ok, background. porsche designed that motor setup. the 944s have used balance shafts since 84? volvo asked them to design the 16v. my ONLY experience with no belt on the balance shaft is a porsche shop across the street in the late 90's that removed that belt to loose weight-yes, they said that, and to gain horsepower. because the crank has to work that much harder to run 2 belts instead of just 1. around town instead of the track, i can't say. i WILL say that leaving that belt off removes the possibilty of it breaking and getting tangled in the cam belt, screwing that up, and bending valves. VERY exspensive. just my 2 cents, good luck, chuck.