Budget Balance Shaft Elimination Kit for GM Ecotec Engines – Affordable Power Gain Upgrade

The BK Racing Balance Shaft Elimination Kit is a performance upgrade designed primarily for enthusiasts building high-output engines, particularly in GM Ecotec platforms (such as 2.0L LSJ/LNF, 2.2L L61/LAP, and 2.4L LE5/LAT variants found in vehicles like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Cavalier, Sunfire, and HHR). BK Racing specializes in Ecotec timing and balance shaft components, and this kit focuses on safely removing the factory balance shafts to optimize engine performance.

Key Features and Benefits:

•  Reduced Rotational Mass: By eliminating the balance shafts, the kit significantly decreases unnecessary rotating weight inside the engine and eliminates a vibration at higher RPMs. This recovers lost horsepower and allows the engine to rev more quickly improving overall throttle response.

•  Enhanced Engine Efficiency: Lower parasitic drag on the crankshaft results in better power delivery and potential improvements in fuel efficiency under racing conditions.

•  Increased Reliability for High-Performance Builds: Balance shafts can become a point of failure in modified engines (e.g., vibrations and bearing wear and failure at higher RPM). Removing them properly eliminates this risk while maintaining proper oil pressure and pump functionality.

What’s Typically Included:

•  Outer balance shaft delete bushings (for the sprocket side).

•  Optional inner oil passage block-off sleeves or plugs (Required to block inner passages unless you are beating the inner race in).

•  Shortened balance shaft chain.

•  May require reuse of existing crankshaft sprockets/hardware in some applications.

Installation Notes:

This is a moderately advanced modification usually performed during an engine rebuild or timing belt/chain service. It involves removing the balance shafts, installing bushings/plugs to block oil passages. Professional installation is recommended to avoid oil pressure issues.

Ideal For:

•  Racing and track applications where every bit of performance matters.

•  High-horsepower forced-induction builds (turbo/supercharged Ecotecs).