wow that clears a lot up. i've been wondering for a while now why i see people talk about silvia's and plenty of tuners having them but i can't find one anywhere. because they aren't in the states no wonder ha  

engine torque dampers are basically struts that will absorb shock from engine when it moves (hard accelerations...)  

^ what he said, and apparently in FWD applications they reduce wheel hop.  not too familiar with them as the only FWD cars ive ever driven was a 93 taurus.  God I hated that car. Especially cuz it was plum purple.  <shivers>