should I install a balance shaft kit

[mtnmike]

I having a problem on deciding to install a balance shaft eliminator kit on my stock rebuild of my 91' talon tsi. The pros I'm told are a few more hp due to less rotating mass and if the balance shaft bellt goes it does not take out your timing belt. The cons if it is for a daily driver it would vibrate the heck out you although it is ok for a track car. What have any of you experienced after you put this kit in and is it worth it ??
Thanx Mike in the Sierra Foothills

 

[Hcaruso4]

First of all if you are doing a stock rebuild i would say that this is really unnessasary. Not only are the power effects negligible on a stock rebuild but its also really just wasted money in this application. On the other hand i daily drive a fully built motor with the balance shafts removed and i find the vibration to be mild and more than bearable to daily drive

 

[92AWDHX40]

I removed mine less things to break.

 

[TunaTalon]

BS bearings fail because they are heavily loaded due to the imbalance of the shafts. The main and rod bearings on my Talon were "like new" after 183,000 miles while the balance shaft bearings were worn near end of life. Balance shaft bearing failure will cause balance shaft belt failure.

Getting more horsepower with the shafts removed is somewhere between lore and myth. Without the balance shafts the engine vibrates enough to shake the whole car. However much horsepower it takes to keep that vibration going is how much less horsepower is available at the crank.

To us olde folk who grew up driving smooth revving V8s a shaking engine is annoying and even feels "expensive".

 

[kthackst]

Yeah take them out. It is one less belt you have to buy during the rebuild and the vibration is that bad.

 

[1990TSiGuy]

I'm new to this site and just purchased a 1990 TSi AWD Talon not too long ago as my DD, it has the eliminator kit on it and it works fine for me. Could be that I'm just use to my jeep but I haven't found anything to complain about as far as horrible vibrations.

 

[knochgoon24]

I've eliminated my balance shafts and don't have any crazy vibrations. Then again, by engine mounts are probably due to be replaced.

Stiffer engine mounts transmit that vibration more, so those who say is shakes the car have upgraded engine mounts. Some people even run solid mounts.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Good to know just got mine out and havent had a chance to drive it yet. Looking foward to it, i also have stiff mounts i the car.

 

[mtnmike]

Hey guys thanx so much for all your help I will think I put on the balance shaft eliminator kit once it is time to take the engine to the machine shop

 

[projekt1]

I have mine removed and the vibration is almost unnoticeable. You really cant tell if its vibrating (a normal vibrating feel) because of the BSEK or because of the mods.

 

[GS ice T]

Yes, definitely do the BSE if you are doing a rebuild anyway. I'm a victim of the balancer belt breaking and it caused my timing belt to skip which led to a huge mess... a valve snapped off and punched holes in a piston even.

Not only do you not have to worry about this anymore, but with one less passage for oil to go through you get increased oil pressure. You WILL gain a few hp, although nothing noticeable. The power needed to equalize the vibrations is freed up, NOT taken away.