Just got back from the local dealership where they were trying to figure out where this awful sound was coming from. Thought it was a/c since I had already replaced tensioner, belt, and alternator. Turns out they said that the harmonic balancer is "seperating from the shaft" whatever that means. Anyone have any knowledge about this. Car is a 96 Z28 with 70K. Also, I have been looking at aftermarket replacement such as fluidampr, asp, ati, etc. Any imput would be greatly appreciated.

 

i went with a oem replacement. it was only like $40. youll also need to get a pulley puller. itll take about 10 minutes once you get the car lifted up. take off the three bolts. if they are on tight, put the tranny in 6th gear (for a manual) and use a breaker bar. to put the new one on, use a torque wrench set for 63 ft. lbs.
you can get the pulley from discount auto or autozone. i had the same thing happen to my car. i thought it was my tensioner pulley and a/c too. thats kinda funny.
as far as what that means, the balancer is a solid rubber (i think) ring around a smaller pulley. the ring has seperated from the inner pulley. hope this helps. let me know if you need anything else.
dave

 

Cool, that helps a lot. What do you think about lightweight underdrives?

 

I had the same thing happen to me and I just got the stock one, the fluid damper is too expensive, and most of the undrive pullies, still use the stock balancer and just bolt onto it. Plus I didn't want to bother with my batterie not charging well because of the underdrive for only a few horses.
I got mine from carparts.com I dunno where silver got his for $40 but Jason has it for like $130 carparts had it for like $99.

 

it might not have been $40. its been a while. i was thinking that it wasnt too much. oh well, your best bet is to call around locally and see who has the cheapest price. or call jason for a good price. i'll put his number below. he's the go to guy on this site for cheaper oem parts. later
dave

Jason Cromer: 1-877-726-8295

 

Summit sells an OEM-style LT1 damper for $116. JEG's sells an SFI-rated LT1 damper, either stock diameter or 10% U/D, for $200, hub not included. The ATI Super Damper is $380.