Feedback on people installing Stillen Crank Pulleys

CJBinder

Good Day Z lovers,
I wanted to verify something with the forum members in relation to my mechanic. To start off my mechanic I trust very much and has worked on lots of 370Z's.

He stated they will not install lightweight crank pulleys due to the fact they mess with the harmonic balancing of the motor and due to this will shorten the life of the engine.

I am curious if there are any members who have this installed and have had issues?

Thank You

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Optimiser

From what I've read I'd stick with the stock one as your mechanic recommends.

AstatenateZ

I installed them on my old 370z, when I was full bolt on. With the crank & alternator kit from NST, I had no issues at all and was definitely noticeable. Revs much quicker. Power comes lot quicker and smoother.

Also in regards to the harmonic balancing. I had Nissan install mine. And they said there is no problem and doesn't void warranty. Harmonic balancing is in older cars. Most newer cars like 370z are internally balanced not just by the crankshaft / pulley just have to make sure it's installed perfectly straight and it won't be a problem. I'd find a new shop. I had mine installed for $75 by a friend at Nissan. And never had one issue with power, A/C or any other accessories not running properly, I loved mine and recommend them to anyone who wants to do the mod!

AstatenateZ

In regards to the post copied above, I did all my research before I purchased and this post was helpful with lots of info. Mainly the article here. When I pulled the OEM crank pulley off. There was NO balancer on it of any sort! It has little notches in it and it just has to be installed perfectly on those notches and it's fine!

Rusty

The dampeners have failed. Ask Trips.There have been a couple of long threads on them. If you want to install an aftermarket dampener. Get an ATI dampener from MA Motorsports. The Z motor is dampened. That why you see the rubber between the ring halves on the dampened. Remember the oil pump is mounted to that end of the shaft. And there have been oil pump failures at high rpm. Some believe it's caused by harmonics.

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Jhill

Even internally balanced engine gain a smoother run from a damped pully period. There have been internally balanced engines ship with just stamped steel pulleys in the past due for economics (cheaper) while the same exact engine put in luxury line would have a harmonic damper. Really unless your at the point of needing that last 1/8 of a hp you won't notice the gain of a lighter pulley however you may notice the harsher running. For the 99.9% of us I would say don't bother.

AstatenateZ

No offense, but has anyone above me here ^ actually installed them? The OP asked for people who have installed and by your posts it sounds like you have NOT installed them lol I have and the power is noticeable, obviously it's not a 10hp gain or anything like that. The thing you notice is the reaction time. It's definitely noticeable. Go play with your shifts auto or manual. Then install these pulleys. And go play around. When your foot gets off in it in a downshift it is 100% change. Your RPM's snap up / down and when you press the peddle there is absolutely no lag what so ever with these pulleys. That's what you notice and it's a big difference. And like I said I had no problems with noises from it missing the rubber dampening piece. No weird vibrations. Electric surges or problems out of accessories. Nissan techs themselves didn't even tell me "you shouldn't do this" or "we won't install these" I have a friend who installed a short time before I installed mine at 60k miles. He now has 130k 4 years later and his is still doing just fine.

Rusty

Hate to break the news to you. I broke a forged crankshaft on a 1970 Chevy LT1 with a four bolt main. 2 months after I installed a lightweight pulley years ago. It broke right behind the first main. You are right about quicker response of the motor. I have installed the ATI dampener on my Z. It's smoother then stock. Motor responses about the same as stock. With the way the oil pump is on the Z. I don't want to take a chance on it failing from high rpm use, like on the track.

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jmroy6

i agree with Rusty 100%, a lightweight crank pulley is a bad idea on these motors. if anything get the ATI dampener! your motor is not worth the few extra ponies imo.

See post #5 on this thread. GTM Performance Engineering stage 2 600hp supercharger kits line-up press release

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SouthArk370Z

Engines have changed a bit since 1970 - better materials, tighter clearances, more attention paid to balancing, etc. Almost an apples-to-oranges comparison.

That said, I wouldn't run a 370Z (or any other car) without a damper. Just not worth it for the (very) few extra ponies gained, IMNSHO. Maybe for a track car but not a DD.

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Spooler

Ah, TRIPS broke his lightened pulley. Do what you like. You have been warned.

Rusty

I know things have changed. But that was $$$$$ that time. And I don't want to go through that again. Lightweight pulleys are just motor bling. A solution looking for a problem.

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Jhill

I'll put it simple. The oem always try to save what ever dollar they can and in the past there have been engines shipped with non damped stamped steel pulleys (which were very light) and as said on the nicer models would get a harmonic damper. Today people will not tolerate a rougher engine so I can't even think of a car that doesn't come with a damper anymore or else you could bet they wouldn't ship it with one if they could get away with it. The example of the Nissan techs not saying anything really isn't a good example, you would be quiet surprised what you find at dealers these days and if you know anything about what is going on in the industry you would find most of the master techs and upper level techs are leaving the industry and dealers are hiring low wage and under qualified techs (trying to fill the shop with any bodies they can find). Go to that same dealer 6-12 months from now and walk the shop I'll bet you'll see about a 35-40% turnover, dealer anr a revolving door right now and thanks to flat rate of course they'll be willing to sell you whatever work you want especially CP work.

Trips

To some extent this is true.

IF your thinking about replacing your oem pulley for an aftermarket?

invest in a pulley from a reputable manufacturer cheaper is not always the best option.

Mine finally broke after 30k without any warning which resulted in a small portion of the hub to remain.

It was a PIA to try to remove on my own with the right tools.

I ultimately had to give up and take to a local shop for it to finally get removed.

IMO the slight 5-7hp gain are not worth it.

If you wrench on your own car, and don't mind the eventual time bomb?

Have at it who am I to keep you from avoiding a potential problem down the road.

Invest that $ somewhere else.

enjoy!

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Rusty

I was an ASE Master Tech at one time years ago. I left the industry because of flat rate, and low pay, and could use my skills making A LOT MORE money in power generation.

Think Trips said it best. Ticking time bomb. Your money, your car. Hopefully nothing happens. But you've been warned.

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