balance shaft removal

[fast4g54]

Hi all...i'm interested in hearing from anyone who has used a balance shaft eliminator kit in a 4g54...i've heard that the engine becomes way less 'smooth' at certain rpms and just want to know everyones thoughts about the pros/cons of removing them and what exactly is achieved by doing so....i believe ( but i stand to be corrected ) that mitsubishi is still using balance shafts in their 4g63t evo engines and i kinda think that if removing them was such a big improvement the engineers @ mitsubishi would have followed that path a long time ago...i've already built a stout little n/a efi 4g54 ( retaining the balance shafts ) but have started a turbo project and i'm getting conflicting advice regarding this mod...all input is really appreciated...cheers.

[A112H]

6 of one, 1/2 a dozen of the other.
I think you are on the right track, IMHO removing them achieves very little to nothing. It may remove some weight and it may be one less part to go wrong but seriously, unless you are pulling for absolute max hp it will make difference nadda.
Don't believe the hype.

[cheaterparts]

Hi all...i'm interested in hearing from anyone who has used a balance shaft eliminator kit in a 4g54...i've heard that the engine becomes way less 'smooth' at certain rpms and just want to know everyones thoughts about the pros/cons of removing them and what exactly is achieved by doing so....i believe ( but i stand to be corrected ) that mitsubishi is still using balance shafts in their 4g63t evo engines and i kinda think that if removing them was such a big improvement the engineers @ mitsubishi would have followed that path a long time ago...i've already built a stout little n/a efi 4g54 ( retaining the balance shafts ) but have started a turbo project and i'm getting conflicting advice regarding this mod...all input is really appreciated...cheers.

I dont put the balance shafts back in any on my builds ( my veiws they are worth more as scrap steel )
I dont notice any extra vibs - some guys do
I dont use them as they are a week link having them spining 14,000 - 15,000 revs on plain bearings doesn't suit me

yes the engineers do fit them and not for performace but to smooth out the engine

" i kinda think that if removing them was such a big improvement the engineers @ mitsubishi would have followed that path a long time ago...i've already built a stout little n/a efi 4g54 ( retaining the balance shafts )"
I guess your stout little engine has an after market cam - better induction maybe some headers - could have some porting
and a better sump and a lighter flywheel with a better clutch the engineers @ mitsubishi could have followed that path a long time ago to.

of cause if you think that they do a good job keep using them

my thoughts

[GLANT]

6 of one, 1/2 a dozen of the other.
I think you are on the right track, IMHO removing them achieves very little to nothing. It may remove some weight and it may be one less part to go wrong but seriously, unless you are pulling for absolute max hp it will make difference nadda.
Don't believe the hype.

I'll second that! I have removed them in some motors too! all i noticed is the fact that the astron wine disappears.. As a result of doing it..no tensioner on a shortened oil pump chain bothers me ... i did notice rougher running, but if your going cams etc..you would not

[cheaterparts]

As a result of doing it..no tensioner on a shortened oil pump chain bothers me

yes I had the same thoughts when I first built my race engine - it runs a full lenth chain with all guides and tensioner
I machined up a small shaft and housing to replace the top shaft it runs on ball bearings that way I could run the full chain
I did this around 10 years ago and its still going strong every rebuild it has gone back in - same bearings
at the time I was also worried about chain life ( the short chain does more laps )

I have done engines with the short chain and also had no problems

[fast4g54]

cheers for the input...i reckon i'll keep 'em in as this particular engine is going to be turbo so no monster cam or angry idle and i like a 'happy' engine...unless anyone who has 'been there, done that' convinces me otherwise...

[TR11KY]

mine were removed despite running turbo eif setup on standard cam. Just as they say its not critical, but one less part to break. The builder that did my engine had the balancing machine to ensure my engine was so spot on the shafts wouldve never been needed.

cheeter knows mate. There are none wiser imo, the guy has spent years with astrons. If i could of used him on my mods i would... DAMN YOU LIVING SO FAR AWAY CHEETER!

[GLANT]

The builder that did my engine had the balancing machine to ensure my engine was so spot on the shafts wouldve never been needed.

they are for harmonic balance..got nothing to do with crank, pistons or rod balancing.

[TR11KY]

i stand corrected then mate