Drivetrain Helix vs. TSW dampers
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
From: Santa Maria, California
Helix vs. TSW dampers
Hello all.
I did a search on this subject but was unable to get anywhere.
Is there any PERFORMANCE difference, or quality issues, when comparing the Helix to the Texas Speedwerks engine torque dampers?
I just ordered an ETD from Shoe-In and was wondering if it was a worthwhile purchase.
Thanks for your input.
Cheers, Doug.
I did a search on this subject but was unable to get anywhere.
Is there any PERFORMANCE difference, or quality issues, when comparing the Helix to the Texas Speedwerks engine torque dampers?
I just ordered an ETD from Shoe-In and was wondering if it was a worthwhile purchase.
Thanks for your input.
Cheers, Doug.
The actual dampers themselves are the exact same thing. The difference is the mounting. TSW makes a bracket that is very easy to install, but it costs twice the price. If you search around, you should be able to find pictures of the two types and compare. I have the TSW one and I think the brackets are very good quality, but our car is an 02 so it will be different on yours. Mariokart just posted a picture of the later model bracket so you could check that out
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 0
From: NJerz
The main difference is the angle of the damper itself. TSW advertises that theirs is more parallel to the forward and backward movement of the engine thanks to its brackets. They say that that specific configuration is better at taking the movement out of the engine as it accelerates and decelerates.
That's my understanding of it; you'll have to consult Helix and TSW for the factual backing to their products.
mb
That's my understanding of it; you'll have to consult Helix and TSW for the factual backing to their products.
mb
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
I have the Texas Speedwerks (TSW) damper on my 2005 MCS auto. It made a real difference, more than I though it would. I feel the damper's effect at times like when I punch my MINI while coming out of a turn as well as during off-the-line launches.
My wife, who isn't particularly interested in such things, noticed that the drivetrain felt much more firm and "coupled" to the car when I first put the damper on; later, when I temporarily removed it while doing some other work, she told me the drivetrain had gotten "loose" again.
They make different bracket sets for different models - auto, manual, older and newer motor mounts, etc. The brackets are powder coated steel and the mounting points and damper angle are well thought out.
I imagine Helix makes a good product as well - I just haven't seen it.
My wife, who isn't particularly interested in such things, noticed that the drivetrain felt much more firm and "coupled" to the car when I first put the damper on; later, when I temporarily removed it while doing some other work, she told me the drivetrain had gotten "loose" again.
They make different bracket sets for different models - auto, manual, older and newer motor mounts, etc. The brackets are powder coated steel and the mounting points and damper angle are well thought out.
I imagine Helix makes a good product as well - I just haven't seen it.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara, CA
enologuy,
I just recieved my TSW bracket today and will be installing it tonight.
I am in SM about 3-4 days a week running all over town. I am surprised I have not seen your MINI around town yet!
Believe me... I would notice that thing!!! It looks sweet.
Hopefully one of these days soon I will run into you.... You will have the LOTF dampener and I will have the TSW... We can compare them and make our own determination.
If one of us are unhappy with the one that we have, we'll just sell it and get the good one.
I have not had a engine dampener yet, and am very excited about the installation. I hate the movement of the driveline and disconnected feel.
When I first drove a MINI it was one of the first things I noticed.... I thought... This car is killer and fun and handels sick.... but whats the deal with the lurching and motor movement!!
I just recieved my TSW bracket today and will be installing it tonight.
I am in SM about 3-4 days a week running all over town. I am surprised I have not seen your MINI around town yet!
Believe me... I would notice that thing!!! It looks sweet. Hopefully one of these days soon I will run into you.... You will have the LOTF dampener and I will have the TSW... We can compare them and make our own determination.
If one of us are unhappy with the one that we have, we'll just sell it and get the good one.
I have not had a engine dampener yet, and am very excited about the installation. I hate the movement of the driveline and disconnected feel.
When I first drove a MINI it was one of the first things I noticed.... I thought... This car is killer and fun and handels sick.... but whats the deal with the lurching and motor movement!!
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara, CA
I pushed enter on accident and submitted my reply before I was done.
So anyway....
I am excited to see how much this mod helps the dreaded lurching, chugging, disconnected feel.
I hope I run into you soon... I want to see the black scorpion in person
Word... We got team N. county JCW's in full effect.
So anyway....
