Zoidman

Hi Guys!

I just got a call from my dealership saying that I need to replace the harmonic balancer on my 2000 C5. It's an automatic with about 92,000 miles. I agree with the dealership that the balancer should likely be replaced. I've heard some chirping noises from the engine... and already replaced all the belts and tensioners trying to eliminate the chirp.

The dealership wants about 850$ to do the replacement.. ouch

I've read that when you are that far into the engine, it is an excellent time to preventively replace some other parts such as
- Timing Chain
- Oil pump
- Camshaft??

Anything else you would recommend replacing? Is there any reason the cam would wear, and would need to be replace it?


Thanks!!

Smoken1

I've read that when you are that far into the engine, it is an excellent time to preventively replace some other parts such as
- Timing Chain
- Oil pump
- Camshaft??

This all depends on your goals, Chain and pump yes.. As for harmonic balancer don't get a stock one b/c it will fail again

Zoidman

My goals are to try and not get back into this area again, cause it's a lot of expensive labor! The car is a daily driver and I'm satisfied with the performance, but reliability is very important.

Can you recommend a balancer?
I've been looking at the ACDelco 12560115 for about 84$.
And the ARP 2342503 Stud Kit for around 34$ more.

Smoken1

I would look at the Powerbond alot of Ppl use them as a replacement... As for the replacement bolt yes ARP is better

Zoidman

Turns out that Powerbond is now a Dayco brand!

Anyway, I found the PB1117N
It seems to sell for about the same price (85$) at O'Reilly or a couple places online.

I am also considering getting a replacement timing kit (gears and chains) rather than just the chain. The KT3-4194S kit by Sealed Power seems to fit the bill.
Any thoughts?

Smoken1

Pm sent

vettenuts

I would think you could find a Corvette specialty shop in your area that would do the work. I would just go with the GM timing kit if I were in your position, it is made by Cloyes and is actually a pretty good setup.

Zoidman

I called up the specialty shop in my area, and they were pretty expensive! Quoted me 50$ higher to do the balancer swap than the Chevy dealer where it is at =/

On the plus side, the specialty shop is more like to be willing to use parts I bring in, than a dealership would be. I haven't had a chance yet to ask the dealership if they'd even be willing to to use my parts...

I've read some debates over high volume and high pressure oil pumps. I had an issue with my car on some mountain roads last year, where the oil pressure dropped to a mere 2 PSI after pushing it hard. I've been suspicious of my oil pump ever since.

This is the only reason I'd consider swapping the oil pump out to a high pressure version.

I'm fine with OEM spec part swaps on pretty much everything, unless there is some aftermarket part which my promise longer term reliability.

vettenuts

Pushing it hard is likely a drain back issue and not the pump itself. That's one reason they add extra oil for events like that, the oil stays on the head and doesn't drain back fast enough. High volume pump will only make it worse.

Chicago1

Sound about right for the labor. Any chance of doing it yourself? i did mine and a few others and its not that bad. And yes do the chain, cam etc etc since you are right there.

Ls2gtoowner

This.

I would do an oil pump as well.

I run an innovater west crank pulley but that might be a tad expensive for your setup. They are very pretty though!

Chicago1

A powerbond will be fine for his needs.

twizted91gt

$850 for the labor?? Thats extremely excessive. Most performance shops will have a full cam install package kit that will include all the labor/parts for $1800 or thereabouts. Youll get your pulley issue fixed and another 40-50 rwhp while everything is apart.

Chicago1

A cam kit is about 700 or cheaper lets say 800...So your at 1000-1100 for labor according to you...

twizted91gt

Right im sure you also remember the set of gm gaskets, oil/fluid change, new plugs and oh yea $400-500 complete dyno tune that comes with that package.

maj75

Try at least $2800 for that package in South Florida.

twizted91gt

God I thought ny prices were high.....
There are at least 2 sponsor shops off the top of my head on here that offer a full setup tuned for ~$1800
Thats the reason i suggested the OP go that route, just another option rather than dropping half the cost of a full cam swap on an oem crank pulley replacement.

American Heritage

Is your squeaking sound only at startup or all the time?
If its only at start up or when cold check to see if you water pump is leaking. Often times a slightly leaking water pump will cause the belt to chirp when first started or when cold.

http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/

KBL

I had to replace mine because of the typical corvette pulley wobble. I got tired of throwing belts. Changed the pulley and as you said I put in a Lingenfelter cam, roller lifters, c-6 heads, racing oil pump, high volume water pump and other stuff. After removing everything I took the block out and had a machineshop install the cam and heads. Heads up make sure the machine shop will guarantee the work mine didn't because they were performance parts. I have a neighbor who is a mechanic so this mid-life crises wasn't so bad. The car is absolutely deadly now. You may want to be careful in that the motor could run a little warmer than you care to have it so I had to pop for a radiator and fan set.

LiteraCola

Just yesterday I called my local dealership to price out a balancer/crank seal install... The truth is, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to do his for him but wasn't sure what was a fair price. I said I was interested but wanted to see what the dealer would charge. The dealer quoted close to $1600 and would only install the GM balancer. Completely and utterly ridiculous. Ask me again why I never take my car to the dealer.