Fluidampr Opinions
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 854
Likes: 17
From: Florida
Fluidampr Opinions
I recently ordered a new serpentine belt and plan on changing it soon (it's 5.5yrs old). I thought I might put on a Fluidampr at the same time. I am wondering what you guys think of these - does it really help with longevity or smoothness?
I've read their website -overall it sounds like the kind of performance difference (+10HP) that I might not notice.
Has anyone had to replace the stock harmonic balancer b/c of failure? Any troubles with the Fluidampr?
I've read their website -overall it sounds like the kind of performance difference (+10HP) that I might not notice.
Has anyone had to replace the stock harmonic balancer b/c of failure? Any troubles with the Fluidampr?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,460
Likes: 14
From: The Land Of Time
I have no experience with them in the diesel world. I have one on my 86 Grand National, no seat of the pants gains, but it seems to run a little smoother.
I am subscribing cause I was thinking of putting one on my 06. I will be installing one on my 383 build for my 85 K20.
Sarge
I am subscribing cause I was thinking of putting one on my 06. I will be installing one on my 383 build for my 85 K20.
Sarge
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
It helps with smoothness higher up in the RPMs, which my peak HP/TQ is higher then most as HP peaks at 3900.
Now the race care people will say to stay away from them due to failures on the track. That's true, but also realize that on the track they are experiencing far greater RPMs then even I do and they are also in a very harsh environment due to the nature of racing.
It may be worth it for the stock or just tuned 6.0 owner, but I can't swear to that as I put mine on when I did injectors. Still going strong after 3 yrs.
Now the race care people will say to stay away from them due to failures on the track. That's true, but also realize that on the track they are experiencing far greater RPMs then even I do and they are also in a very harsh environment due to the nature of racing.
It may be worth it for the stock or just tuned 6.0 owner, but I can't swear to that as I put mine on when I did injectors. Still going strong after 3 yrs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Different environment. I've seen manual trannys that would go a lifetime on the street, but put them in a few races and they are toast. For over the road work and towing within the truck's limits, fluidampner shouldn't give you any problems. Put it in a high stress environment, you might have some issues.
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
I've been running one since 06 and never really noticed a difference. IMHO it's pretty much a waste of money for MOST people and a lot of diesel guru's will tell you stick with the stock one (which also weighs a lot less).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
I had always thought it helped at higher RPM range, but then again it could have been a placebo effect to it.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Tex--this is the comment that really concerns me and not the first time I've heard it. I wonder if there's a lifespan that we should be concerned about. I know there are also better aftermarket dampers than the fluidampr.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
The problem is, in every instance that I've heard that is that it's been mentioned along with racing. That's an extremely harsh environment that tears up a lot of parts. Parts that last a lifetime on the street, but last 3 races if they are lucky on the track.
I have yet to hear this happening on a fluidampner for a street application.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Florida
I have no intention of racing and agree it is an extreme condition to pass judgment on a part.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: SoCali!!
I have run Fluidampr's on Small and Big Block Chevrolet's in street, strip, and marine applications for many, many years.
I honestly have never cut one open to see if the fluid has changed viscosity in any way. I have however, seen some high mileage, high performance street engines running Fluidampr's disassembled and have cherry main bearings.
I have seen many drag and high performance marine engines running Fluidampr's disassembled for freshening... with some pretty impeccable mains.
Would these engines have had the same, impeccable bearings with a factory balancer? Maybe.
My '03 6.0 has had a Fluidampr since they were first made available (at about 10k), and has given me 7 years of trouble free service. I don't think I am ready to drill a hole in it to check viscosity, although I would love to see someone do it.
I didn't feel any earth shattering difference after installing mine, but it did seem to make the high RPM vibration slight less perceptible.
Again, I would love to see pics of a Fluidampr cut in half, with the fluid as a solid. I would definitely think twice about purchasing another one if I were to see one in that condition.
I honestly have never cut one open to see if the fluid has changed viscosity in any way. I have however, seen some high mileage, high performance street engines running Fluidampr's disassembled and have cherry main bearings.
I have seen many drag and high performance marine engines running Fluidampr's disassembled for freshening... with some pretty impeccable mains.
Would these engines have had the same, impeccable bearings with a factory balancer? Maybe.
My '03 6.0 has had a Fluidampr since they were first made available (at about 10k), and has given me 7 years of trouble free service. I don't think I am ready to drill a hole in it to check viscosity, although I would love to see someone do it.
I didn't feel any earth shattering difference after installing mine, but it did seem to make the high RPM vibration slight less perceptible.
Again, I would love to see pics of a Fluidampr cut in half, with the fluid as a solid. I would definitely think twice about purchasing another one if I were to see one in that condition.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
I agree and I think the difference is a little more noticeable if you have an engine that has their peak HP/TQ output higher in the rpm range then it is from the factory.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
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Like the others I have an 03 and have had one since they they came out. I was one of the first to bring it to their attention that it doesn't work with the dual alternator system. I had my second pulley machined to fit long before they came out with a pulley for this application. I noticed a bit smoother thats it. Would I do it again? Probably not. No return on the investment that I see.
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