406 in '84, balancer fit?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 161
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From: Urbana IL
406 in '84, balancer fit?
How do you modify the x-member to let the larger balancer fit? There must be someone out there who has done this. Pics would be great. The motor is already together (out of my camaro) so getting a new balancer would require disassembly and rebalancing, right? TIA :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: 406 in '84, balancer fit? (buzzbomb)
If the 406 is externally balanced, then it calls for a damper/balancer with extra weights just as the stock 400 does. If the engine is internally balanced, then a neutrally balanced damper will work fine.
If the engine is externally balanced, the 8" damper won't clear so the replacement balancer you choose has to be both for an externally balanced engine (with the extra weights) and smaller than 8".
There are ways of doing this.
A buddy of mine cut is front cross member with a torch to get the clearance he needed. This is the "butchers" way and I'd never do it that way.
Another way is to shop some of the circle track magazines and get one that fits the bill.
A good machine shop may be able to use a 350 sized balancer and weld on the needed weight.
The aftermarket may also offer what you need.
If I remember correctly, 7" is the biggest that will fit without resorting to the butcher's approach.
If you have the stock 8" balancer and the flexplate, a good machine shop should be able to use them to modify a smaller diameter damper to fit without having to resort to rebalancing the entire engine.
If you have the bob weight chart from the original balancing done, this should be a piece of cake.
Hope this helps.
Jake
[Modified by JAKE, 6:56 PM 9/27/2002]
If the engine is externally balanced, the 8" damper won't clear so the replacement balancer you choose has to be both for an externally balanced engine (with the extra weights) and smaller than 8".
There are ways of doing this.
A buddy of mine cut is front cross member with a torch to get the clearance he needed. This is the "butchers" way and I'd never do it that way.
Another way is to shop some of the circle track magazines and get one that fits the bill.
A good machine shop may be able to use a 350 sized balancer and weld on the needed weight.
The aftermarket may also offer what you need.
If I remember correctly, 7" is the biggest that will fit without resorting to the butcher's approach.
If you have the stock 8" balancer and the flexplate, a good machine shop should be able to use them to modify a smaller diameter damper to fit without having to resort to rebalancing the entire engine.
If you have the bob weight chart from the original balancing done, this should be a piece of cake.
Hope this helps.
Jake
[Modified by JAKE, 6:56 PM 9/27/2002]
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 406 in '84, balancer fit? (buzzbomb)
JAKES right, 7" is the max. You can check to see if it's neutral by placing it on a dowel or something so it can rotate freely. If it's external balance the damper will always rotate the heavy spot down. You may be able to come close on the balance weight by adding trial weight opposite the heavy spot until it no longer rotates on the dowel. HTH
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 46
From: Elizabeth City, NC
Re: 406 in '84, balancer fit? (buzzbomb)
Fluidamper makes a special external balance model that will fit in the vette with no mods. Not sure of the part number, but I know they make one because I had one in my previous vette. Call them and talk to a tech rep. person.
