383 harmonic balancer
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From: Santee Ca
383 harmonic balancer
I just set my 383 into my 85 and the harmonic balancer is hitting the frame. Did anyone else have this problem? Anyone have any ideas on what I could do? I thought I could either cut or bend the cross memebr a little bit or possibly put a washer between the motor mount and the engine. Do they make a smaller balancer for a 400 crank?
Another questing is what valave covers do you guys use with roller rockers? I bought some Edelbrock ones and they are too tall. They hit the winshield wiper motor.
Hopefully I can figure out what to do so I can get this thing back on the road.
Another questing is what valave covers do you guys use with roller rockers? I bought some Edelbrock ones and they are too tall. They hit the winshield wiper motor.
Hopefully I can figure out what to do so I can get this thing back on the road.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
If your engine is not internally balanced, you have two choices. One is to alter the front cross member, and the other is to search out a high buck, aftermarket, damper with the 400 external balance in a smaller diameter. Chevy only made the 400, external balance, dampers in the 8" diameter.
I have no experience with the valve covers. Many on here have installed roller rockers under stock valve covers by trimming the internal drip tabs. You might be able to get the Edelbrock covers to fit by trimming something.
RACE ON!!!
I have no experience with the valve covers. Many on here have installed roller rockers under stock valve covers by trimming the internal drip tabs. You might be able to get the Edelbrock covers to fit by trimming something.
RACE ON!!!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
I am just about to start on my 383 and I found this:
383 balancer
It is a 6 3/4 diameter, externally balanced 383 balancer for $60.00. Good luck.
383 balancer
It is a 6 3/4 diameter, externally balanced 383 balancer for $60.00. Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Palm City FL
Heres the fun I had. I did not want to use an aftermarket balancer because I had the Crank balanced with this balancer.
Heres two things I'd like to mention:
- I cut as small a hole as I could to clear the balancer. After later rebuilding the trans and replacing all the rear end bushings, I know get a slight rub in reverse with the brake on. Iguess the motor moved slightly...
- I noticed that jacking the car from the cross bar under the balancer also makes it rub if I start the car while on the jack. I am know very careful when I jack the car and use a board to distribute the weight evenly on the bar.
Heres two things I'd like to mention:
- I cut as small a hole as I could to clear the balancer. After later rebuilding the trans and replacing all the rear end bushings, I know get a slight rub in reverse with the brake on. Iguess the motor moved slightly...
- I noticed that jacking the car from the cross bar under the balancer also makes it rub if I start the car while on the jack. I am know very careful when I jack the car and use a board to distribute the weight evenly on the bar.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: 84 383 XFire Chandler, AZ
I used a 6 3/4 balancer but the rotating assy is internally balanced. But that does not help with this situation. The only way is to "adjust" the crossmember. Don't forget to have enough room to slide the belt in.
