Chevrolet 454 Harmonic Balancer SHOOTOUT! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

savatreatabvr · 04-10-2014, 03:27 PM

I posted some threads on the issues I've had replacing the timing chain on my 1973 Chevy C20 454 and one of those issues was installing the old harmonic balancer, after reading some excellent advice I received on this forum I figured I'd just replace it while everything was still apart to avoid any future headaches! The local parts stores have a variety of HBs to choose from so I listed some below to get what your thoughts are on the best one for my engine!

MY ENGINE: mid 70's 454 2 bolt main, everything stock except an Edelbrock 1407, a 1" spreadbore to squarebore intake adaptor, HEI distributor and a double row timing chain! Just for looks a set of chrome valve covers, chrome oil pan, chrome timing chain cover and a chrome air cleaner!

These parts are from Autozone and O'Reilly's, they all are available in store and have Limited Lifetime Warranty's:

DORMAN $62.99 16.2 lbs

DORMAN $251.99 15.5 lbs

PIONEER $65.99 12.13 lbs

DORMAN $155.99 15.4 lbs

PRECISION PARTS POWERBOND $62.99 14.5 lbs

PRECISION PARTS POWERBOND STREET SERIES $142.99 15.2 lbs

The more expensive ones are race style HBs which I don't think i need but I'm confused on why the cheaper stock style HBs are very close in weight to the race style? I would think the weight would vary considerably between the race style and stock style harmonic balancer?

77c10 · 04-10-2014, 04:28 PM

Stock motor=stock balancer. Just my .02 worth...

kalbert · 04-10-2014, 06:49 PM

stock motor stock balancer is a good way to go. Also be aware that many of those balancers you listed are made in the same factory and put in different boxes.

weight has less to do with balancing and damping characteristics then does the material it's made from or the position of the weights

don't forget to pick up the correct tool for installing it while you're there

BigBlocksRule · 04-11-2014, 06:40 AM

Pioneer is good quality, most builders I know use 'em on stockers and even warmed over engines. I've seen more than one of the "precision products" fly apart.

notallthere · 04-11-2014, 07:09 AM

I have used the Dorman ones on a couple 350s and I have had good results. They were mild 320 hp motors with nothing extreme.

04-10-2014, 03:27 PM	#1
savatreatabvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: phoenix, az Posts: 508	Chevrolet 454 Harmonic Balancer SHOOTOUT! I posted some threads on the issues I've had replacing the timing chain on my 1973 Chevy C20 454 and one of those issues was installing the old harmonic balancer, after reading some excellent advice I received on this forum I figured I'd just replace it while everything was still apart to avoid any future headaches! The local parts stores have a variety of HBs to choose from so I listed some below to get what your thoughts are on the best one for my engine! MY ENGINE: mid 70's 454 2 bolt main, everything stock except an Edelbrock 1407, a 1" spreadbore to squarebore intake adaptor, HEI distributor and a double row timing chain! Just for looks a set of chrome valve covers, chrome oil pan, chrome timing chain cover and a chrome air cleaner! These parts are from Autozone and O'Reilly's, they all are available in store and have Limited Lifetime Warranty's: DORMAN $62.99 16.2 lbs DORMAN $251.99 15.5 lbs PIONEER $65.99 12.13 lbs DORMAN $155.99 15.4 lbs PRECISION PARTS POWERBOND $62.99 14.5 lbs PRECISION PARTS POWERBOND STREET SERIES $142.99 15.2 lbs The more expensive ones are race style HBs which I don't think i need but I'm confused on why the cheaper stock style HBs are very close in weight to the race style? I would think the weight would vary considerably between the race style and stock style harmonic balancer?

04-10-2014, 04:28 PM	#2
77c10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gallatin, TN Posts: 782	Re: Chevrolet 454 Harmonic Balancer SHOOTOUT! Stock motor=stock balancer. Just my .02 worth... __________________ 77 C10, 6.0LS/4L80E, 3:73 12 bolt. Boss 338's 20" x 10" w/ 285/50/20 rear. 20" x 8.5" w/ 245/40/20 front. Vintage Air. Full Autometer gauges recessed in factory bezel (Thanks bigblock73!) Gm Storm Grey Metallic paint "Cool ain't ever cheap and cheap ain't ever cool"

04-10-2014, 06:49 PM	#3
kalbert Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 509	Re: Chevrolet 454 Harmonic Balancer SHOOTOUT! stock motor stock balancer is a good way to go. Also be aware that many of those balancers you listed are made in the same factory and put in different boxes. weight has less to do with balancing and damping characteristics then does the material it's made from or the position of the weights don't forget to pick up the correct tool for installing it while you're there

04-11-2014, 06:40 AM	#4
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: Chevrolet 454 Harmonic Balancer SHOOTOUT! Pioneer is good quality, most builders I know use 'em on stockers and even warmed over engines. I've seen more than one of the "precision products" fly apart.

04-11-2014, 07:09 AM	#5
notallthere Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: sarnia ontario canada Posts: 211	Re: Chevrolet 454 Harmonic Balancer SHOOTOUT! I have used the Dorman ones on a couple 350s and I have had good results. They were mild 320 hp motors with nothing extreme.



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