I am excited to see how much this mod helps the dreaded lurching, chugging, disconnected feel.
I hope I run into you soon... I want to see the black scorpion in person
Word... We got team N. county JCW's in full effect.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Just to clearify this a bit, the Helix damper's are Shoe's (LOTF) dampers. Helix is marketing them and selling them to help get more people invovled. I just don't want people to get confused and think they are truly a Helix product, as they are Shoe's.
-Cody
-Cody
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I've had both love the TSW much better. The Helix was very tough to install and you couldn't adjust it once it was in place. Also the Helix was unthreading it self because it sat so close the frame and belt tensior. Soon it became covered in scrathes because of all the touching of the frame.
The TSW is far better and a deal at $110, it is easier to install even though it was more parts and you can adjust it in a few minutes.
Get the TSW so you won't be like me and buy both.
Mario
The TSW is far better and a deal at $110, it is easier to install even though it was more parts and you can adjust it in a few minutes.
Get the TSW so you won't be like me and buy both.
Mario
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
After watching all the development troubles with the damper brackets, I am glad I got one of Pfunk's original JDM "pink parts" from last year that just plain fits without any issues or fabrication required. The bracket looks like a more elegant solution and was a snap to install, so was well worth the extra coin.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
I went with the Helix ETD, as it was an x-mas present from my GF (didn't want to make her spend more money than necessary), but am now wishing I went with the TSW version. Oh well. I'll post my impressions when I get it in the mail and onto my car. I thought all of them pretty much did the same thing, but I guess not...
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
From: Santa Maria, California
It seems to me the only difference is the 'bracketry'. I emailed TSW to see if they will sell the brackets as a separate item and then I can just attach my damper to them. How does that sound!
To MotoNikki - The reason you have not seen me is that I work in Los Olivos! And, lately, I haven't been around much on the weekends either - harvest in the wine industry! However, I would like to hook up with you soon and see your MINI. PM me when you are going to be around.
Cheers, Doug.
To MotoNikki - The reason you have not seen me is that I work in Los Olivos! And, lately, I haven't been around much on the weekends either - harvest in the wine industry! However, I would like to hook up with you soon and see your MINI. PM me when you are going to be around.
Cheers, Doug.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
From: Santa Maria, California
BTW, just received my damper in the mail. Now I'm just waiting to hear from TSW regarding the brackets.
Cheers, Doug.
I've had both love the TSW much better. The Helix was very tough to install and you couldn't adjust it once it was in place. Also the Helix was unthreading it self because it sat so close the frame and belt tensior. Soon it became covered in scrathes because of all the touching of the frame.
The TSW is far better and a deal at $110, it is easier to install even though it was more parts and you can adjust it in a few minutes.
Get the TSW so you won't be like me and buy both.
Mario
The TSW is far better and a deal at $110, it is easier to install even though it was more parts and you can adjust it in a few minutes.
Get the TSW so you won't be like me and buy both.
Mario
I also don't see how it could unthread itself, by sitting to close to the frame.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 17
Here are a couple of threads regarding the feedback on my damper kit for you:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=77535
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=82129
And here are some comments:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=77535
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=82129
And here are some comments:
"The end result after several weeks of driving is WOW."
"I got my engine damper installed tonight and I love it!!!!!! It's awesome!"
"Smooth is the best description."
"The transition from gear to gear feels much smoother."
"The engine damper has fixed the torque steer problem I was having. No matter how hard I try, it's totally gone - amazing!"
"I have a March 03' build MCS and installed mine today with no problems. It took about 10 minutes to install. I used a 11/16" wrench instead of the 17mm and it still worked just fine."
"On my test drive I felt it in the shifting, more 'crisp' and communicative... There is a directness to the shifting that I never felt before in my car... And that shudder getting going in 1st gear is minimized..But I think this mod really shines when you let 'er rip .. The power just goes down, much more direct, and a much less sloppy feeling than before..."
"Over here in Germany we drive a little bit faster we all suffer from those vibrations and engine-movement when shifting under high load and especially in nice corners. The engine movement has stop completely and I can say this was one of the unexpensive but most noticeable mods to do!"
"I got my engine damper installed tonight and I love it!!!!!! It's awesome!"
"Smooth is the best description."
"The transition from gear to gear feels much smoother."
