shopping for a harmonic balancer

[projectPONY]

I've in the market for a new one for my new 363 stroker. I'm a bit confused with all this internal, external, and neutral balance stuff. Can someone please clarify this for me? I think I have a pretty good idea but want to positive education here.

[greenbullitt]

is it balanced? out of the box? what?

[projectPONY]

the shortblock will be fully balanced, so what kind of balancer do I buy? internal, external, neutral?

[Blackpony]

depends on how they balance it. more then likely it will either be a 28 oz external or an internal 0 balance

[projectPONY]

ok then, I won't know what I need until the build gets a little further along. thanks

[91GriggsGT]

Depends on the crank that is used. I would call whoever is building your short block and ask what balance crank they are using. I just went thru all this when I built my 306. I stayed with the 50oz crank, which in hind sight, I should have just bucked up and bought the forged neutral balance crank and gone that route. But, live and learn.

Look for a flywheel / flexplate, and balancer that has to option to go either way. For example, I put a Fidanza flywheel in my car that could do all three. Since it was a 50oz crank and balancer, I added the 50oz weight they included in the package. Still also have the 28oz weight that came with the flywheel.

Some balancers are the same. Ford Racing makes them I know for sure, since that is what I bought as well. You either add the weight, or remove the weight to achieve the proper imbalance or neutral balance.

Bottom line, whatever balance you go with, make sure you have the same balance with the balancer and flywheel / flexplate.

Hopefully this makes sense and helps answer your questions.

[KBScobravert]

ok then, I won't know what I need until the build gets a little further along. thanks

Who is building the motor? Did you go with Fordstrokers.com?

363ci huh? That is gonna be a beast. Where is the build thread?

I would have the balancer and flywheel with the motor when they balance it. Heck since I hate fighting sfi balancers, give them your timing chain cover, a gasket and the seal so they can put it all on too.

[projectPONY]

yes, Fordstrokers.com. I'm hoping it will be a beast but my main concern is street manners. I'll start the build thread when I have the engine in my possession. the main reason I was asking about which balancer is because I wanted to go ahead and send it to them but since they aren't to that point I'm not gonna worry about it yet. they're back logged about 8 months right now so I have plenty of time.