We've found that really high horsepower Miatas - over 280 hp - have been overwhelming the stock harmonic damper. This can crack the gears on the oil pump as well as damage the bearings from the hammering, not to mention the sudden lack of oil pressure and tooth fragments will destroy the rest of your engine. Don't let this happen to you! We worked with ATI to develop this replacement damper to solve the problem. More about what harmonic dampers do. We believe in this damper so strongly that it's standard equipment on every Miata engine we build. While this isn't really necessary for a stock-power engine from a longevity (i.e., oil pump health) standpoint, it still makes a big difference to how smoothly the engine runs - that's what we like it on all engines.
This unit replaces the stock damper with what is essentially two in one. The result is not only a safer engine, but one that runs more smoothly all the time thanks to the improved vibration absorption. This is exactly the opposite of billet "underdrive pulleys" that remove the stock damper. We've seen those destroy a typical turbo Miata engine in a couple of thousand miles.
Fits all 1994-05 Miatas. It can also be fitted to 1.6 engines with a "long nose" crankshaft if the water pump and alternator pulleys are changed. A balancer installer will be required to properly install the damper - it needs to be pressed on accurately.
This version includes our exclusive 36-2 trigger wheel, which gives much better timing resolution to aftermarket engine management such as the Hydra 2.7. Not compatible with stock computers - please check that your ECU can handle a 36-2 trigger. We also include a belt guide to prevent rapid timing belt wear, appropriate lube for installation, a new crank bolt and a new woodruff key. Everything you need for correct installation!
Note that you need to use a stock 99-05 crankshaft sensor, which will require some re-wiring and programming. The stock 96-97 crankshaft sensor won't work.
May not be compatible with all accessory belts, although it works just fine with the ones we use.
Since the 36-2 version of this kit can only be used with a standalone ECU, which is not emissions (and therefore street) legal in the US, this kit cannot be installed on a car driven on the street. It won't function properly on an otherwise emissions-legal vehicle. Standalone ECUs are illegal for all street-driven cars in the US, regardless of whether they are subjected to regular emissions tests or not. Please note that the standard versions of the ATI damper (no timing wheel or four-tooth timing wheel) don't affect emissions and are legal for street vehicles.