"The engine damper has fixed the torque steer problem I was having. No matter how hard I try, it's totally gone - amazing!"
"I have a March 03' build MCS and installed mine today with no problems. It took about 10 minutes to install. I used a 11/16" wrench instead of the 17mm and it still worked just fine."
"On my test drive I felt it in the shifting, more 'crisp' and communicative... There is a directness to the shifting that I never felt before in my car... And that shudder getting going in 1st gear is minimized..But I think this mod really shines when you let 'er rip .. The power just goes down, much more direct, and a much less sloppy feeling than before..."
"Over here in Germany we drive a little bit faster we all suffer from those vibrations and engine-movement when shifting under high load and especially in nice corners. The engine movement has stop completely and I can say this was one of the unexpensive but most noticeable mods to do!"
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 17
And this statement is slightly inaccurate - Helix is carrying and supporting this product. They don't have anything to do with the manufacturing of the damper - that part is true.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 17
I went with the Helix ETD, as it was an x-mas present from my GF (didn't want to make her spend more money than necessary), but am now wishing I went with the TSW version. Oh well. I'll post my impressions when I get it in the mail and onto my car. I thought all of them pretty much did the same thing, but I guess not...
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 17
I've had both love the TSW much better. The Helix was very tough to install and you couldn't adjust it once it was in place. Also the Helix was unthreading it self because it sat so close the frame and belt tensior. Soon it became covered in scrathes because of all the touching of the frame.
The TSW is far better and a deal at $110, it is easier to install even though it was more parts and you can adjust it in a few minutes.
Get the TSW so you won't be like me and buy both.
Mario
The TSW is far better and a deal at $110, it is easier to install even though it was more parts and you can adjust it in a few minutes.
Get the TSW so you won't be like me and buy both.
Mario
What part was "unthreading it self because it sat so close the frame and belt tensior" ? I agree with Partsman in that I'm not sure where the correlation is between the unthreading and the location.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 17
Oh and here is the vendor announcement regarding early model year brackets for my kit. Working on a bracket kit for later model years as well.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=85898
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=85898
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
From: Santa Maria, California
Oh and here is the vendor announcement regarding early model year brackets for my kit. Working on a bracket kit for later model years as well.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=85898
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=85898
Since I just received my ETD and have yet to install it, should I wait for the 'later model year' bracket to be available?
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos, TX
I recently installed the Texas Speedwerks engine damper kit on my GP and I am very happy with all aspects of the results. It definitely dialed up the "fun to drive" aspect a nice amount. Properly setup, installed, and adjusted, I'd certainly recommend "engine damper" as one of those "must do" upgrades for enthusiasts.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 17
If you have any issues further down the line pm/e-mail me and I will take care of you (and anybody else for that matter).
Shoe
The install may be a tad on the difficult side for those who have little experience or little patience - it is not rocket science. Two bolts to tighten though space is tight indeed.
What part was "unthreading it self because it sat so close the frame and belt tensior" ? I agree with Partsman in that I'm not sure where the correlation is between the unthreading and the location.
What part was "unthreading it self because it sat so close the frame and belt tensior" ? I agree with Partsman in that I'm not sure where the correlation is between the unthreading and the location.
__________________
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
2013 GP2 #295, 270whp/310wtq, KO4 47mm Turbo, 18" NM Wheels, Alta intake, Manic Stage III+, HFS-3 Meth, 30% E85 Blend, Forged IC, Alta Hot Pipe, P&P/Ceramic Exhaust Manifold, m3 Extreme Ceramic DP, Vibrant mid res, 4" Double walled Tips, WMW/KW V3 CO, Alta Rear CA, CREE Fogs, Black out F/R Rings and Gas Cap, M7 CF Front Splitter, and No Stickers. MORE TO COME!! Previous 04Triple Black 17% Alta, MM Air/H2O, CAI, OBX Header, FBT Head, Shrick Cam, 234whp
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: MINIapolis
Been perfectly happy with the Helix / shoe damper. Worked much past my expectations, and fit+finish are fine. It's close to rubbing but doesn't. Yeah, took longer than expected because of such a small work area, but I just consider it "bonding time" with the MINI.
I just found this post from a couple months ago about the TSW damper...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&postcount=24
I guess the brackets are not as "bombproof" as claimed.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&postcount=24
I guess the brackets are not as "bombproof" as claimed.