Harmonic balancer question ????
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
Harmonic balancer question ????
On a stock 454 that will probably never see more than 5400 rpm......will an Autozone harmonic balancer be fine.....or should I step up a bit ??
There is a large price difference.....well spent or wasted ?
Thanks............
There is a large price difference.....well spent or wasted ?
Thanks............
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I would suggest Oreilly or Napa over Autozone, but year, their balancers should be fine for a stock motor.
If you're thinking you may do some future upgrades, I have had really good luck with the Speed Pro balancers. Good quality for a low price.
If you're thinking you may do some future upgrades, I have had really good luck with the Speed Pro balancers. Good quality for a low price.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
balancer
I put a balancer on a truck 454 a few months ago from O'reilly's - went on fine - just make sure you sand out all the paint in the hole of the balancer and the key way before installing it (a little oil wouldnt hurt either) because it is a real tight fit and put a little oil on the outside of the snout where the oil seal rides.
If you dont have a balancer installer you can rent one from Autozone - when you are finished just take it back and they will refund you the full amount. Spray plenty of wd40 on the thrust bearing on the installer, too.
You may also want to change out the seal while you have the balancer off, too.
Cheers,
Brett.
If you dont have a balancer installer you can rent one from Autozone - when you are finished just take it back and they will refund you the full amount. Spray plenty of wd40 on the thrust bearing on the installer, too.
You may also want to change out the seal while you have the balancer off, too.
Cheers,
Brett.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Lube everything. Lube the thrust bearing, the shaft, and the snout. Take no chances because if you knarl the threads on the installed they make you buy it and then you own a trashed tool.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
The important part of the harmonic balancer is the elastomer material which gives it its damping characteristics. Anyone can put some kind of goo on a metal part. Don't save pennies on a "gypo" balancer; get an exact replacement part. Engine vibrations are NOT your friend.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,356
Likes: 6,328
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
After seeing 2 new stock-type balancers explode - one that nearly took my head off, and another that put a good friend of mine in the hospital for a month with a severed foot - I don't think an extra $100 is much money. I buy good balancers, and would recommend to everyone to do the same.
