"Fluid Damper" brand of crankshaft damper

[Dragsinger]

Is the Fluid Damper brand/company still a valid part of the market? Specifically SBC drag race application in the 700 horse range.

[andyf]

I've used a Fluidampr on various race engines over the years without any problems. These days I typically use ATI since ATI provides a lot more part numbers and fitments than Fluidampr. I can't really give you a technical answer since I don't have the sophisticated equipment required to measure torsional vibrations. The Fluidamprs work on my 600 to 700 hp engines and the bearings look fine. Would an ATI or a bonded damper work even better, I can't say. I do know that the crankshaft mfg which I usually work with only recommends bonded dampers. He does not recommend either ATI or Fluidampr type dampers. Bonded only such as the ones that Cyco or BHJ make.

[SupStk]

After hearing all the rumors of crank snouts falling off if not using ATI super dampers, I've got alot of engines out there and it hasn't happened yet. Like Andy mentioned bearings look fine and parts pass magnaflux when refreshing.
One word of caution though, avoid the China knockoffs like the plague.

[pdq67]

Fwiw, Summit sells a little damper that is 6.75" dia.

Professional Products 8000 PowerForce Harmonic Dampers and it is steel, not cast!

pdq67

[cv67]

Not a builder but have run them since the 80s never an issue
in fact run the cheap street dampner up high so far nothing has exploded

[PackardV8]

Is the Fluid Damper brand/company still a valid part of the market? Specifically SBC drag race application in the 700 horse range.

No, but some like the Fluidampr brand.

[Keith Morganstein]

Is the Fluid Damper brand/company still a valid part of the market? Specifically SBC drag race application in the 700 horse range.

No, but some like the Fluidampr brand.

I don’t use them on automotive engines.

Fluid filled dampers are very popular, OEM installed on Diesel engines. They do wear out as there is a moving part inside that you cannot see. When a Diesel engine breaks a crankshaft, and especially if the break is towards the front of the crankshaft, you best replace the damper. Otherwise, you’ll probably be replacing the crankshaft again before very long.

[MadBill]

I believe the silicon fluid also breaks down with time and temperature, but I don't know how much of each.

[mike hohnstein]

I understand hydraulic dampers are for a limited rpm operation, like a diesel, not so much for a gasoline performance use.

[af2]

Bless his sole: If it shakes rattle's or rolls it won't go on the dyno. Big Joe

I'll never forget that.

[sanfordandson]

Bless his sole: If it shakes rattle's or rolls it won't go on the dyno. Big Joe

I'll never forget that.

One of my favorites!

[j-c-c]

I thought i read recently new OEM Vettes are using a fluiddamper?

[Stef]

I understand hydraulic dampers are for a limited rpm operation, like a diesel, not so much for a gasoline performance use.

A lot of high end sports car engines use them e.g. Mclaren twin turbo V8.

[stokerboats]

I have a 500 inch internally balanced bbc which makes roughly 700hp. I have run the Fluidamper on this engine since the beginning. I ran the engine on a drag/street car for 7+ years before I chose to freshen it up. Bearings had minimal wear and Marine Crankshaft checked the crank out and the engine went back together still using standard bearings. This engine saw 72-7300 rpm's regularly. This engine is currently back in the car now and still is running the Fluidamper. I can't honestly argue with positive results.

[rebelrouser]

I have used the same fluid damper on my big block mopar for 20 years. 496 CID to now 540 cid, no bearing issues, engine broke an aluminum rod two years ago, only problem it ever had, don't think that was a damper issue. Got one on my supercharged small block mopar street car as well, 5 years now no issues. Put them on a lot of engines.