Crankshaft torsional damper removal

Hello.  I've got a damaged opti I need to replace.  Chilton's recommends I loosen the motor mounts and raise/tilt the motor in order to remove the crankshaft torsional damper (large pulley wheel partially blocking access to the opti).  A certain unnameable member on here mentioned you don't have to do this in order to remove the damper, but didn't provide details.  I've already removed the bolt, but I'm told a "special tool" is used to loosen/remove the damper.  If any of you have some experience in this area I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts.  I'd rather not have to do any extra work....I'm sure yall can relate.
 
Also, I'm purchasing a new optispark.  I'd prefer to go with aftermarket such as MSD or Accel.  Future mods include the need for a higher rev (nothing over 6,000-6,500 rpm).  If you'd like to comment on the quality of these products or if you've used them, I'd like to hear from you.  Thanks!
 
Items already covered by the banana clip attached to my wallet: Spark plugs, spark plug wires, water pump, gaskets, serpentine belt, weatherstripping and associated adhesive......

I got these tips from another site:
 
Un-do the three bolts holding the balancer to the hub.
 Make sure the balancer is marked. There should be an arrow on once side of the hub that lines up with a mark on the balancer. If not, you can do this yourself. I found cleaning the balancer and hub wth some simple green, then using white-out works. I also put a black sharpie mark next to the whiteout in case the whiteout comes off (why not just use the black sharpie?? Its much harder to see when re-installing..)
 Get under the car, and with a long block of wood, and a hammer, GENTLY tap the balancer off. Make sure you keep rotating the balancer so you are going at it from all sides. This takes time and patience, but soon it will be loose, and will come off.

Excellent.  Thanks for the tips.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Eggster

Hello.  I've got a damaged opti I need to replace.  Chilton's recommends I loosen the motor mounts and raise/tilt the motor in order to remove the crankshaft torsional damper (large pulley wheel partially blocking access to the opti).  A certain unnameable member on here mentioned you don't have to do this in order to remove the damper, but didn't provide details.  I've already removed the bolt, but I'm told a "special tool" is used to loosen/remove the damper.  If any of you have some experience in this area I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts.  I'd rather not have to do any extra work....I'm sure yall can relate.

Also, I'm purchasing a new optispark.  I'd prefer to go with aftermarket such as MSD or Accel.  Future mods include the need for a higher rev (nothing over 6,000-6,500 rpm).  If you'd like to comment on the quality of these products or if you've used them, I'd like to hear from you.  Thanks!

Items already covered by the banana clip attached to my wallet: Spark plugs, spark plug wires, water pump, gaskets, serpentine belt, weatherstripping and associated adhesive......

 
I have never heard anything bad about either products (especially MSD).
 
I've heard rave reviews when you run many MSD products together.
 
They will also help you package a system together based on your new needs.
 
Give 'em a call, can't hurt

I went with MSD.  I can't wait 'till it arrives.

Primo choice bro