Re: Dummy Timing Chain Install Question

Posted by Eric Boyle On 2010/11/2 19:16:01

On the differences between the balancers, the '48-'50 style is completely different than the '51-'54 style, as you've already observed. For one, the pulley on the early style is on the back side of the damper, whereas on the late style it's on the front. Also, the early style uses a wider belt, so the late style won't work there. Plus, you'll run into issues with the late style damper hitting the engine mount, since the balancer part is on the back, instead of the pulley.

On the timing chain, if you're using a new '48-'50 timing set on the 327 you'll have no problems with it as long as you use the '48-'50 cover.

As for swapping balancers, IE, putting the 288 balancer on the 9 main 327, I honestly don't think it will be a problem. They're both internally balanced, so it shouldn't matter.

HOWEVER, I cannot guarantee that using a 288 balancer on a 327 will not cause damage, but I'm 99% sure it will not cause any problems whatsoever. What I said in my previous post you quoted holds true, I don't see any real issues with doing this other than on the 356 engine. Hell, I have a friend who used a 300 Ford 6cyl balancer on a 288 with zero problems, after many miles of driving. As long as you're going from an internal balanced engine to an internal balanced engine swapping things like balancers and flywheels should be a non-issue. It's only a problem when you get into internal vs. external balance.