Harmonic balancer for 331 stroker?

[66 Restomod]

I'm resealing much of my 331 stroker to fix some leaks and now that the front timing cover, pulleys, and balancer are off I'm wondering if I should buy a better balancer. I'd like to get a SFI rated one, but not sure what specs to get...

The engine is a 302 as printed in the lifter valley, but not sure which year. It did have the old 66 timing cover on it with 3-bolt 6# balancer and driver's side timing pointer. I'm not even sure if the balancer that was on the car was the right one, seems like a 289 version, which seems small and light. But my assumption is that it should be 28oz. I also intend to buy a new timing cover since the old one is corroded around the coolant passages, and which one I get might depend on the balancer.

I searched the forum, haven't turned up this particular issue. If someone knows balancers, I should be able to find any other engine details you need... Thanks!!!

 

[D.Hearne]

Most strokers are 28 oz/in imbalance.

 

[66 Restomod]

Thanks, here's the one I'm looking at:

Ford SFI balancer damper Powerbond 289 302 3-bolt

I'm surprised the original one is just over 6# and this new one is nearly 11#, but I guess that is a good thing. With this slightly larger one, I think I'll need spacers behind the water pump and alternator pulleys to line up the belt.

 

[JonK]

First off your balancer must match you flywheel wt., ie both must be 28oz. if that's the case. You can get 3 hole or 3/4 hole drilled ones for a lot less than $180, I think the one from Australia is overkill and I don't see where they state the balance wt? 28oz vs 50oz?
Here's an example of a 3/4 hole Professional Products 80006 - Professional Products PowerForce Harmonic Dampers - Overview - SummitRacing.com
and a 3 hole: Pioneer Automotive DA-2008 - Pioneer OEM Replacement Balancers - Overview - SummitRacing.com

I'd verify the year of your block first.You'll probably have to remove the starter and get under there with some gunk spray, a toothbrush and rag as it's usually greasy. Look here for the casting number and date code:

The casting numbers are the bottom line, mine above are 'C5 = '65 design
The casting date is on top: 7A12 = '67(7), Jan. (A), 12 (day of cast).
Let us know what the numbers on your block are and we can narrow down your year and what wt. balancer you'll need.
Jon

 

[D.Hearne]

The block casting numbers have little or nothing to do with the crankshaft imbalance. Be that as it may, if he's got a 331, chances are it's 28. My 331 is 28, although it's built around a late 80's roller block. 99% of stroker SBF's are 28.

 

[PoppyMod]

Hi,

I'm running a 331 stroker (289 5 bolt block) and am using the Professional Products unit, as noted previously, with great success.

 

[66 Restomod]

Numbers + photos

Thanks for your responses!

Was out of town, I just had a chance to yank the starter (and the oil pan, was going to do that one anyway) and checked out the casting numbers for the year. I have C8OE 6015A, which I guess is a 1968 302 block.

That Prof Products balancer looks good, but I have a fairly new original-style balancer on there now, not SFI rated and weighs about 6.5 pounds. It works Ok, but I'm looking for a SFI rated one if possible with some real heft to it.

I might have to buy some new pulleys, and I definitely need a new timing cover too since the coolant passages of the old one are all corroded. So I'd like to plan for all the related pieces at once...

My photos show the casting numbers, and the three timing covers I have access to now (original, original-style, and Edelbrock 302).

 

[coolblue65]

I got a real nice SFI rated one for my 347...it was a summit brand, it can be 3 or 4 bolt and gives you the option for either 28 or 50 oz. very reasonable priced and looks good.

 

[66 Restomod]

Just an update: Thanks for the suggestions on all the options. After looking over a Romac 0209, I went with the Professional Products 80006. I bought it from Amazon a few weeks ago for only $76 shipped. (The price is over $100 now though.) Overall, for the money, I definitely can't beat it!

 

[PoppyMod]

Just an update: Thanks for the suggestions on all the options. After looking over a Romac 0209, I went with the Professional Products 80006. I bought it from Amazon a few weeks ago for only $76 shipped. (The price is over $100 now though.) Overall, for the money, I definitely can't beat it!

I think you will be fine with that product. I think it is the same one I'm using with an engine that put 400 RWTQ to the wheels. Other wise, you'd be twisting the center out of it. I know, as I did this with an inferior product.
Good Luck!

 

[65FBE2]

Depends on how you are using the motor. If you are road racing I would not use anything but a ROMAC. Street or Drag should be fine with something less