Pros and cons of crank pin

[JimJoeBob]

Straight forward. Pros and cons of pinning the crank or if anyone has an alternative fix-it for piece of mind.

[daveg]

I wouldn't even bother unless you are doing FI. All I do is make sure my bolt has loctite, torqued and I index the crank bolt with paint.

[MacGyvers Mullet]

If it's a worry, then you may as well go for it, especially if you have an extra afternoon on your hands. I did mine while I was doing a timing cover gasket change, because why not at that point. I am not FI, but I did see a random couple of stories about stock guys having loose bolts. Granted, for every two horror stories, there are 1,000's of cars that have zero issues.

Pros: peace of mind
Con: the drill bit that comes with the kit is sort of crappy to say the least. Mine broke (others have had this problem too), but I bought a stronger one for around $10 at the local hardware store. Also, it's a bit nerve-wracking drilling into your crank, but the drill jig doesn't let you mess up unless you are super sloppy.

[Blue96GTS]

I probably didn't need to do it, but like MacGyver - whilst I was there, might as well... When I got my car, an inspection revealed a harmonic balancer that was coming apart, so...

Pro: Once it's done, you are done.

Cons: A bit nerve wracking, drilling a hole in your crank, hoping it's going in straight. Worked out just fine in the end, take your time.

I've heard it might be a bit painful if I ever have to pull the crank and somehow get the pins out and something back in again, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

Guide block attached to balancer. Bolt in the pin location is just a depth gauge after drilling
DSC03450.jpg

One pin done, one to go
DSC03451.jpg

All done - whew...
DSC03454.jpg

[ACRSNK]

I probably didn't need to do it, but like MacGyver - whilst I was there, might as well... When I got my car, an inspection revealed a harmonic balancer that was coming apart, so...

Pro: Once it's done, you are done.

Cons: A bit nerve wracking, drilling a hole in your crank, hoping it's going in straight. Worked out just fine in the end, take your time.

I've heard it might be a bit painful if I ever have to pull the crank and somehow get the pins out and something back in again, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

Guide block attached to balancer. Bolt in the pin location is just a depth gauge after drilling
DSC03450.jpg

One pin done, one to go
DSC03451.jpg

All done - whew...
DSC03454.jpg

Thanks for posting pics.

[JimJoeBob]

I probably didn't need to do it, but like MacGyver - whilst I was there, might as well... When I got my car, an inspection revealed a harmonic balancer that was coming apart, so...

Pro: Once it's done, you are done.

Cons: A bit nerve wracking, drilling a hole in your crank, hoping it's going in straight. Worked out just fine in the end, take your time.

I've heard it might be a bit painful if I ever have to pull the crank and somehow get the pins out and something back in again, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

Guide block attached to balancer. Bolt in the pin location is just a depth gauge after drilling
DSC03450.jpg

One pin done, one to go
DSC03451.jpg

All done - whew...
DSC03454.jpg

Just noticed this. Much appreciated for the pictures in case I decide to do this it will be of immense help.

[plumcrazy]

the stock damper is garbage. best to buy an ATI and pin that.

[Blue96GTS]

Agreed, in my case anyway. Here's a pic of my original garbage that I replaced. You can see why it warranted attention.

DSC03360.jpg