Need tips on crossmember mod for 8" balancer
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 94
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From: Marion Texas
Need tips on crossmember mod for 8" balancer
I'm installing a 400 in my 84 and I'm wondering how much the crossmember needs to be "adjusted" to clear the balancer. The car is only used for dragstrip duty, so cosmetics aren't important. Will it just need a little massaging with a hammer or will it need to be cut and welded? I know the spring is under it, so I don't want to hurt it. I don't want to buy an aftermarket balancer either.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 681
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From: Newton (Wichita Area) Kansas
Re: Need tips on crossmember mod for 8" balancer (Cool32)
Is the '84 crossmember different than my '86? On mine the only thing in the way is the smog pump air snorkel that runs down the passenger side of the balancer.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 94
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From: Marion Texas
Re: Need tips on crossmember mod for 8" balancer (jmr302)
That's good news. I don't have an engine in the car right now, so it's kinda hard to tell if there will be clearance problems. I stumbled across some posts on the site that mentioned clearance problems with the 8" balancer, but maybe that's just on newer years.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
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From: St Marys PA
Re: Need tips on crossmember mod for 8" balancer (Cool32)
corkvette put one in his and I am going to be doing mine soon. He said he had to "massage" the cross member to get it to fit. Not sure how much, but he did mention a torch and the fact his front spring is weak now he thinks because of that. I would recommend sending him and IM or email.
His car is an 85 or 86. Good luck. Send me an email letting me know how you did it. I am gonna have to do mine too.
His car is an 85 or 86. Good luck. Send me an email letting me know how you did it. I am gonna have to do mine too.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,316
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From: Houston, TX
Re: Need tips on crossmember mod for 8" balancer (yoslambo1@cs.com)
If you are going to be drag racing, won't you need an SFI approved balancer? Summitt offers a 6.6 inch SFI balancer for about $220.00 for the 400 engine, that is what I have on my 415.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: PITTSBURGH PA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Need tips on crossmember mod for 8" balancer (HWoods)
you will only need the SFI approved balancer when you go faster than 10.99 or quicker per NHRA specs
