[Nxcoupe]

I use the Dulcich method. He uses a flapper paper roll, and sizes it by spinning it with the drill while holding it against the bench grinder. He explained the method in person to me and it worked perfectly. No need to compensate for the groove. Went on smoothly and that engine makes over 1k rwhp with no issues in 3 years. Balancer went on with proper tool.

 

[gkent]

by spinning it with the drill while holding it against the bench grinder.

What am I missing here ??

 

[GTX JOHN]

We prefer BHJ.

 

[LSS&B]

I hit the crank snout with emery cloth and the balancer with a wheel cylinder hone. Made the install easier. You’ll need to put something in the keyway for honing.

The ATI 917470E is the correct balancer for the pulleys to line-up.

Thanks for the part number!
I checked Summit https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ati-917470e
No problem with price.
What did you put in keyway to use wheel cylinder hone?
Also, the reviews site problems with the T-40 Torx pulley attaching bolts. I have the socket tool. Did you have any issues with these bolts?

 

[LSS&B]

We prefer BHJ.

Hi John,
What part number is correct for stock pulley location?
Did you have to hone to install? Thanks

 

[BSB67]

Thanks for the part number!
I checked Summit ATI Performance Products ATI917470E ATI Super Damper Standard Harmonic Balancers | Summit Racing
No problem with price.
What did you put in keyway to use wheel cylinder hone?
Also, the reviews site problems with the T-40 Torx pulley attaching bolts. I have the socket tool. Did you have any issues with these bolts?

I don’t recall using T-40 Torx bolts for the pulley.

Sliver of wood.

 

[dvw]

The reason they are so tight is they weren't measured and honed. Press fit per ATI should be between .0006"-.0008"
https://www.atiracing.com/instructions/Super-Damper.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoo0S0BaZ8aPaN
Doug

 

[GTX JOHN]

Hi John,
What part number is correct for stock pulley location?
Did you have to hone to install? Thanks

I have not had to hone them in the past number of times.
They are used by a lot of our Stock/SS racers.

I have had crank issues with the fluid units and avoid that style.

I do not know the number off the top of my head.