Does Size Really Matter? - Damper I Mean
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
Does Size Really Matter? - Damper I Mean
I have a line on a very good price for a fluid dampened harmonic balancer. I know that it probably isn't worth any extra money from previous posts, but I do think that it's 
My concern is that my current damper is 6 and 3/4 inch diameter. There doesn't appear to be such a thing as a 6 and 3/4 inch fluid damper. Instead, this size seems to be 6 and 1/4 inch. One obvious concern that I have is will the 1/4 inch gap between the timing mark and indicater matter? Also, is there such a thing as a 6 and 3/4 fluid damper in which case, am I being offered a good deal on something that doesn't fit?
As always, your input is appreciated.
My concern is that my current damper is 6 and 3/4 inch diameter. There doesn't appear to be such a thing as a 6 and 3/4 inch fluid damper. Instead, this size seems to be 6 and 1/4 inch. One obvious concern that I have is will the 1/4 inch gap between the timing mark and indicater matter? Also, is there such a thing as a 6 and 3/4 fluid damper in which case, am I being offered a good deal on something that doesn't fit?
As always, your input is appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Size itself doesn't matter for balancers, but weight does..
The engine will rev up quicker if a lighter balancer is used which will result in better track times.. 1 - 2 lbs won't make a huge difference, but if you would go from a 13 lbs 8" balancer to a 6 lbs aluminum balancer, you will definetely pick up ET on the 1/4 mile...
The engine will rev up quicker if a lighter balancer is used which will result in better track times.. 1 - 2 lbs won't make a huge difference, but if you would go from a 13 lbs 8" balancer to a 6 lbs aluminum balancer, you will definetely pick up ET on the 1/4 mile...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
As always, thanks for the input guys. I went ahead and bought it. When I install it, I'll let everyone know how it worked out. Might not be a fair comparison though. My old balancer was so far out of whack that I had to tune by ear. Car runs great but seems to have an issue with detonation 
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Youngstown Ohio
Originally Posted by GrandSportC3
Size itself doesn't matter for balancers, but weight does..
The engine will rev up quicker if a lighter balancer is used which will result in better track times.. 1 - 2 lbs won't make a huge difference, but if you would go from a 13 lbs 8" balancer to a 6 lbs aluminum balancer, you will definetely pick up ET on the 1/4 mile...
The engine will rev up quicker if a lighter balancer is used which will result in better track times.. 1 - 2 lbs won't make a huge difference, but if you would go from a 13 lbs 8" balancer to a 6 lbs aluminum balancer, you will definetely pick up ET on the 1/4 mile...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Originally Posted by C3 Stroker
???? Wouldn't changing to a lighter weight balancer require rebalancing the rotating assembly?....I'm referring to an externally balanced engine...
If you have a 350, just get a 350 external balanced balancer or if you have a 400 or 383, get a 400 external balanced balancer... It doesn't matter how heavy they are. The only thing that matters is that they were balanced for the appropriate crank used..
Here's an example for a lightweight, external balanced balancer:
http://fastengineparts.com/products_...6d999ad589b9ad
Last edited by GrandSportC3; Aug 20, 2005 at 08:24 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Youngstown Ohio
Originally Posted by GrandSportC3
I don't think so...
If you have a 350, just get a 350 external balanced balancer or if you have a 400 or 383, get a 400 external balanced balancer... It doesn't matter how heavy they are. The only thing that matters is that they were balanced for the appropriate crank used..
Here's an example for a lightweight, external balanced balancer:
http://fastengineparts.com/products_...6d999ad589b9ad
If you have a 350, just get a 350 external balanced balancer or if you have a 400 or 383, get a 400 external balanced balancer... It doesn't matter how heavy they are. The only thing that matters is that they were balanced for the appropriate crank used..
Here's an example for a lightweight, external balanced balancer:
http://fastengineparts.com/products_...6d999ad589b9ad
Thanks for the link...I have a 383 and am considering a lighter balancer.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Originally Posted by C3 Stroker
Thanks for the link...I have a 383 and am considering a lighter balancer.
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
Installed!
A quick update on the instalation of the silicone dampened balancer.
I put it in this morning (first day back from holidays). As described above, a very easy instalation. It's amazing how easy it is to do jobs like this if you have the right tools. With the proper intalation tool, the only thing that could have made it a little easier would have been a 1 1/8 inch ratcheting wrench. Because of the location and the length of the wrench that I have in this size, I had to install in very short swings and it took about ten minutes.
Since I haven't rebuilt my power steering pump yet, I just went ahead and started it with no belts or pulleys on. It ran very smoothly and seems to rev a little better, though this could be my imagination. It's also the first time that I've heard this engine run without the belt squeek and I'm looking forward to driving it this way.
I did not notice any difference at all with the reduced diameter. If I didn't know that there was a difference in diameter, it wouldn't even have entered my mind.
The one thing that I don't like is that I bought a black balancer and even though the markings are embossed, they are not painted. Does anyone have a trick other than rubbing chalk in the mark to make it easier to see with the timing light?
I put it in this morning (first day back from holidays). As described above, a very easy instalation. It's amazing how easy it is to do jobs like this if you have the right tools. With the proper intalation tool, the only thing that could have made it a little easier would have been a 1 1/8 inch ratcheting wrench. Because of the location and the length of the wrench that I have in this size, I had to install in very short swings and it took about ten minutes.
Since I haven't rebuilt my power steering pump yet, I just went ahead and started it with no belts or pulleys on. It ran very smoothly and seems to rev a little better, though this could be my imagination. It's also the first time that I've heard this engine run without the belt squeek and I'm looking forward to driving it this way.
I did not notice any difference at all with the reduced diameter. If I didn't know that there was a difference in diameter, it wouldn't even have entered my mind.
The one thing that I don't like is that I bought a black balancer and even though the markings are embossed, they are not painted. Does anyone have a trick other than rubbing chalk in the mark to make it easier to see with the timing light?
