Balance Shaft Seal (if you value your investment, take the time to read)

[Mike1357]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that same belt drive the water pump? So do you just use a smaller belt?

[N9netwoAccord]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that same belt drive the water pump? So do you just use a smaller belt?

There is the timing belt, which drives the water pump. The balance shaft belt just runs the balance shafts off the crank.

[Mike1357]

I just looked at another picture of the balance shaft belt and I guess there are two balance shafts? Although it's kinda interesting that the rear balance shaft doesn't seem to have any timing marks. Unless it's just some sort of idler pulley. So basically that belt can be removed without any adverse affects?

[jdm92_accorn]

There's more vibration at idle but if you have good mounts its hardly noticeable. Plus it frees up a little bit of power.

[reklipz]

I just looked at another picture of the balance shaft belt and I guess there are two balance shafts? Although it's kinda interesting that the rear balance shaft doesn't seem to have any timing marks. Unless it's just some sort of idler pulley. So basically that belt can be removed without any adverse affects?

Both shafts have timing, and both shafts help balance the engine. The rear shaft is set in time with a pin and timing marks on the oil face plate/gear, and the front is marked on the gear and block. I don't know which shaft balances which action, but they're both there for a reason.

[Losiracer2]

You gain about 5whp by removing the belt is what I heard, which makes sense. These balance shafts weigh about 9lbs combined so that's worth the savings I think. I removed them on my DD and the vibration isn't horribly noticeable but it is there. But that's only at idle, any other speeds above 1500 RPM its not noticeable.

That's one of the sacrifices you make, but I am averaging 33~34mpg per tank so I think that the engine not having to rotate those is helping that figure.