Stratosurfer
01-24-2009, 07:55
All,
My mech installed the Fluid Damper yesterday along w/routine maintenance and I couldn't wait to drive it when I got home late last night. I allowed it to idle then did some city driving and then went out into the county for freeway speeds and acceleration tests.
First of all the striking difference is the entire vehicle is much more quiet. I wish I had done a DB reading at various RPMs before and after but I didn't so I can only say it is -much- quieter at all RPMs. At idle, the Tahoe used to have considerably more diesel vibration than my Suburban that still has the OEM balancer on it. I suppose this is due to Detroit Diesel doing a better job of internal balancing the year after my Tahoe's was stamped out. Now I believe the Tahoe is smoother than the Sub and have sold all this to my wife so as to get funding for one for the Sub for an even smoother ride for her and the kiddos.
On acceleration I did notice a little more get up and go. On a 0 to 70 WOT it seemed we got there Pretty Darn Quick for a stocker, however I must confess this is purely subjective and yes a little sympathetic in my mind to the $420 paid. Objectively on the hard acceleration here again the engine and whole vehicle accordingly was -much- smoother.
Was it worth $420 over OEM. I think time will tell in the longevity category, the Tahoe is quite young at only 70,000 miles on the clock so I think the lifespan of this vehicle has been lengthened if nowhere else than on relieving some stress on the crank. The vibration reduction is very noticeable, and this can only be a good thing. The lower vibrations (harmonics) do as well lead to a lower overall noise factor. The noise difference is not the difference between night and day, but it is easily noticeable at all RPMs. Having studied vibration (vibration analysis) considerably in the Navy, I came to understand the significant destructive force out of tolerance vibration can have on a mechanical system. As well the OEM harmonic balancers have the engine inside the acceptable vibration envelope when the engine reports for duty brand new. Over time the OEM unit by design will lose it's ability to dampen vibration as the rubber breaks down from all the shock absorption.
In summary on having driven only about 10 miles, I'm happy with my purchase. The fact it is lifetime warranted, is silicone filled and will never wear out (OEM's will only last so long by design: rubber breaks down) is a huge bonus. I definitely recommend this significant upgrade and believe that over time it will become part of the upgraded 6.5's we all drive into the future.
My mech installed the Fluid Damper yesterday along w/routine maintenance and I couldn't wait to drive it when I got home late last night. I allowed it to idle then did some city driving and then went out into the county for freeway speeds and acceleration tests.
First of all the striking difference is the entire vehicle is much more quiet. I wish I had done a DB reading at various RPMs before and after but I didn't so I can only say it is -much- quieter at all RPMs. At idle, the Tahoe used to have considerably more diesel vibration than my Suburban that still has the OEM balancer on it. I suppose this is due to Detroit Diesel doing a better job of internal balancing the year after my Tahoe's was stamped out. Now I believe the Tahoe is smoother than the Sub and have sold all this to my wife so as to get funding for one for the Sub for an even smoother ride for her and the kiddos.
On acceleration I did notice a little more get up and go. On a 0 to 70 WOT it seemed we got there Pretty Darn Quick for a stocker, however I must confess this is purely subjective and yes a little sympathetic in my mind to the $420 paid. Objectively on the hard acceleration here again the engine and whole vehicle accordingly was -much- smoother.
Was it worth $420 over OEM. I think time will tell in the longevity category, the Tahoe is quite young at only 70,000 miles on the clock so I think the lifespan of this vehicle has been lengthened if nowhere else than on relieving some stress on the crank. The vibration reduction is very noticeable, and this can only be a good thing. The lower vibrations (harmonics) do as well lead to a lower overall noise factor. The noise difference is not the difference between night and day, but it is easily noticeable at all RPMs. Having studied vibration (vibration analysis) considerably in the Navy, I came to understand the significant destructive force out of tolerance vibration can have on a mechanical system. As well the OEM harmonic balancers have the engine inside the acceptable vibration envelope when the engine reports for duty brand new. Over time the OEM unit by design will lose it's ability to dampen vibration as the rubber breaks down from all the shock absorption.
In summary on having driven only about 10 miles, I'm happy with my purchase. The fact it is lifetime warranted, is silicone filled and will never wear out (OEM's will only last so long by design: rubber breaks down) is a huge bonus. I definitely recommend this significant upgrade and believe that over time it will become part of the upgraded 6.5's we all drive into the future.