[Houston54]

What size balancer/dampener should I run on the following motor? It is going into a 58 Chevy pickup for daily use.

SBC 350 +.030 with flat tops
Forged crank
Crane cam #100052
Short water pump
487 Heads

This motor did not have a balancer when I picked it up. I have seen 6.75" ones used primarily on long water pump applications it seems. I am running a short style edelbrock pump.

Should I go with an 8" unit or does it really make any difference?

I am looking at the Summit brand units - any issues known about them?

[richard stewart 3rd]

Hi,
The 8" is the most popular, theory is larger balancer =s more mass able to absorb/dampen harmonics better,
the smaller ones I think were for clearance problems, I don't think it's size that matters as much as the construction.
Can't comment on summits stuff, never tried them.
Rich

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by Houston54

What size balancer/dampener should I run on the following motor?

For simplicity's sake, use the same size damper as the timing tab/timing chain cover that you have.
There are considerations as to what tab to use w/what damper- different years of dampers used keyways aligned differently.

Bottom line is the balancer needs to match to timing tab- in both diameter and TDC location.

8" tabs and dampers are commonly available and would be my choice if starting w/a clean slate.

From HERE:
"There are three locations for the Timing Mark on the Harmonic Balancer. The early style balancer Pre-1969 have the Timing mark 2-degrees before the key way Center Line. The second Timing mark used from 1969 through the mid 80' is 10-degrees before the key way Center Line. The third Timing mark used is 30-degrees before the key way center line."

THIS shows how to make a free timing tape for tuning purposes. More HERE.