The team at Power Nation’s hit show Engine Power, is known for bringing high-horsepower projects to life, and in this episode they dove back into their all-aluminum 509 cubic inch W-series build. Viewers watched as the hosts sealed up the engine, added induction and ignition systems, and prepared the vintage-looking block for dyno testing. The goal: blend classic style with modern performance.
The foundation for this build is a Bill Mitchell Products aluminum W-series block, bored to 4.500 inches and paired with an aftermarket crankshaft, custom Comp hydraulic roller cam, and Racetec pistons. Attention to detail was clear as the team balanced the rotating assembly, carefully checked clearances, and sealed everything with high-quality gaskets, bearings, and fasteners.
The Fluidampr Difference
At 2:46 into the build, the spotlight turned to a crucial but often overlooked component: the harmonic damper. The team chose an 8-inch Fluidampr unit designed for external balance. As host Pat Topolinski explained, “What we love about Fluidampr is the technology they put into cancelling vibration. This contains a viscous fluid and interia ring that cancels out a wider range of harmonics that are potentially damaging to the engine.”
The press fit tolerances are also carefully engineered: “Too much, it’s hard to get on. Too little, it’s not going to do its job,” explains Pat as he installs the damper. He also emphasized proper installation with the right tool, not shortcuts like heat or hammers, to ensure the damper seats correctly against the crank gear.
This moment underscored a larger truth in performance engine building: small parts make a big difference. Without effective vibration control, crankshafts and valvetrain components are at risk. With Fluidampr, the 509 W-series is protected from destructive harmonics, adding reliability to its impressive power.
“What we love about Fluidampr is the technology they put into cancelling vibration. – Pat Topolinski, Engine Power.
Wrapping Up for the Dyno
From ARP fasteners to ported Edelbrock heads and a Fitech EFI system, every component was chosen with balance and durability in mind. The episode closed with the engine on the dyno, showing strong torque and horsepower numbers for a street-friendly build.
Engine Power continues to prove why proper engineering and the right parts, like a Fluidampr performance damper, are the backbone of reliable horsepower.