SBC 283 c. i. ?

If you end up with a new style 6" balancer the correct bolt on timing tab is available at Chevy parts plain is #3991435 chrome is: 12342000.

 

The Harmonic Balancer has nothing to do with crankshaft balancing.
It helps cancel crankshaft harmonics, which are hard on the crank and bearings.
Generally, longer strokes need larger diameter Harmonic Balancers.

Chevy used more than one diameter Harmonic Balancer, with matching timing mark tab.
The tab location even changed, among the same diameter Balancers.

Low perf motors didn't have the front of the crank drilled, they rely on a press fit.

 

Yeah, some trucks didn't have real balancers, just a hub to bolt pulleys to.

A lot of the 283s weren't even tapped in the nose of the crank snout. The balancer or hubs were just hammered on with a force fit. You should drill and tap your crank to make sure the balancer stays put. I had a balancer come flying off of a 283 and it wasn't pretty when it tore up the radiator.

 

I picked up a 283 shortblock last weekend with a balancer like 36 3 window posted. I thought it was a harmonic damper that the outer ring had let go on. This place sure is a good learning institution. A little OT but my 283 has a casting number that puts its build date between 57 and 61. In behind the timing cover are the numbers 1958 raised in the casting. Is this the actual year of the motor?

 

It's very simple and easy to drill the crank and tap for a balancer retainer bolt/washer. Besides keeping the hub on it gives you a place to turn the engine over while checking for TDC and setting the valves.

I did it on my 283 in the T last year.

 

How? I would be willing to do this as long as I don't have to tear the engine down.

 

I guess what I am saying how do you make sure your going in straight when driiling your self. because if this is off center it would then cause an inbalance in the crank right?