Balancer Problem

Hey Guys...trying to fit a 292ci, inline into my '29 tudor, The problem is the balancer hits the front cross member, it sticks out from the crank shaft about 1 7/8" . I need an inch to clear the cross-member. I was wondering if a 250ci. inline balancer and water pump and pulleys would work so I would gain an inch, or anything else ?

 

The 250 balancer isn't heavy enough for the 292. The water pump and pulleys should be the same. You may have to raise the engine.

 

Move the engine back? Notch the crossmember?

 

In a Model A, the front cross member needs to be trimmed back to about 3/4 inch behind the U bolts.

 

I vote for altering the cross member. dont just cut it. cut out the room you need , than fab up something and weld it back in to go around the balancer. This way you don't compromise the integrity of the cross member.

 

Is there a race version of the balancer? Fluidampr makes race dampers that are usually 1-2 inches smaller in diameter. Not sure for that motor though.

 

If you haven't, check out Leo Santucci's book, too. He lists about a half dozen models of damper that will fit 292's.

 

Don't ...run a 250 balancer on your 292. I tried it once out of desporation, It killed the bearings in less than 50 miles. It viberated the flywheel bolts loose. NOT good.