I have ran into a problem while converting my 94' camaro z-28 LT-1 into a 383 stroker. Im using a PBM 3.750 stroke cast steel crank. The problem im having is the harmonic balancer is made for the LT-1's tapered shaft while the new stroker crank is a keyed crank. I need help from anyone that has a solution to this problem. I know someone has had to have run into this problem before. The other problem is that the stock motor is internally balanced while the stroker kit is externally via flywheel and harmonic balancer. Does anyone know of a balancer that will work? ANY suggestions? Thanks, Brian Kaiser

 

Someone suggested using a 400 harmonic balancer. Now the problem is whether or not there is a 400 balancer that acts as part of the serpentine system. Please respond, Shop needs decision tomorrow morning. Thanks, Brian Kaiser

 

I don't know the exact answer to your question, but why does the shop need a decision in the morning? I'm sure they have TONS of other projects to do while you sort this out.

Is the crank you got for a late-model 350?

There is no balance on the 'balancer', it's just a damper. However, the flywheel is weighted.

 

I basically need a solution for them. They have other stuff to do but ive been 16 and able to drive for 20+ days and its killing me. LOL. Dads out of town and when i got to the shop today to drop off new parts he confronted me about the harmonic balancer dilema. Im about ready to tell him to bore out the stock balancer and cut a key way into it, but i realize that there must be a balancer that is compatable with this crank and will work with the serpentine system. Im out of ideas and so is the shop. Any suggestions? Thanks, Brian Kaiser

 

I took my stock balancer and flywheel into the machine shop and had them balance it all together with the rotating assembly.

 

I would call the company you bought the crank from. See what they suggest.

 

The problem is that the shop says that the crank (either by choice of the machinest or design of the crankshaft) needs to be balanced externally using the harmonic balancer and the flywheel. Should my stock balancer fit on the new 383 crank. The crank is a PMB performance(scat) cast steel piece. Where can I find a balancer that utilizes the serpentine system that will fit on the new crank? Will the stock one work and be able to be balanced?

 

The only solution to do an external balance is to drill the stock balancer and add weight were its needed, and to do the same to the flywheel. Ive seen a ton of scat 9000 series cranks balanced to the stock LT1 balancer and flywheel.

 

Now the question is....Will the stock balancer fit the new crank? Are the stock crankshafts hook-up to the balancer different than the stroker crank?

 

Before you get too far the balencers for the regular small block chevys will not work. Unless you get one with a longer snout (i think thats what they call it... the part that slides onto the crank)
Anyhow, I ran into this problem with the first one i built. First of all if you externally balence you'll still run into another problem. That being that the Lt-1 is neutral balenced front, externally rear. Sounds kind of weird but Im pretty sure thats how it is. I did mine this way and used a balencer from jegs (fluidampr if thats how you spell it. VEERRRY nice, I liked it)
Problem with the regular balencers is that they hit the opti before they even start to push on.
The thing I would do if/when i do another lt1 is to just internally balence the whole thing. It cost a butt load for a balencing job. (the crap was externally balenced also, had to use a bunch of mallory metal).
This all pertains to using the stock ignition and such. If not then you should get something to work.

 

oops, i see you asked about the stock balencer.. yes it should work on your new crank. I think you have to use a key for it though. Id get it checked with your other stuff to see if its balenced right also

 

I just dont see why they dont just put the balancer and flywheel on and then balance it? I guess there saying the stock balancer will not fit on the crank?!

 

so basically all i need to do now is have the shop cut a key way on the harmonic balancer and then it should bolt up and they should be able to balance it? Wouldnt this be a common problem beacuse they build motors like this all the time? It seems im doing more problem solving then the machinest it!

 

Or they can remove the keys and press the balancer hub on.
My Eagle crank came with keys in it, I just removed them. Eagle also said I needed a 400 balancer and flywheel, but 160 $ later its balanced with the LT1 stuff.