I've been keeping an eye on my harmonic balancer ever since I found the timing mark had slipped. It still maintains a smooth and even idle and I'm keeping an eye on it but I'd like to be prepared for it's replacement.

I'm curious about what sort of replacements are available, whether it's a standard Ford balancer or an aftermarket performance balancer. Just what are the benefits of the performance ones? What general prices?

Vic - the main advantage of the aftermarket balancer is the quality of the unit. The genuine article is described as s**t by many a mustang owner. An aftermarket unit is less prone to failure.

You will also find the aftermarket items have a better balance, i understand the std units should not be used over 6000rpm... but i doubt that really matters for people like you and I...

Seeing as the genuine unit costs about $170, price of an aftermarket likely to be cheaper... i think around $100 - $120...

Replace it before it goes mate... i've seen pictures from mustang engines where crank has broken due to balancer lettin' go...

I had mine replaced with a Powerbond Race Series which I obtained from HPW at around $300. However, I only got it for that price because they had had no street series when I got there.

Apparently you gain a few more hp due to the balancer being lighter, and that also means that the engine will rev slightly quicker, perhaps because they are better balanced. It's not unlike getting an underdrive pulley..

The best thing is, they are unlikely to die as often as the genuines. Another choice I am aware of is Romac, but they are a tad more expensive again.

FYI:

http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread ... t=harmonic

I should have mentioned - easy job... 1/2inch drive, 24mm 1/2inch socket and a puller (ABW does universal harmon. bal. puller for about $25 from repco)... just remember to thead bolts into inner ring of balancer.. or you'll pull the outer ring off.

Yeah, I pulled the outer off mine when I was rebuilging the 302 in my XW. Made getting the inner off even more difficult.

So apart from reliability, a good quality balancer allows the engine to rev quicker, for longer duration and more safely at higher rpm?

Lower rotating mass would suggest this is likely.