Harmonic balancer size SBC

My question is, can I put a 6" balancer on my 350 cu. in. post 1986 small block engine. Right now the balancer I've got is 8 inches. I've heard about internal balance and external balance crankshafts for the small blocks, but how do you tell the difference between the two. Speedway sells a 6" balancer for internally balanced engines. I would like to get a little more clearance for my tie rod on the 29. Right now I've got 1.75 inches at ride hieght and would like to get about 2.50 to 2.75. I hate to buy dropped steering arms if I don't have to. Your expertise is requested. Thanks.;)

All 350's are internally balanced, and yes, you can run a smaller dampener. I ran a 283 dampener on a 327 many years ago. As long as it does the job, size does not matter (so to speak).

Thanks Rumrumm, I learned something today. And I'm going to show my wife your post about " size doesn't matter" so she can learn to.:LOL: I'll order the speedway balancer.

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Originally Posted by rumrumm

All 350's are internally balanced, and yes, you can run a smaller dampener. I ran a 283 dampener on a 327 many years ago. As long as it does the job, size does not matter (so to speak).

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Not true. 1986 and newer are external balance.

And your wife is still not going to believe you. :p:D:D

Don

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Originally Posted by djv8ga

Not true. 1986 and newer are external balance.

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nope just the fly wheel side is . the front damper is not external

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Originally Posted by pat mccarthy

nope just the fly wheel side is . the front damper is not external

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I never said anything about the damper...so yes, it's still external balance regardless. :p

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Originally Posted by djv8ga

I never said anything about the damper...so yes, it's still external balance regardless. :p

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no just the rear if the front was it would have a weight on it then it would be all external front and back it is not. he was talking about front dampers ? what are you taking about:confused: :) 400s sbc .454 are externals front and back

Just going to add into this that I was a engine tester at Chevy engine plant Tonn,NY.A part of the test was a final balance of the engines while it was on the test stand.The wt on the flex plate(flywheel) was already welded on it on the assembly line and the testers would hammer tab wt's into the H/B'er.This was done on all SBC's and all BBC's too.

yep i had some of them hub pins were you could add to the weight on the damper were there is a ring of small holes on the stock oem damper .thats i very small amount of weight to tune it in on external and internal engines any thing more you have to add heavy metal to the crank