Harmonic Balancer

G

Gnico

Member
I am in the process of building a 50' Mercury setup with Isky cam (street version), 3x2 intake and Offenhauser alum heads. The engine will most likely be the standard bore. My question is should I use a harmonic balancer other than just the stock front pulley. Has anyone tried adapting a small block chevy balancer to this engine and if so what balancer did you use.
 
I know they make harmonic balancers specifically for these engines. Are the SBC units that much cheaper that it is cost effective enough to consider this?
 
Yes the SBC balancer is much cheaper, around $75 . However it must have the key way moved and be bored for a press fit on the crank. so there will be a machine shop charge. Now you have to come up with some pulleys to meet your needs. I do this because I have the necessary machinery to do most of it, but it might not be cost effective. Now just why do you want to do this in a mildly stock engine??
 
"Now just why do you want to do this in a mildly stock engine??"

That is really the answer I was looking for. Maybe my topic should have read "Is a harmonic balancer" needed in my particular engine build.
 
In my book I covered the use of the SBC Harmonic Balancer on our Flatheads. There are many more choices available for the SBC than the Flathead. Including the ATI "Street" model designed for lower RPM(as our Flatheads use)

This does not speak to the subject of "need". All engines should have a harmonic balancer. However, the fact is many millions of Flatheads have operated successfully for billions of miles with no harmonic balancer.
 
Just a clarification, but since both the Flathead and SBC are internally balanced, the part in question is a damper and not a balancer.
 
Hi JWL
I have a Fluidampr on my Newly built 8BA.
Have you had much to do with these Balancers. They are a little costly .

Pete from OZ
 
I use a stock balancer on my 8ba Ardun. No problems and I run smooth. If my engine was supercharged I might consider a Fluidamper to save the snout.
 
No, I have not used Fluidamper. Most pro's use ATI and I see no reason for me to discount their knowledge by experimenting.

This statement does NOT mean Fluidamper does not work or will cause a problem. It simply means I don't know.
 
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