[Silver69Camaro]

My balancer on my 400 is in need of replacement. The engine is fully balanced, and sees a max RPM of 6200. Under a very tight budget. I'm looking at these options:

1. Rebuilt balancer: Using silicone rubber that bonds the inertia ring with the hub, unlike the pressed in rubber of the stock type. Sleeved to avoid oil leaks. Stock ductile iron contruction. $45.00 + ship.

2. Stock replacement: Ductile iron. Pressed in rubber ring. $47.00

3. Pioneer replacement: Nodular iron. Pressed in ring. $65

4. Professional Products: Nodular iron. Bonded inertia ring. Timing marks. 6500RPM max. $75

5. Pioneer Heavy Duty: Nodular iron. Bonded ring. Timing marks. 6500RPM max. $125


That's it. I gotta admit, I don't know where "Professional Products" is made and that doesn't sit well with me. I like the quality of the Pioneer, and the gentleman who rebuilds stock dampeners does a very good job. What do you guys think would be the best option?

 

[pdq67]

That rebuilt balancer sounds like a good inexpensive alternative so since you already said you like the guy's work then go with it.

I do figure an SFI Approved damper is worth the money, but only if you really need that level of safety or are going to a track that requires one. It's your call??

pdq67

 

[Silver69Camaro]

Yeah, it's a tough decision. When would you say a SFI-spec balancer is recommended?

 

[pdq67]

When a track requires it and I do figure above 6500rpm but really don't know for sure what the rpm cut-off point is??

Maybe some of the "drag race" guy's can explain the damper requirements better?

pdq67

 

[ZZ_430]

6000 RPM is what I've always heard.

There are lots of places to save a few dollars, but the harmonic balancer is a bad choice.

ATI makes the balancers used by 99% of the NASCAR teams, GM uses them on their killer 572 motors, and all for a good reason: Losing a balancer ring at high RPM can be a disaster.

This one is a 7" for a 400 SBC. It's $309.95

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=2087&prmenbr=361

 

[travis]

Check out www.dirttrackthunder.com . I bought a SFI external balancer (fully sealed and degreed) made in the USA by RPM products. I have never heard of them, but the thing seems to be well made. I don't remember exactly what I gave for it, but it was well less than a fluidamper, ATI, etc. Since it isn't a full on race car, I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[Silver69Camaro]

I'd love to get the ATI, but it just can't be done in my budget range.

It seems as if getting my balancer rebuilt gives it as many options as some non-SFI balancers up to $130. Dirt Track Thunder had some good prices and selections, thanks for the link. Still not sure of the route to take, though.

 

[BillK]

Matt,
The Pioneer dampers are really nice pieces. For the price, I think it would be your best bet.
Hope this helps,

 

[68rs406]

matt, you don't need an sfi balancer untill 10.99 or faster et. so if thats not you, then in that rpm range a good factory balancer, or a replacement type like the pioneer, would be the ticket. sfi balancers are very nice to have, particularly an ati. but if money is an issue (isn't it always?), its probably not necessary, imo.

 

[Silver69Camaro]

10.99, thats right. I was lazy and didn't look in my rulebook. I don't know if my motor is capable of that, at least in the near future. I sure as hell know my chassis couldn't handle that ET right now.

 

[Everett#2390]

SFI is a piece of mind on cars slower than 10.99. Remember, any item SFI-approved cannot be modified from its original built condition, ie., drilling a hole voids the approval.

I've came across this decision as well, ATI is the one brand most used, but, it has to be returned to ATI for replacement rubber every ten years. TCI Rattler is way expensive. Fluidamper used to be the ticket, both price and reliability, better now since they got their manufacturing process improved to where the unit doesn't leak, then, they were bought out by Hogan Motorsports. Now, they are as expensive, if not more then ATI.

It appears I'd stick with the Pioneer units for pricing. If you have external balance engine, you might want to give your balance sheet so they can get it correct when you install it. Hate to see you swap h/b and have a vibration later.

Find a company having a vibration analysis recorder and take before and after records.

 

[caribbean camaro]

If this helps, I recently purchased a Professional Products 8 inch for SB350 for $75- it seems a pretty nice piece with engraved timing marks and has bolt holes to add their counterweight if I wanted to use it for a 400 chevy later!

It nicely finished - it is noticeably heavy - but there is clear warning in literature about using it over 6000 rpm

If that bothers you, you may want to get a higher rated one!

So far I have been ok with up to 20 year old dampers - (just retired it - out of an old truck) so I will use my new one on my street turned drag only camaro

 

[SooperDave]

was the 8" harmonic balancer on a 67-8 Z28 any different than a SB 8" balancer or the same?

 

[prostreet L-78]

My machinist set me up with a Powerbond SFI dampner for my 496 BBC for $175. They are a really nice piece. I like the fact that there is no possible way for the hub to come off, I think that`s worth the extra money in peace of mind. Here`s the link to their website, it says they are available through Pioneer.
http://www.precisionparts.com.au/bon000.html
Brent

 

[pdq67]

Forgot to ask if your motor is internally balanced or externally balanced b/c that will make a difference..

If it is a "detroit-balanced" 400 then you will have to use a 400 balancer which may limit your choices, otherwise, grab the the thickest 8" balancer you can find and is spec'ed the way you want it, if that is what you want.

pdq67