has anyone removed their balance shaft, or thinking about it?

[colinl]

this is a thing in the Focus ST/RS and ecoboost Mustang world. here's some example discussion: https://www.focusfanatics.com/threads/bsd-gains-and-potential-problems.318779/

in that discussion people refer to the oil pan baffle here: https://mountuneusa.com/products/ecoboost-oil-control-system-baffle?variant=40442965491779

IDK what kind of gains would be expected. I googled a bit, but was not coming up with a dyno run showing before/after. I did find some dyno runs of cars that have the mod done, but they have a lot more work also, which would make it hard to evaluate the balance shaft by itself.

Sponsored

 

[catinthebathtub]

i did that on my 944 SCCA IT/S (2.5L N/A) car back in the 80's and only recall it was a hell of a lot of effort for no measurable HP gains.

 

[Gray Goose]

Seems like a lot of risk for an estimated 7hp gain. That's less than 3%.
Better off dropping other excess weight. Ditch the spare, jack etc and use roadside assist if ever needed. That will save more than the 20 lbs balance shaft weight.

 

[Maverickman74]

Without having a clue, what Im hearing is internal harmonic dampener attached to the crank that is some how easily removable? If thats correct, sounds like non daily driver move. Other than that its probably about as effective as any minor eninge mod on a turbo motor. Only makes a big difference at big boost.

 

[colinl]

finally found a good video. a great video, really. all of 4 horsepower at the wheels on a '05 Focus ST.



you can see it lives in the oil pan and it's bolted to the crank. so that's why these kits exist with a baffle and block-off plate in the oil pan.

 

[catinthebathtub]

wow, that's not what i expected.
on the porsche it had two counter rotating shafts in the block the were cog belt driven.
it was fabricating internal oil lines that was a big pain.
and it technically wasn't legal in the class i raced so i only did it on one engine.

 

[Howard]

If there is little noticable difference in the vibration with it removed, I have to wonder why Ford felt the expense of including it was warranted? Perhaps more vibration in some installations?

 

[Montana]

wow, that's not what i expected.
on the porsche it had two counter rotating shafts in the block the were cog belt driven.
it was fabricating internal oil lines that was a big pain.
and it technically wasn't legal in the class i raced so i only did it on one engine.

Over time, have you noticed an increase in vibration on your track toys?

Also, a German engineered engine being a labyrinthine of mazes to disassemble? Nah... never heard of it

 

[catinthebathtub]

Over time, have you noticed an increase in vibration on your track toys?

Also, a German engineered engine being a labyrinthine of mazes to disassemble? Nah... never heard of it

it was a racecar with solid mounts, stiff suspension, noisy and bumpy while sitting tightly strapped to an aluminum seat. the extra vibration was noted and discounted as acceptable.
the 944 was so outclassed in IT/S that only a small block swap was gonna be the difference....

 

[KJWOLKE2010]

From what I'm finding the balance shaft and the oil pump are one assembly and you can't perform bsd without addressing the lack of an oil pump. Anyone else seeing this or is it just me?

 

[colinl]

From what I'm finding the balance shaft and the oil pump are one assembly and you can't perform bsd without addressing the lack of an oil pump. Anyone else seeing this or is it just me?

I have not personally pulled the pan on my Maverick ecoboost nor seen vid/pics of anyone who has done it.

My research stopped when I read other forums where many Focus ST and Mustang 2.3 owners reported very minimal gains. But if you watch the video in post #5 you will see how it's bolted to the crank and how easily unbolted.

And then, you see that part # here:
https://parts.lakelandford.com/p/Ford__Maverick/Engine-Balance-Shaft/98533525/FB5Z6A311B.html
Fits Maverick (2022 - 2023)

I wouldn't consider it infallible evidence since no one has tried it. But I do think that it's likely the Maverick has this same setup.

If you are considering doing this I would definitely suggest that you research what the Focus ST guys have done. The baffle is technically optional, but in my opinion it's a really, really good idea to install one. And then definitely take pics and videos.

 

[Snox801]

I have it removed on my rs but again that’s a built car with hard mounts. So yes it vibrates. It’s such a small gain I wouldn’t do it if my long block didn’t come without it. Most people did it on focus’s because it was the latest trick or trend. Same people that will spend all day telling you an exhaust on a focus is a much for more power. Meanwhile I’m pushing over 500whp through stock exhaust on mine and it’s not limited.

 

[ColoradoShooter]

This mod seems to be mainly for a reduction in rotating mass inertia and parasitic drag associated with the balance shafts being driven by the crankshaft. What no one talks about are what is the effect on bearing life/wear when you remove this balance shaft.

 

[georgeb]

You get increased nvh.

However you shorten the life of your engine due to said vibrations.

you can opt for a fluidamper if you were bent on doing it.

 

[fossil]

reducing mass is god for acceleration, bad for NVH.

Sponsored