Trying to educate myself.. you guys know this stuff..
Article published on NHRA web site (
here) says:
" A stock damper is calibrated for a specific power level and rpm range, and as you go beyond that point, the stock-bonded rubber damper becomes less effective and can fail with the damper coming apart. .... any engine that has been modified for increased horsepower and/or higher rpm limit can benefit from the use of a quality harmonic damper.”
If correct, then yes, stock dampers are "tuned" and changes to stock rotating assembly without addressing the vibe risk might be a contributor to crank failures.
I'm sure the damper sellers will agree but I'm now wondering when you guys justify changing from stock style to a $500 damper?