c5 crank pulley/balancer "puller"
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 245
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From: melbourne florida
c5 crank pulley/balancer "puller"
I am ready to install new cam and heads on my c5...question arises: Is it true that there is a special crank/harmonic balancer "puller" that the corvettes require that is a little differnt than the traditional puller that is used on f body cars such as the firebird ls1 and camaro ls1's? If so can they be rented or do you have to purchase them and where? Any info out there? Thanx in advance 
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
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I am ready to install new cam and heads on my c5...question arises: Is it true that there is a special crank/harmonic balancer "puller" that the corvettes require that is a little differnt than the traditional puller that is used on f body cars such as the firebird ls1 and camaro ls1's? If so can they be rented or do you have to purchase them and where? Any info out there? Thanx in advance
(1) do not reuse the original "torque-to-yield" bolt, either get a new oem replacement or go with the ARP bolt
(2) Replace the crank/timing cover seal behind the balancer while u have it off
(3) Depending on your mileage, i would consider replacing the oil pump as well, possibly with an upgraded unit if your budget permits
(4)lastly, read up on "pinning the crank", this might be something you want to consider depending on your plans for the car, power goals, etc. if you ever want to supercharge, its a must
Hope this helps and good luck to you.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 80
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From: Nova Scotia
The stock c5 damper (balancer) has many well documented shortcomings. To answer your question, I can tell you that mine had no drilled/tapped holes that allow use of a conventional puller.
That having been said, I managed to use a three legged gear puller to do the job... fiddled, fussed, cussed and finally got hold of the ID of the pulley...i.e. feet or fingers of puller were facing away from the centerline of the crank. It can be done, but size of the puller is quite critical to permit access through cast 'windows' of damper. No doubt others have used a much better method. Best of luck.
That having been said, I managed to use a three legged gear puller to do the job... fiddled, fussed, cussed and finally got hold of the ID of the pulley...i.e. feet or fingers of puller were facing away from the centerline of the crank. It can be done, but size of the puller is quite critical to permit access through cast 'windows' of damper. No doubt others have used a much better method. Best of luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
A three jaw will pull it, just don't use the bolt for load bearing (as suggested in LS1howto.com). When you re-install, make or buy the correct tool. Don't follow the procedures on LS1howto.com. Many guys have screwed up the crank threads following those methods.
