fluid harmonic dampner

[flyinlow]

What it the advantage to a fluid vibration damper for a street car?

How long do they last?

[DAmatt]

I have installed a fluidampr on my '68 440 after my rebuild. Still waiting another month or so to finish paperwork & get my car registered (I'm in Europe), so I can drive it and get a complete idea. For a direct comparison, I've got experience with another fluidampr on my wife's 2000 Audi TT quattro. The difference could certainly be felt in smoothness. Engine vibrations were clearly reduced at all rpms.

To my understanding, the factory calculates the specs of the damper for attenuating the vibration harmonics on a narrow rpm band - typically where it's worst - at other rpms, they lose their efficiency. A fluid damper works at any rpm, and with any load, that's why it's a good idea if you start modifying your combo. But you asked for a street car, so I'll restrict my comments on that hypothesis.

Due to the fact you counterbalance the engine vibrations, you also get a few ponies, there were dynos for the TT (225hp car) which showed about 4-5hp. So on the 440 perhaps a bit more? A modified 329whp car got to 340 after the fluidampr was added. Though one is a 4 cyl, and one a V8, balancing is different. I've also been looking on the site, and on the net in general, to see somebody dyno a fluidampr on our engines, or at least an American V8, but it seems it's more of a Euro thing...

As to how long they last, the sealed silicone inside doesn't change chemically, and I have heard of no issues with this particular damper. When my wife sold the TT last year (with all my opposition, it was an absolutely awesome gem of a car, get one while they're still cheap!), it was still in the same tip top shape as when I installed it 2 years earlier.

Concluding, I do not have a direct, before & after comparison on the Charger, but from my experience with the little TT, you can certainly feel the improvement even on a stock car.
Number one for a street car would be reduced engine vibrations, number two increased engine component life, number three the small power gains.

Don't worry if one of the holes is misaligned, just drill it in the correct position. Also, you may have to file down half a millimeter from the water pump casting, maybe less. No issues other than that.

[flyinlow]

.Thanks, good info !  any problems in cold weather?

[cdr]

I do not like fluid dampeners . took mine off & replaced it.

[c00nhunterjoe]

I do not care for them either. Ati here.

[AKcharger]

I got one on my '72 400/Stroked 470. I can't really tell much of a diffrence

[flyinlow]

Why don't you like them?

What ATI do you recommend? Need something more that 50 year old stock,

[DAmatt]

I didn't feel a difference related to outside temperature.

Though I am pleased with the fluidampr & I like the concept, I have an open mind, and I too am curious about why other members would dislike it. I'm always ready to change my mindset if I am provided with evidence on the contrary.

[b5blue]

440 Source like them and has a good price.